Different Numbering Systems of the Psalms

In your Bibles and Grail translation some Psalms have a different number in brackets (or in the margin). Some Bibles have a V in the margin and a different number beside it. This other number is the number of the Psalm in the Latin Vulgate translation. Thus V in the margin = Vulgate. From Lesson 1 you may remember that this was a translation of the Greek OT (the Septuagint, LXX). An example would be 139(138). In the USA ,the Psalm numbering follows the number in the Hebrew. However in Catholic Missals and Mass leaflets in some other countries the numbering follows the Vulgate/Septuagint, even though a translation of the Hebrew text. Thus 138(139). This can cause confusion. The following table gives you the conversion of the different numbering systems

(MT stands for Masoretic Text. Since the 6th century AD Jewish rabbis called Masoretes copied the Hebrew text, hence Masoretic Text).