With a wide array of translations available, each offering distinct perspectives and styles, Catholics often seek guidance on which translations are approved and suitable for their personal study, devotional life, and even liturgical use.
This comprehensive guide explores 20 translations of the Holy Bible that are deemed acceptable for Catholics to use, considering their history, features, and alignment with Catholic doctrine and tradition.
Understanding Bible Translations and Catholic Criteria
Before delving into specific translations, it's essential to understand the criteria that make a Bible translation suitable for Catholic use:
Inclusion of Deuterocanonical Books: Catholic Bibles include seven additional books in the Old Testament that are not found in Protestant Bibles, known as the Deuterocanonical books.
Accuracy and Fidelity: Translations must accurately reflect the original texts (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) while remaining faithful to Catholic teachings and traditions.
Approval by Church Authority: Official declarations such as imprimatur and nihil obstat ensure that the translation is free from doctrinal and moral error, providing assurance of its suitability for Catholic use.
1. New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)
History and Features
The New American Bible Revised Edition, first published in 2011, is an update of the original New American Bible (NAB) completed in 1970. It is the official English translation used in the Mass in the United States and is widely respected for its accuracy and accessibility.
Language: Modern English with clear and straightforward language.
Translation Method: Combination of dynamic and formal equivalence, striving for accuracy while ensuring readability.
Significance: Approved for liturgical use in the United States and used extensively in Catholic education and personal study.
Suitability for Catholics
The NABRE includes the full canon of Scripture, including the Deuterocanonical books. Its readability and fidelity to Catholic teachings make it highly recommended for both personal use and liturgical celebrations.
2. Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)
History and Features
The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, first published in 1966, is an adaptation of the original Revised Standard Version (RSV) to align more closely with Catholic doctrine and tradition.
Language: Modern English with a touch of formal style, maintaining a balance between readability and literary quality.
Translation Method: Formal equivalence, aiming for accuracy and fidelity to the original texts.
Significance: Approved for liturgical use and widely used in academic and personal study among Catholics.
Suitability for Catholics
The RSV-CE includes the Deuterocanonical books and is noted for its accuracy in translating from the original languages. It is favoured for its literary style and is suitable for both personal devotion and academic study.
3. Douay-Rheims Bible (D-R)
History and Features
The Douay-Rheims Bible, completed in the late 16th century, was the first English translation of the Bible approved by the Catholic Church. It holds historical significance as the traditional English Catholic Bible.
Language: Early Modern English, which can be challenging for modern readers but retains a traditional and reverent tone.
Translation Method: Based on the Latin Vulgate, translating from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.
Significance: Historical importance as the traditional English Catholic Bible, used for centuries by English-speaking Catholics.
Suitability for Catholics
While the language may pose challenges for contemporary readers, the Douay-Rheims Bible remains highly esteemed for its fidelity to Catholic doctrine and its role in preserving the Catholic faith during times of persecution.
4. New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
History and Features
The New Jerusalem Bible, first published in 1985, is a modern English translation that updates the language and scholarship of the original Jerusalem Bible (1966).
Language: Modern English with literary quality and clarity.
Translation Method: Direct translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, influenced by the French La Bible de Jérusalem.
Significance: Used in some liturgical settings and valued for its scholarly notes and introductions.
Suitability for Catholics
The NJB includes the Deuterocanonical books and is noted for its accuracy and readability. It is appreciated for both personal study and liturgical use in some English-speaking Catholic communities.
5. The Jerusalem Bible (JB)
History and Features
The Jerusalem Bible, published in 1966, was a significant translation that aimed to make the Scriptures accessible to modern readers while maintaining literary quality.
Language: Modern English with literary style.
Translation Method: Direct translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, with significant influence from the French La Bible de Jérusalem.
Significance: Noted for its literary quality and scholarly notes, used in some liturgical settings.
Suitability for Catholics
The JB is appreciated for its clarity and accessibility, making it suitable for personal study and reflection. It is less commonly used in liturgical settings but remains a valuable resource for Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture.
6. New International Version Catholic Edition (NIV-CE)
History and Features
The New International Version Catholic Edition, published in 2011, is an adaptation of the popular New International Version (NIV) to include the Deuterocanonical books.
Language: Modern, clear English.
Translation Method: Balance of dynamic and formal equivalence, aiming for both accuracy and readability.
Significance: Approved for Catholic use and suitable for personal study and devotional reading.
Suitability for Catholics
The NIV-CE provides a contemporary and accessible translation, now including the Deuterocanonical books, making it a suitable choice for Catholics looking for a widely accepted and readable Bible.
7. Good News Translation (GNT)
History and Features
The Good News Translation, also known as Today's English Version (TEV), was first published in 1966 with updates and revisions over the years.
Language: Simple, clear English aimed at a broad audience.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying meaning in everyday language.
Significance: Widely used in Catholic education and evangelisation efforts for its readability and accessibility.
Suitability for Catholics
The GNT is suitable for personal reading and study due to its readability and clarity. It includes the Deuterocanonical books and is used in some Catholic settings for its accessibility.
8. The Living Bible Catholic Edition (TLB-CE)
History and Features
The Living Bible Catholic Edition, a paraphrase published in 1971, aims for easy readability and accessibility.
Language: Simple, contemporary English.
Translation Method: Paraphrase, focusing on clarity and ease of understanding.
Significance: Popular for devotional reading and among those new to the Bible.
Suitability for Catholics
The TLB-CE is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for personal reflection and introduction to Scripture among Catholics.
9. The Christian Community Bible
History and Features
The Christian Community Bible, first published in 1988, is a translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts with a focus on social justice and liberation theology.
Language: Modern and straightforward English.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence with a focus on contextual interpretation.
Significance: Used in Catholic social justice and pastoral contexts for its emphasis on liberation theology.
Suitability for Catholics
The Christian Community Bible is valued for its contextual approach and emphasis on social justice issues, making it suitable for Catholics engaged in pastoral and social justice ministries.
10. New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE)
History and Features
The New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, published in 1990, is an update of the Revised Standard Version with inclusive language and modern scholarship.
Language: Modern English with inclusive language.
Translation Method: Formal equivalence with sensitivity to gender-inclusive language.
Significance: Approved for Catholic liturgical use and scholarly study.
Suitability for Catholics
The NRSV-CE is suitable for liturgical use and personal study due to its accuracy, inclusive language, and approval by Catholic authorities.
11. The Amplified Bible (AMP)
History and Features
The Amplified Bible, first published in 1965, uses additional words and phrases to clarify the text and provide deeper insight.
Language: Modern English with amplification for clarity.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence with expanded explanations.
Significance: Used for study and personal reflection for its detailed explanatory style.
Suitability for Catholics
The AMP is suitable for personal study and reflection, appreciated for its detailed explanations and amplification of text meanings.
12. The English Standard Version Catholic Edition (ESV-CE)
History and Features
The English Standard Version Catholic Edition, published in 2018, is an adaptation of the popular ESV to include the Deuterocanonical books and align with Catholic teachings.
Language: Modern English.
Translation Method: Essentially literal translation, aiming for accuracy and readability.
Significance: Approved for Catholic use and suitable for personal study and devotional reading.
Suitability for Catholics
The ESV-CE is noted for its accuracy and readability, now including the Deuterocanonical books, making it suitable for personal and liturgical use among Catholics.
13. The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
History and Features
The Contemporary English Version, published in 1995, is designed to be easily understood by modern readers of all ages.
Language: Simple and clear contemporary English.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence with a focus on clarity and accessibility.
Significance: Widely used in Catholic education and evangelisation for its readability.
Suitability for Catholics
The CEV is suitable for personal reading and study due to its accessibility and clarity, making Scripture more understandable for Catholics of all ages.
14. The New Living Translation Catholic Edition (NLT-CE)
History and Features
The New Living Translation Catholic Edition, published in 2023, is an adaptation of the popular NLT to include the Deuterocanonical books.
Language: Modern and clear English.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence, aiming for readability and accuracy.
Significance: Approved for Catholic use and suitable for personal study and devotional reading.
Suitability for Catholics
The NLT-CE provides a contemporary and accessible translation, now including the Deuterocanonical books, making it suitable for Catholics looking for a readable and relatable Bible.
15. The Message Catholic/Ecumenical Edition (MSG-CE)
History and Features
The Message, first published in 1993, is a contemporary paraphrase that aims to present Scripture in a fresh and engaging way.
Language: Modern and colloquial English.
Translation Method: Paraphrase, focusing on everyday language and readability.
Significance: Used for personal devotion and study for its approachable style.
Suitability for Catholics
The MSG-CE is suitable for personal reflection and introduction to Scripture among Catholics due to its contemporary and engaging language.
16. The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
History and Features
The Holman Christian Standard Bible, published in 2004, aims for accuracy and readability while preserving theological tradition.
Language: Modern English with a balance of accuracy and readability.
Translation Method: Essentially literal translation, aiming for accuracy and clarity.
Significance: Used for personal study and devotion among Catholics for its clarity and accessibility.
Suitability for Catholics
The HCSB is suitable for personal study and devotion, appreciated for its clarity and faithfulness to the original texts.
17. The New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS)
History and Features
The New English Translation of the Septuagint, published in 2007, provides a translation of the Greek Septuagint into modern English.
Language: Modern English based on the Greek Septuagint.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence with a focus on Greek-to-English translation.
Significance: Used in academic and scholarly contexts for its translation of the Greek Old Testament.
Suitability for Catholics
The NETS is suitable for academic study and exploration of the Greek Old Testament among Catholics interested in scholarly research.
18. The Common English Bible (CEB)
History and Features
The Common English Bible, published in 2011, aims to provide clear and readable modern English translation.
Language: Modern English with a focus on clarity and accessibility.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence, aiming for readability and accuracy.
Significance: Used in personal study and group settings for its contemporary language.
Suitability for Catholics
The CEB is suitable for personal and group study among Catholics for its clear and contemporary translation style.
19. The Lexham English Bible (LEB)
History and Features
The Lexham English Bible, first published in 2010, provides an English translation with a focus on accuracy and clarity.
Language: Modern English with a focus on clarity and precision.
Translation Method: Essentially literal translation, aiming for accuracy and readability.
Significance: Used in academic and personal study for its accuracy and clarity.
Suitability for Catholics
The LEB is suitable for personal study and academic research among Catholics for its accuracy and fidelity to the original texts.
20. The International Children's Bible (ICB)
History and Features
The International Children's Bible, published in 1982, is designed to make Scripture accessible and understandable for children.
Language: Simple and clear English aimed at young readers.
Translation Method: Dynamic equivalence with a focus on readability and comprehension.
Significance: Used in children's ministry and education for its child-friendly language.
Suitability for Catholics
The ICB is suitable for children's ministry and education among Catholics for its accessible and understandable language.
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Choosing a Bible translation is a personal decision that impacts how Catholics engage with Scripture and deepen their faith.
The translations listed in this article—such as the NABRE, RSV-CE, Douay-Rheims, NJB, and others—have been approved and recommended for Catholics due to their fidelity to Catholic doctrine, inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books, and suitability for personal study and liturgical use.
By selecting a recommended Bible translation, Catholics can enrich their spiritual journey and deepen their relationship with God's Word in communion with the Church.
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