The question of which Bible translations are recommended for Catholics is a significant one, touching on both the history of the Church and the theological nuances that different translations can bring to the fore. The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of biblical scholarship and has endorsed several translations that are faithful to the original texts while being accessible to the modern reader. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I aim to provide a balanced and thoughtful answer that respects the Catholic tradition while offering insights that can be appreciated by Christians of all backgrounds.
Historical Context
The history of Bible translation is deeply intertwined with the Reformation. Before the Reformation, the Latin Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome in the late 4th century, was the standard Bible of the Western Church. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) affirmed the Vulgate as the authoritative Latin text of the Bible for the Catholic Church. However, the Reformation, spearheaded by figures like Martin Luther, emphasized the importance of translating the Bible into vernacular languages so that ordinary people could read and understand it.
In response, the Catholic Church also saw the need to provide translations that were both accurate and accessible. This led to the creation of several notable translations that are still in use today.
Recommended Translations for Catholics
Douay-Rheims Bible
One of the earliest English translations endorsed by the Catholic Church is the Douay-Rheims Bible. Translated from the Latin Vulgate, the New Testament was published in 1582, and the Old Testament followed in 1609-1610. This translation was significant because it provided an English version of the Scriptures that was in line with Catholic teaching and tradition. The Douay-Rheims Bible has a somewhat archaic language, but it remains a valuable resource for those interested in the historical context of English Bible translations.
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) was first published in 1952 and is known for its balance between accuracy and readability. The Catholic Edition (RSV-CE) was published in 1966 and includes the deuterocanonical books, which are considered canonical by the Catholic Church but are often omitted in Protestant Bibles. The RSV-CE is highly regarded for its scholarly rigor and is often used in academic settings as well as for personal study and liturgy.
New American Bible (NAB)
The New American Bible (NAB) was first published in 1970 and has undergone several revisions, the most recent being the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) in 2011. The NAB was specifically commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and is widely used in the American Catholic Church. It is the translation used in the lectionary for Mass in the United States. The NAB is known for its clear and contemporary language, making it accessible to a broad audience.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) is an update of the Jerusalem Bible, which was first published in 1966. The NJB was published in 1985 and is known for its literary quality and use of inclusive language. It is based on the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic texts and includes extensive footnotes and cross-references. The NJB is often praised for its readability and depth of scholarship.
English Standard Version Catholic Edition (ESV-CE)
The English Standard Version (ESV) is a relatively recent translation, first published in 2001. The Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) was published in 2018 and includes the deuterocanonical books. The ESV-CE is known for its formal equivalence, meaning it strives to be as close to the original texts as possible while still being readable in modern English. This translation is gaining popularity among Catholics for its accuracy and literary quality.
Theological Considerations
When choosing a Bible translation, it is important to consider the theological implications of the translation choices. Different translations can reflect different theological emphases, and this is particularly relevant in the context of Catholic doctrine.
For example, the translation of key terms can influence theological understanding. In the RSV-CE, Isaiah 7:14 reads, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." The term "young woman" is a translation of the Hebrew word "almah," which can mean young woman or virgin. The NAB and NJB, on the other hand, translate this term as "virgin," which aligns with the traditional Christian interpretation of this prophecy as referring to the Virgin Mary.
Another example is the translation of the Greek word "ekklesia," which is often translated as "church." The choice of this translation can reflect a particular ecclesiology. The NAB translates Matthew 16:18 as, "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." This translation emphasizes the role of Peter and the Church, which is a key aspect of Catholic theology.
Practical Considerations
In addition to theological considerations, practical factors such as readability, study aids, and the intended use of the Bible should also be taken into account. For personal study, a Bible with extensive footnotes, cross-references, and study guides, such as the NJB or NABRE, can be very helpful. For liturgical use, it is important to use a translation that is approved for use in the Mass, such as the NABRE in the United States.
Conclusion
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of biblical scholarship and has endorsed several translations that are both accurate and accessible. The Douay-Rheims Bible, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), New American Bible (NAB), New Jerusalem Bible (NJB), and English Standard Version Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) are all highly recommended translations for Catholics. Each of these translations has its own strengths and can be valuable resources for different purposes, whether for personal study, academic research, or liturgical use.
Ultimately, the best translation is one that you will read and engage with regularly. The Bible is the living Word of God, and through it, we encounter the divine revelation and grow in our faith. As St. Jerome famously said, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." Therefore, it is essential to choose a translation that helps you to understand and live out the teachings of the Scriptures in your daily life.
