Darlington, Wisconsin
Choosing
a “Catholic” Bible
Q:
Aren’t all books published as the “Bible” the same?
A: No.
Since the Bible was written many years ago, the original languages are not English. Thus, in order for us English speaking people to read and understand God’s Word, it must be translated into English. The process of translating, however, requires some interpretation. Interpreting the Bible requires not only knowledge of language, but an understanding of the history and of the writing styles. However, different groups of people or organizations have published Bibles that include different books or use different words that can sometimes change the meaning. Sometimes this is done to fit a particular belief.
Q:
How can I tell if my Bible is a Catholic one?
A: Every Catholic Bible has an “Imprimatur” listed in the initial pages where one would usually find the copyright and publisher. The Imprimatur is a Roman Catholic Bishop’s statement that the Bible is an officially approved translation by the Roman Catholic Church.
Q:
What are some examples of Catholic Bibles?
A: 1. New American Bible (NAB) -- Catholic Bible translation used in the Mass in United
States and the one on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
web site ( http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/ ).
1970 original translation (from original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic,
and Greek), 1986 revised New Testament, 1991 Revised Psalms. This translation is a modern language or
“dynamic” version, which makes it easier to understand in today’s world. This version was translated with Catholic as
well as Non-Catholic scholars to ensure proper translation and
acceptability. This is the version used
in the Catholic Mass in the United States and thus is the best initial version
with which to start and the one that we at Holy Rosary are recommending to you.
2. Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition Bible (RSV Catholic) 1966-- as distinct from the Protestant version known simply as the “Revised Standard Version” (RSV) which is not Catholic. Some Catholic scholars prefer this “RSV, Catholic Edition” because of its more direct and rich in traditional language translation. Those doing detailed word study and advanced Bible study may prefer this translation because it is a more literal and less modern language translation.
3. Douay-Rheims Bible – standard Catholic Bible of the English language until the twentieth century. Originally published in 1609 (a few years before the protestant King James Version) it has undergone multiple revisions since that time. This Bible was translated from an earlier translation in Latin. Because of classic language, this can be a harder version to read.
4. New Jerusalem Bible – 1985. The New Jerusalem Bible is a revision of the Jerusalem Bible (1966). The revision seems to have been motivated chiefly by a desire to make the version more accurate. The 1966 Jerusalem Bible was based upon the French Bible de Jérusalem (1961) prepared by the faculty of the Dominican Biblical School in Jerusalem; but in 1973 the French Bible was revised, and so for this reason it was felt that a corresponding revision of the English version was in order.
Q:
What is the difference between Protestant and Catholic Bibles?
A: Protestant Bibles often contain only 39 books in the Old Testament, whereas the Catholic Bibles recognize 46 books as inspired and officially part of scripture. Furthermore, 2 of the books common to both Bibles have additional parts found in the Catholic Bibles that have been excluded from the Protestant Bibles. These differences are known as Deutoerocanonical (in Catholic terms) and Apocrypha (in Protestant terms). The Deuterocanonical Books include:
Historical books: Tobit, Judith, parts of Ester, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees;
Wisdom books: Wisdom, Sirach.
Prophetic books: Baruch, parts of Daniel
Some protestant Bibles include the “Apocrypha” in a separate section to make them more acceptable for Catholics and scholars.
Q:
Are there any other differences between Catholic and Protestant Bibles?
A: Yes. Bibles sometimes use language that can change the meaning slightly. In this regard Protestant bibles may choose words that fit a Protestant philosophy but not fit the Catholic faith position.
The following quote from Catholic Answers: Bible Translations Guide (http://www.catholic.com/library/Bible_Translations_Guide.asp) gives an example.
For example, dynamic
Protestant translations, such as the [New International Version] NIV,
tend to translate the Greek word ergon and its derivatives as
"work" when it reinforces Protestant doctrine but as something else
(such as "deeds" or "doing") when it would [otherwise]
serve Catholic doctrine.
The NIV renders Romans 4:2 "If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works (ergon),
he had something to boast about—but not before God." This passage is used
to support the Protestant doctrine of salvation by faith alone. But the NIV
translates the erg- derivatives in Romans 2:6-7 differently: "God
‘will give to each person according to what he has done (erga).’ To
those who by persistence in doing (ergou) good seek glory, honor and
immortality, he will give eternal life."
If the erg- derivatives were translated consistently as "work"
then it would be clear that the passage says God will judge "every person
according to his works" and will give eternal life to those who seek
immortality "by persistence in working good"—statements that support
the Catholic view of salvation.
A final word: Most bookstores carry the Protestant Bibles (usually the NIV Bible) in greatest supply. Finding an NAB, an RSV Catholic Edition, or another Catholic Bible may require more searching or the use of a Catholic Bookstore or an internet book store. But even if you do not yet have a Catholic Bible, you can still read “God’s word, God’s gift to us!” with whatever Bible you do have. Don’t wait. Get started now!
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