The different wording in Psalm 114:1 is explained not by an error in the Bible, but by different systems of psalm numbering.
In the Hebrew tradition, most modern translations, and the Church Slavonic/Greek tradition, the numbering of some psalms does not match.
When a person opens the Psalter in different editions and sees different words under number 114, it can be surprising. In one translation, it begins with words about Israel's departure from Egypt; in another, it is a personal prayer: "I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice." Both texts are biblical, but they appear in different places depending on the numbering system used.
What is written in modern Ukrainian numbering
In a translation based on the Hebrew Masoretic Text, Psalm 114 begins with a remembrance of God's deliverance of His people from Egyptian slavery. It is a solemn psalm about the Lord's rule over nature and history.
"When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of a strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion." Ps. 114:1-2
By contrast, the words about the Lord hearing the voice of prayer are placed at the beginning of Psalm 116 in this numbering system. The exact sense of the verse is not "I rejoice," but "I love the Lord." The psalmist's love is born from personal experience: God did not leave him without an answer in his suffering.
"I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications." Ps. 116:1
So if Psalm 114:1 in your Bible has a different text, this does not mean that someone changed Holy Scripture. Most likely, your edition uses a different numbering system, the Greek-Slavonic one.
Why the psalm numbers differ
The reason lies in the ancient history of the text. The Hebrew Bible and most Protestant translations usually present Psalms 9 and 10 as two separate psalms. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament—the Septuagint—they are combined. Because of this, beginning at a certain point, the numbering in the Greek and Church Slavonic Psalter is one number behind the Hebrew.
There is also a division that is especially important in this case. In Hebrew numbering, Psalm 116 is one psalm, whereas in the Septuagint it is divided into two. The first part, beginning with the words "I love the Lord," is given the number 114. That is why in the Synodal Russian translation one can find: "Psalm 114:1: I love the Lord, for He has heard my voice."
For an accurate search, the number alone is not enough. It is helpful to pay attention to the opening words of the psalm, the translation, and the tradition of the edition. For example, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us" in modern Ukrainian and Hebrew numbering is Psalm 115, not 114.
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth!" Ps. 115:1
Does the biblical meaning change because of this
No. The difference concerns numbering, not the inspired content. The text about God's answer to prayer remains the same text, whether it is marked as Psalm 114 or as Psalm 116. Likewise, the call to give glory to God rather than to man remains unchanged.
For a Christian, it is important to remember that the Bible leads us not only to the correct reference, but also to living communion with the Lord. The psalmist testifies that God hears supplications. This is not a formal religious idea, but a basis for trust, prayer, and love for Him.
How to cite the Psalter correctly
If you are writing a post, preparing a sermon, or looking for a passage in another translation, it is worth giving not only the number, but also the opening words or the verse range. You may also specify: "according to the Hebrew numbering" or "according to the Septuagint." This will help readers quickly find the needed text in their Bible.
The practical application is simple: when a reference seems incorrect, do not rush to consider the text an error. Compare the opening line, check the neighboring psalms, and verify the translation. And most importantly, make the words of Psalm 116 your own personal prayer: thank God that He hears your voice and your supplications.
