Knox vs Douay Rheims

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Hi all!

I apologize if I posted this in a wrong thread. I don’t know where to post this and I am still confused about the changes on this forum (the layout) as the last time I visited it was greenish and looked very different. I actually prefer the old layout.

I use an Orthodox bible for reading and daily prayers. But lately, I so want to purchase a Catholic bible that’s translated from Latin Vulgate.

there are 2 versions of Douay Rheims bible sold by Tan Books. The other one costs around 40 euro, the other one around 50 euro. I don’t know which one to buy. And then there’s Knox bible. Now I got more confused and need advices on buying.

I have to buy it online because the Christian bookstores in my country rarely sell Catholic stuff. It hurts me, even though I am not RC. And I don’t want an ebook. I love ebook, but for bible, I don’t.

And…which Catholic cathecism do you recommend me to buy? I’m sorry if this one is more foolish question. I expect that there are few versions of this. I know nothing about this and would like to have.
 
hi pianistclare. Thanks for the reply!

Of course I know amazon, and other sites. I was asking about the translation itself and about the difference between Douay Rheims and Knox.
 
OOPS! Sorry, I didn’t really get that from your post.
I can’t tell you because I much prefer the RSV-CE . I’m not big on the flowery language, it’s too foreign to me.

Also, the big green Catechism is the one to get.
 
My post was confusing i think because i was confused myself. haha! 😃

what is RSV-CE? Why do you prefer it? Flowery language, what is it? If you say you prefer RSV-CE, means you have ever read a Douay Rheims and Knox version? I have never even touched one of them (nor Douay Rheims, nor Knox) and I also have never seen them. I’m so totally new to this, although I’ve studied at Catholic shools, prayed in a Catholic way and attended RCIA.
 
Vanez said:
hi pianistclare. Thanks for the reply!

Of course I know amazon, and other sites. I was asking about the translation itself and about the difference between Douay Rheims and Knox.
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Both are faithful translations. I believe Douay Rheims is preferred by scholars. Personally, I like the New St. Joseph. It dispenses with some of the more of the yeee’s and the theee’s and has more you and the, which help me focus.

I would suggest picking a few of your favorite bible verses and then googling that + Douay Rheims or Knox or RSV or St. Joseph. So “Matthew 13: 4-10 + Knox”

You can get a feel for the language.
 
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By flowery language, I mean the prose is very “fussy” very elaborate, uses thee’s and thou’s which are not part of my common daily speech. Some people like that, because they feel it’s very respectful, but for me, I feel like those things are “additions” to the text. Just my personal opinion, other just love those. It depends on what you are comfortable with. The BEST Bible is the one you will read frequently or daily.

The edition I use the Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition.
I have it in slimline, which is two columns and the book itself is not super thick, no footnotes.
 
You & I, have the same preference. I don’t mind the Douay-Rheims, I even got my niece one for Christmas, I asked her specifically what she wanted and she said she preferred the archaic language. Pretty smart for an 11 year old, although at the time she was 10. I just find RSVCE much easier to read. Again though, I’m not going to hold it against someone if they have a different preference. I’ve not read the Knox Bible so I don’t really know too much about it.
 
Both are translations of the Clementine Latin Vulgate. The Douay Rheims Challoner is the Bible that was used by English speaking Catholics for hundreds of years. The Knox translation was produced for the Catholic Church in England by Monsignor Ronald Knox. Knox translated the Bible as if an Englishman had written it; it has very beautiful English but certain passages sound strange if you’re used to the traditional rendering. I recommend the Douay if you’re a native English speaker but the Knox if English is your second language. However, if you have the cash, I think you should purchase both.
 
I just got enough with bible translations which took out some words and verses. I’ve become very careful when buying bible.
 
It’s the same book I’m willing to buy. There’s a black leather edition, too. I don’t know why it’s more expensive than the red burgundy one.
 
The red one is a leatherettte.
The black is genuine leather in a presentation box.
 
Oke I have my decision: Douay Rheims.

I just found this link:
OnlineBible

I like the appearance of Tan Books bible. hard cover bibles aren’t really portable and handy for me.
 
Hi all!

Thanks for the replies! I just purchased it! I’m sooooooooooooooo happy! 😍
 
For scholars and study, the Douai-Rheims is the most accurate translation and is wonderful for devotion. It’s multi-faceted; multi-purpose, and beautifully written. It is easily found, but as you noted, the price isn’t easy to afford sometimes.

The Knox Translation is eloquent and descriptive, preferred by poets and linguists, writers, and those who prefer a more elegant reading experience. Monsignor Knox was a prolific translator and writer, and his style is timeless. I recommend the Knox translation if you like that sort of thing: poetry, prose, and praise. I love the Knox translation. Baronius Press is the only modern publisher offering it right now, I think?

The RSV-CE is the Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition, and comes in two editions: the first and the second. I love the RSV-CE because it combines accuracy, poetry, clarity and orthodoxy well together in one volume and it is widely used by scholars and researchers as well. The first edition uses ‘thee, thou’ etc, whilst the second uses modern language. You can get it in a variety of formats, and is based off of the KJV. Personally, my go-to is my zip-up RSV-CE first edition. The zipper has a Miraculous Medal on it; a friend of mine gave it to me as a gift a while back. You’ll find a whole pile of versions: lather, hardcover, softcover, leaflet, eBook, study version, side-by-side languages. The whole lot. Oxford University Press does a good job with their RSV-CE’s.

I must add that if you’re using an Orthodox bible, then you’re not really missing out on much. The only differences will be the theological perspective if commentary is provided, and a few books in variation. I use the Orthodox Study Bible on a regular basis and don’t find it lacking.
 
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And regarding a catechism, a lot of them are good.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, officially published by the Magisterium is a good authoritative volume. But, online, you’ll find the St Pius X Catechism, the Catechism of St Thomas Aquinas, the Penny Catechism, the Baltimore Catechism, and so much more!
 
Thanks for the reply!

I find it pity that there’s no soft leather cover for Knox bible as I will also use the bible for travelling. Orthodox bibles are heavy, so Douay Rheims Tan Books may be the best I can get.
 
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