The difference in Psalm numbering explains why the same text has different references in different Bibles.
If in your edition Psalm 115:1 begins with the words “I believed, therefore I spoke,” this is not a textual error but a feature of the church tradition of numbering.
In this case, it really is not enough simply to look up “Psalm 115:1” in another translation. You need to take into account which system is used to number the psalms: the Hebrew (Masoretic) or the Greek, that is, according to the Septuagint. This is precisely why Bible editions may give different numbers for the same passage.
Where the words “I believed, therefore I spoke” are found
In the Synodal translation and other editions that follow the Greek numbering, the words “I believed, and therefore I spoke: I was greatly afflicted” are found in Psalm 115:1. However, in Ukrainian translations, which usually use the Hebrew numbering, this same line should be sought in Psalm 116:10:
“I believed, therefore I spoke: I was greatly afflicted!” Ps. 116:10
So if you opened Psalm 115:1 in a Ukrainian Bible and saw completely different words, that is to be expected. In it, Psalm 115 begins with the well-known prayer for God’s glory:
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth’s sake!” Ps. 115:1
Why the numbering differs
The reason lies in the ancient history of the biblical text. The Hebrew Bible, on which most modern Protestant translations are based, divides some psalms differently than the Greek Septuagint. The Septuagint was an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, widely known in the time of the apostles and important for the Eastern and Western church tradition.
At this point, the Greek tradition combines what in the Hebrew numbering are two separate psalms: Psalms 114 and 115. Therefore, after this combination, the numbers for a time “lag behind” by one. That is why:
• Synodal Psalm 115:1 corresponds to Psalm 116:10 in the Hebrew and most modern Ukrainian numberings.
• Synodal Psalm 113:9 corresponds to Psalm 115:1 in modern Ukrainian translations.
• The passage about Israel’s exodus from Egypt also illustrates this transition between the systems:
“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,” Ps. 114:1
This is not a contradiction or a change in God’s Word
It is important not to conclude that one translation has “removed” or “added” a psalm. The text does not disappear; only its numerical designation changes. This is similar to a situation where one address system calls a house number 10, and another calls it number 12 because of a different starting point. The house itself remains the same.
For Bible study, not only the numbers matter, but also the opening words of the passage, its content, and its context. This is especially true of the Psalms, where the numbering in Orthodox, Catholic, Synodal, and Protestant editions may differ. In theological works, a double reference is sometimes given, for example: “Psalm 115 (114),” so that readers from different traditions can easily find the text.
The spiritual meaning of the verse
The words “I believed, therefore I spoke” convey the experience of a faith that does not remain silent even in suffering. The psalmist does not deny his grievous condition; on the contrary, he acknowledges that he was “greatly afflicted.” But pain did not destroy his trust in God. Faith gave him strength to speak the truth before the Lord.
The apostle Paul applies this principle to Christian witness: a believing person speaks not out of self-confidence, but because he relies on God, who raised Jesus. Biblical faith is not indifferent agreement with facts; it gives rise to hope, prayer, faithfulness, and testimony.
Conclusion and practical application
So, in your edition, Psalm 115:1 with the text “I believed, therefore I spoke” is correct. Its counterpart in most Ukrainian translations is Psalm 116:10. And the words “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us” in modern Ukrainian numbering are found in Psalm 115:1.
Practically speaking, it is worth doing two things: always indicate which translation you are using, and also look for the psalm by its opening words. This will help avoid misunderstandings and focus on the main thing: even in sorrow, to trust God, speak with Him sincerely, and give glory not to ourselves, but to His name.
