BEST PRICES and LOWEST Shipping Rates! Email: mh@ministryhelps.com Phone: 1 (864) 682-5425

Categories or Authors: 
 Keywords: 
  Advanced Search


Companion Bible Info


PREFACE.

THE COMPANION BIBLE is a new Edition of the English Bible (new in 1909). Published originally in six Parts, it is now presented in one Volume, and the description which follows shows that the Work is a self-explanatory Bible designed for the general use of all English readers throughout the world.

It has an amount of information (much of it hitherto inaccessible to the ordinary English reader) in its wide margins not to be found in any edition of the A.V. extant. Its position, in these respects, is unique.

In size and weight, and type and paper, as well as price, it will compare favourably with all existing editions.

It is called THE COMPANION BIBLE because its wide margin is intended to be a Companion to the Text; and the whole is designed as the Companion of all readers of the Bible.

The human element is excluded, as far as possible, so that the reader may realize that the pervading object of the book is not merely to enable him to interpret the Bible, but to make the Bible the interpreter of God's Word, and Will, to him.

To the same end this Edition is not associated with the name of any man; so that its usefulness may neither be influenced nor limited by any such consideration; but that it may commend itself, on its own merits, to the whole English-speaking race.

It is NOT A NEW Translation.
It is NOT AN AMENDED Translation.
It is NOT A COMMENTARY.

THE TEXT.

The Text is that of the Authorized Version of 1611 as published by the Revisers in their "Parallel Bible" in 1886.
There are NO ALTERATIONS in the Text beyond what can be effected by a variation in the character of the TYPE. Hence, there is nothing that affects the ear when reading it aloud; but only that which meets the eye in order to call attention to important facts and truths.
All ancient readings and new and amended renderings are confined to the margin; which, for this purpose, extends to one-half the width of the page.
There are no minute English or Greek "superior" letters to confuse the Text; or to perplex the reader when searching for the corresponding number or letter in the margin.

THE TYPES EMPLOYED IN THE TEXT.

1. These distinguish ALL the Divine Names and Titles.
2. (See Ap. 4.) All pronouns used for the above have their initials indicated by capital letters.
3. The pronouns, &c., emphasized in the Original are in special type.
4. Attention is given to the capital and small letters in other cases where they affect interpretation.
5. The words spoken or cited are placed within quotation marks.
6. Where the Hebrew Text is written in separate lines, these lines are preserved by being presented in the same way in the present Edition.
7. In the Book of Psalms, the Titles will be printed so as to present the super-scriptions and sub-scriptions as brought to light and demonstrated by Dr. J. W. Thirtle.
8. In the New Testament, all quotations from the Old Testament will also be specially indicated.
9. Proper Names with their pronunciation, &c., are included in a special Appendix, No. 52.
The chapters and verses of the Authorized Version are retained; but spaces are introduced to mark them off into paragraphs; so that the advantages of both Verses and Paragraphs are retained. These paragraphs are not divided according to the usual Paragraph Bibles, but according to the Structures (see page viii), which are given in the right-hand margin; while the corresponding Index-letters are repeated in the left-hand margin, by the side of the Text with the number of the page where they may be found; so that the subjects of the various Paragraphs (or Members) may be seen at a glance, and be intelligently followed.
The other figures in the left-hand margin are the B.C. dates.

THE MARGIN.

A small circle (°) against a word or words in the Text calls attention to the same word or words which are REPEATED in the right-hand margin, with the number of the verse to which they belong.
In order to save repetition, and economize valuable space in the margin, words in the Text on which a note has already been given in a preceding verse in the same chapter, and to which the same note applies, are marked with the number of the verse in which such note is given.
When these words are referred to there will be found no "views" expressed, but only facts which are incontrovertible, and information which is indispensable.
Where references are given, these are not merely to PARALLEL PASSAGES, or to the same ENGLISH words, which are often as unnecessary as they are misleading; but only to those passages which explain the words in the Original, and which throw light upon their truth and teaching.
If an amended rendering is suggested in the margin, and several references follow, then the reader knows that he has before him ALL the occurrences of such words in the Original. Where there is "&c." at the end of such references, then he will know that the Hebrew or Greek word in question occurs too many times for all the passages to be given; but that a sufficient number is selected as evidence in favour of such amended rendering. Thus the reader will be able to judge for himself as to the accuracy of what is suggested: and the Bible becomes its own interpreter.

THE MARGINAL NOTES.

1. In the OLD TESTAMENT all the important readings will be given1 according to Dr. C. D. Ginsburg's Massoretico-Critical Text of the Hebrew Bible2.
2. In the NEW TESTAMENT all the important readings will be given according to the evidence of the great textual critics, Griesbach, Lachmann, Tischendorf, Tregelles, Alford, Westcott and Hort, and the Revisers' Greek Text.
3. There are no words in Hebrew or Greek characters to burden or hinder the English reader. But a complete system of Transliteration, generally approved by Oriental Scholars (see p. x), will enable him readily to put back all such words into the Original characters with ease and accuracy. The Hebrew words are given not in the Inflection found in the Text, but in the root-form in which they will be looked for in Lexicons.
4. All important emendations are given--
(a) Whether required by the above readings,
(b) Or demanded for the sake of uniformity in translation,
(c) Or, where the current renderings are inadequate and open to amendment 3: not otherwise, or merely for the sake of giving an alternative.
5. The facts and phenomena treasured up in the Massōorah are for the first time presented in connection with the A.V. 2 (see Ap. 30).
6. All Figures of Speech are noted, and their bearing on interpretation1. These are the Holy Spirit's own markings, calling attention to what is emphatic, and worthy of our deepest attention (see Ap. 6).
7. The spiritual significance of Numbers is pointed out (see Ap. 10).
8. The principal synonymous words in the Original are distinguished, especially those bearing on sin, atonement, and psychology.
9. The first occurrences of important words and expressions are duly noted.
10. The most recent Archæeological discoveries in Assyria, Egypt, &c., are included.
11. Eastern manners and customs are explained, as they throw light on the Scriptures.
12. The meanings of Proper Names of persons or places are given where these are suggestive.
13. Money and Coins, Weights and Measures, are referred in every case to Appendix 51.
14. Chronology is dealt with on Biblical lines, which proceed on durations rather than dates. These are adhered to as given in the Bible itself, and are not adapted or made to conform to any system. This transforms a dry study into a subject of deepest interest. The various Charts and Tables are given in Appendix 50.
15. The Structures of the Books are given, and all their parts: which are the surest guide to their interpretation, and the strongest proof of their inspiration1. (See p. viii.)
1 This is the first time that these have been presented in connection with the Authorized Version.
2 These were inaccessible to the past generation of Commentators and Translators.
3 By copying out the A.V., and substituting these amended renderings, the student may make his own new Revised Version.
The marginal notes do not record every POSSIBLE Reading or Emendation, as these would only load the pages with a mass of needless matter. Only those new readings and renderings are given which will remove difficulties from the Text, enlighten the eyes, inform the mind, affect the conscience, instruct the head, and influence the life.
Several of the above points are, for the first time, placed within the reach of the ordinary English reader.

THE STRUCTURES

Referred to on p. vii make THE COMPANION BIBLE an unique edition, and require a special notice.

They give, not a mere Analysis evolved from the Text by human ingenuity, but a Symmetrical Exhibition of the Word itself, which may be discerned by the humblest reader of the Sacred Text, and seen to be one of the most important evidences of the Divine Inspiration of its words.

For these Structures constitute a remarkable phenomenon peculiar to Divine Revelation; and are not found outside it in any other form of known literature.

This distinguishing feature is caused by the repetition of subjects which reappear1, either in alternation or introversion, or a combination of both in many divers manners.

This repetition is called "Correspondence", which may be by way of similarity of contrast; synthetic or antithetic.

The subjects of the various Members are indicated by letters, which are quite arbitrary and are used only for convenience. The subject of one Member is marked by a letter in Roman type, while the repetition of it is marked by the same letter in Italic type. These are always in line (vertically), one with the other.

When the alphabet is exhausted, it is repeated, as often as may be necessary.

The Structure of the whole book is given at the commencement of each book; and all the succeeding Structures are the expansion of this.

Each Structure is referred back to the page containing the larger Member, of which it is an expansion or development.

The large Members forming a telescopic view of the whole book are thus expanded, divided, and subdivided, until chapters and paragraphs, and even verses and sentences, are seen to form part of a wondrous whole, giving a microscopic view of its manifold details, and showing forth the fact, that while the works of the LORD are great and perfect, the WORD of the LORD is the greatest of His works, and is "perfect" also (Psalm 19. 7).

THE APPENDIXES

Contain a large amount of information bearing on the various questions raised by the phenomena of the Sacred Text.

Those issued with each of the four volumes pertain principally to such volumes. But in the complete Bible they will all be placed together at the end.

The number of those which are given with the Pentateuch may be out of proportion to the total number, because those issued with Genesis are needed not only for that book, but many of them (such as the Chronological Tables, &c.) contain information that will be required and referred to throughout the Bible.

The order of the Appendixes is determined for the most part by the order in which the subjects are raised in the Text of the Bible.

1 It is this repetition which has made possible the system of Bible-marking known by some as "Railways.”

EXPLANATIONS.

REFERENCES. Where there is no name of a book in the margin, the reference is always to the same book , and all the References in the margin are to The Companion Bible, not to any Edition of the, A.V., or R.V.

SUPERIOR FIGURES, in the Text, always refer to the verse, so numbered, in the same chapter.

The repetition of the same subject in a note is sometimes indicated by its initial (capital) letter.

The figures in the left-hand margin relate to two separate matters. Those in brackets, with a "p", refer to the number of the page on which the corresponding letter and member will be found. The number of the page so indicated holds good until another page number is given.

The other figures refer to the B.C. dates.

THE TRANSLITERATION OF HEBREW WORDS .

WITH the aid of the following Table, any English reader who knows the Hebrew alphabet can put back the English letters into the Hebrew characters, by noting the exact equivalents:--

The six consonants marked with an asterisk (*) have a dot (Dagesh) within them, when placed at the beginning of a word; but not when they are situated in any other part of the word (except when the letter in question is to be doubled, in which case it is doubled in the English).

As an example of the application of the above principles, the following is the first verse in the Hebrew Bible, the Hebrew being read from right to left:--

Click here to go back to the Companion Bible page!

We Accept
Publishers
Store Feedback
"I enjoyed talking with your sales representative and I am glad that your ministry is up and going to bring the gospel to the people at such fair and affordable prices. "
Karen -

"I am truly impressed by your prompt service. I got my order yesterday and was able to start reading the book and listening to the CD right away. Again, thank you. "
Luis -

"I love your service with every bit of my heart & soul. Its just so WONDERFUL! You guys are Angels sent from above to us. Thank you so much for always filling our hearts with lots of joy each time we use your service! Lots of Monkey hugs from Africa to you all, Kampala, Uganda, EAST AFRICA"
Edgar -

"Thanks for your wonderful service and quick shipping. I've purchased from you in the past and it was excellent then as now. We often right or call to complain, but rarely to complement. Consider this a rare one, your service is great and prices are outstanding. I will shop with you again when the need arises."
Scott -

"Thank you for the speedy delivery of my Dake Compact Genuine Black Bible. It is all I expected it to be and more I think it to be the greatest bible I have owned. I am so glad I ordered it. May God Bless You all."
T R. Chapman -

"I want to say a great big THANK YOU for the lightening fast delivery of the great resources I ordered recently. I placed 3 different orders within about a week of each other, and I received them all very promptly."
Dr. James Butterfield -

"Hello, I am called Edgar Kyeyune from Uganda and have previously placed 2 orders with you. I just wish to let you know that am so, so impressed with your service. Its the best and the most efficient. Over the years i have ordered hundreds of Christian materials from the U.S.A but i had never come across a super speedy & efficient service like yours. Can you believe it just last Friday 8th May i placed an order for 3 books with you via Express Mail (Order Number: 14110) and by last night Wednes"
Edgar Kyeyune -

"Thank you for the speedy delivery of my order. I did not expect to get it until next week. Thank you again. "
Veronica Wright -

"Staff at Ministry Helps, All I can say is WOW, about your service. I ordered [#5478] my large print Dake and cover around noon yesterday 6/28/06. 10:50 am 06/29/06 it arrives. Your company is really on the ball. I purchase many things on line and never receive service like this. I anyone is wondering about ordering from Ministry Helps", don't hesitate. Prices are great, shipping and service excellent. Please feel free to use me as a reference. Sincerely In His Peace"
Scott E -

"Dear Ministry Helps, I would like to thank you for your service. I have already received my purchased order in complete and very good condition. Again, thank you and I’ll be glad for recommending your store for other prospective customers. God bless"
Teguh -

"I have enjoyed doing business with you!! You guys are on the ball!! I have received my things today in record time and your communication to me concerning my order is just so extremely timely!! And you let me know in such a timely manner exactly what is happening with my order!! Thanks so very much and extremely satisfied customer!!! Sincerely yours! "
Sharon C -

"Just to let you know that order mentioned on subject arrived safely today! Thank you for a fast and good service! God bless! MADRID, SPAIN"
Guillermo Oncins -

"Thank you for the ability to search for or research the man whose God given gift allowed him to be of such great help to me in the search for the one true God to whom all glory is due by all of us. I was given my Dake Annotated Bible back in about 1986 and it's the only Bible I've used since. (the only one) Besides any other reference material I may need to do a thorough study, it has been my companion for 20 some years."
Curtis -

"I just want to thank you for the quick service I received from your company. I ordered several books on Friday, March 28 and received them on Monday, March 31. This was my first time ordering from you. I appreciate the excellent service."
Sue -

"Why order from Ministry Helps? The pricing is better, and you will have it quickly. I have used Ministry Helps before and found the prices to be unbeatable, shipping and handling more than fair. Just a thought."
Scott -

"I am ordering 50 books now, and I am going to add this site to my Favorites because the price is outstanding!"
Sarah -

"I received my order very quickly. I just ordered the Bible and here it is. Thank you for such prompt service! Sandra"
Sandra -

Your Wish List is empty.