NRSV or RSV? Which to choose?

[Psalter]

The Douay-Rheims isn’t for everybody. I personally get the most out of any Bible with the Douay-Rheims. I don’t know much Latin to read the Vulgate yet or else I would be reading that (Clementine not Nova Vulgata). The Jerusalem isn’t that bad, I personally didn’t care for the Psalms in the the Jerusalem Bible. It’s good that you read different versions. I have different versions myself for comparative purposes. I also use the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is also a useful reference. I however, don’t care for the RSV-CE and since it is used for scripture in the CCC I end up looking the scripture passages in the Douay-Rheims.

One could always read the Confraternity Bible, which is basically an updated DR and is translated from the Vulgate. It has been out of print since the 1960s, for the most part. I think the New Testament is still published and can be ordered online (such as on EWTN’s religious catalogue), and a publisher in the Philippines publishes the entire Confraternity Bible. It might be easier to find a used edition.

Baronius Press is supposed to be putting out the Knox Translation of the Bible later this year, which has been out of print for a while, and I’m excited about that…I have a worn Knox New Testament and enjoy reading it, though it’s a looser translation and I wouldn’t make it my primary Bible.

 

[tobinatorstark]

One could always read the Confraternity Bible, which is basically an updated DR and is translated from the Vulgate. It has been out of print since the 1960s, for the most part. I think the New Testament is still published and can be ordered online (such as on EWTN’s religious catalogue), and a publisher in the Philippines publishes the entire Confraternity Bible. It might be easier to find a used edition.

Baronius Press is supposed to be putting out the Knox Translation of the Bible later this year, which has been out of print for a while, and I’m excited about that…I have a worn Knox New Testament and enjoy reading it, though it’s a looser translation and I wouldn’t make it my primary Bible.

I have seen and read from the Confraternity. I have only seen one in my lifetime and I had the opportunity to look and read it a little bit. I am deeply upset that someone chooses not too keep that Bible open in the room that it was designated for. A Bible should always be open in a public place and not closed. Anyway, I haven’t read Knox Translation of the Vulgate. I have my Douay-Rheims from Baronius Press and I love it. I don’t have a hardback, but I hear Loreto has a decent one. I just oppose having a translation that is tweaked to suite Catholics because it is/was a Protestant translation. I don’t mean to knock those that read the RSV-CE, but I don’t feel safe and I don’t feel comfortable with its motives.Not all people get the Protestant views out of it, but I do. I don’t recommend this Bible in any way, but it isn’t my choice choose everyone’s translation. If I did it would be either the Douay-Rheims or Confraternity in English and the Clementine in Latin. It is one’s call to read the RSV-CE if they wish.

 

[nox]

I don’t understand what you mean by ‘Protestant views’ in the RSV-CE.

 

[John_oxios]

I think I wasted my money buying the NRSV. I had actually asked for the RSV when I was given the NRSV instead. I didn’t know the difference between the two at that time.

Later, after about a year, I came to know that the official bible of the Catholic Church is the RSV and not the NRSV. I felt cheated.

Should I continue reading it or should I buy an RSV?

Hi,
A good RSV’s are hard to find on Bookshelves these days.
I use an Oxford annotated Bible with the apocrypha, on the go.
At home I check out several different versions.
Once you learn the differences you can work, read, study with them in mind.

Actually The NASB is the version we use in the Mass.

The RSV is an accepted version between Scholars. More Ecumenical, between the various Christian faiths.

try these on line:
biblegateway.com/

On Line RSV:
quod.lib.umich.edu/r/rsv/simple.html

Douay Rheims Catholic Bible
DRBO.ORG

NRSV
bible.oremus.org/?ql=68643071

Various Bible version
blueletterbible.org/

 

[jblake]

iaskquestions;:

When I went there again and asked for the RSV, they told me that it was out of print and that the NRSV is the only one that is available.

The specific edition/version of the RSV that that bookstore stocked might have been OOP. However, I have my doubts. (More likely it was out of stock at the warehouse, or publisher.)

Besides which, you don’t want the RSV. You want either the RSVA, or RSV-CE. (RSV-CE contains the Catholic deuterocanonical books, with the verses rendered according tot he Catholic theology. RSVA contains, at a minimum,the Catholic Deuterocanonical books, and it usually also contains the one’s that are deuterocanonical for Anglicans. Rarely, it also contains the ones that are canonical forOrthodox Christianity. RSV contains the standard 66 book Protestant Bible.)

xan

jonathon

 

[Mattjolley]

the Jerusalem Bible I use has the ‘Grail’ psalms, not Jerusalem’s original ones, so ‘Yahweh’ is not included but ‘The LORD’ is used. Also, ‘Yahweh’ has been changed to ‘LORD’ throughout the text too, as requested by Pope Benedict for all new Bibles, so i’m more confortable reading this

 

[mccorm45]

the Jerusalem Bible I use has the ‘Grail’ psalms, not Jerusalem’s original ones, so ‘Yahweh’ is not included but ‘The LORD’ is used. Also, ‘Yahweh’ has been changed to ‘LORD’ throughout the text too, as requested by Pope Benedict for all new Bibles, so i’m more confortable reading this

Mattjolley,

What is your overall thought on the CTS Jerusalem Bible? I ordered one of the really small travel ones when it first came out, but I haven’t used it much. (It really is small!) I was thinking about getting the larger leather edition.

 

[John_oxios]

I think I wasted my money buying the NRSV. I want to ask - what is the purpose of the NRSV? Why is the RSV out of print if that is the official Bible of the Catholic Church? And what is the Catholic Church’s opinion about the NRSV? Should I continue reading it or should I buy an RSV?

Hello,
Harper Collins makes an excellent NRSV study Bible.

 

[mccorm45]

Hello,
Harper Collins makes an excellent NRSV study Bible.

In regards to the quality of resources and layout, the HarperCollins study Bible is probably one of the best out there. I definitely think it is better than the NOAB or NISB or the Catholic Study Bible (Oxford).

 

[Jehuty_X]

the Jerusalem Bible I use has the ‘Grail’ psalms, not Jerusalem’s original ones, so ‘Yahweh’ is not included but ‘The LORD’ is used. Also, ‘Yahweh’ has been changed to ‘LORD’ throughout the text too, as requested by Pope Benedict for all new Bibles, so i’m more confortable reading this

// worst … change … ever !!!
// i would like to know since when the pope and jews have the authority to change anything in the sacred scriptures??? if i remember correctly some where in the bible (by jesus) it states nothing shall be changed nor added…

// i believe God revealed his name for a reason and it’s written for a reason…

 

[tobinatorstark]

// worst … change … ever !!!
// i would like to know since when the pope and jews have the authority to change anything in the sacred scriptures??? if i remember correctly some where in the bible (by jesus) it states nothing shall be changed nor added…

// i believe God revealed his name for a reason and it’s written for a reason…

Yes Proverbs 30:6, Deut. 4:2 and Rev. 22:18-19, but keep also in mind II Timothy 3:16-17

 

[Jehuty_X]

Yes Proverbs 30:6, Deut. 4:2 and Rev. 22:18-19, but keep also in mind II Timothy 3:16-17

// thank you sir.
// now, what is there to correct in God’s Holy Divine Name???
// changing it back to a title??? :dts:
// God revealed it for a reason and it’s written for a reason…no one has any authority to change it what so ever for any reason…period!

 

[CalCatholic]

I agree with the others, that there needs to be a little more
direction and consistancy from the Vatican in which translation
can be used for the english speaking Liturgy. In the US its the
NAB, in Canada its the NRSV (recently tweaked), in England and
Australia and other countries it is the Jerusalem Bible, and now the Atilles approved the RSV 2CE (my favorite). Too
many choices!

 

[mccorm45]

// worst … change … ever !!!
// i would like to know since when the pope and jews have the authority to change anything in the sacred scriptures??? if i remember correctly some where in the bible (by jesus) it states nothing shall be changed nor added…

// i believe God revealed his name for a reason and it’s written for a reason…

Of course, since the Vatican, and most Biblical Scholars, agree that there were some scribal additions that weren’t appart of the Sacred Scriptures to begin with, I think they have every right to do so. Again, I have faith in the Church that Christ left us, as well as our ability to use reason (biblical text criticism) in finding out what was actually written.

Also, why do you worry about YHWH, the Divine Name? In some ways, we are still not 100% sure as to how it is pronounced. In any case, have you read Philippians 2:6-11 lately? It is at the name of Jesus “every knee should bend”. Also, if you look at the Acts of the Apostles, all of the healings, wonders, and miracles are done in the Name of Jesus, not YHWH.

 

[mccorm45]

I agree with the others, that there needs to be a little more
direction and consistancy from the Vatican in which translation
can be used for the english speaking Liturgy. In the US its the
NAB, in Canada its the NRSV (recently tweaked), in England and
Australia and other countries it is the Jerusalem Bible, and now the Atilles approved the RSV 2CE (my favorite). Too
many choices!

CalCatholic,

I know it can be a bit frustrating, but I think there are some good reasons for this:

1. English is always slightly different depending on the country. For example, certain phrases or words might be used in the USA, but not so much in Britain. I am thinking here of terms like Haversack in the NJB, or the use of cornfields instead of wheat, or lake instead of sea. The preface to the NRSV anglicized edition has more about this: bible.oremus.org/nrsvae/preface.html
2. Reading levels are certainly different depending on the person. I would never recommend a child or youth to read from the RSV or DR, but I certainly would recommend them to look at the NAB or even the Good News Bible to begin with.

So, while there are certainly many choices, I think it is a good thing overall.

 

[John_oxios]

In regards to the quality of resources and layout, the HarperCollins study Bible is probably one of the best out there. I definitely think it is better than the NOAB or NISB or the Catholic Study Bible (Oxford).

irst time
Hello McCorm,
This is the first time I have heard the New Oxford Annotated Bible refered to as the NOAB, and the New Interpreters Study Bible as the NISB I Had to look the acromym’s up!
volume set from the sixties.

Looked up your Blog loved the video,  ad the point that once Baptized a Catholic, no matter where you are?  THAT YOU'RE  "STILL IN"

Since your interestd in Bibles, see. I myslf have about twenty different kinds… ecently startd atending a Bible study at a Grek Church, they’re using :

christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=003590&netp_id=504050&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

The Orthodox Study Bible - Hardcover edition
Thomas Nelson / 2008 / Hardcover

Old Testament newly translated from the Greek text of the Septuagint, including the Deuterocanon
New Testament from the New King James Version

Product Description

Orthodox Christianity is the face of ancient Christianity to the modern world and embraces the second largest body of Christians in the world. In this first-of-its-kind study Bible,** the Bible is presented with commentary from the ancient Christian perspective that speaks to those Christians who seek a deeper experience of the roots of their faith.**

Outside of its insightful commentary on the text, I found it interesting the Orthodox using the KJV? In their N.T. I ask the Priest why? He said he never really gave it no thought?

The Bible studies are interesting nontheless.

As far as English translations? English is a limited Language, things get lost in translation. We have one word for Love, the Greek four, that’s why we go back to the Greek and the Hebrew.

I Opened up a Gideons Bible and it said: (Paraphrase)
“The Only Truly Inspired texts are te Greek and Hebrew”

Well, some people take issues when I use that statement, but Scholars still study the ancient texts, because the older the text the closer to the original are the writngs.

The NAB, RSV, Douay Rheims, and te New Jerusalem Bible are excllent translations… oh but how today I wish I could read the Greek and Hebrew with understanding.
God bless,
Johnnie O

 

[mccorm45]

irst time
Hello McCorm,
This is the first time I have heard the New Oxford Annotated Bible refered to as the NOAB, and the New Interpreters Study Bible as the NISB I Had to look the acromym’s up!
volume set from the sixties.

Looked up your Blog loved the video, ad the point that once Baptized a Catholic, no matter where you are? THAT YOU’RE “STILL IN”

Since your interestd in Bibles, see. I myslf have about twenty different kinds… ecently startd atending a Bible study at a Grek Church, they’re using :

christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=003590&netp_id=504050&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

The Orthodox Study Bible - Hardcover edition
Thomas Nelson / 2008 / Hardcover

Old Testament newly translated from the Greek text of the Septuagint, including the Deuterocanon
New Testament from the New King James Version

Product Description

Orthodox Christianity is the face of ancient Christianity to the modern world and embraces the second largest body of Christians in the world. In this first-of-its-kind study Bible,** the Bible is presented with commentary from the ancient Christian perspective that speaks to those Christians who seek a deeper experience of the roots of their faith.**

Outside of its insightful comentary on th text, I found it interesting the Orthodox using the KJV? In their N.T. I ask the Priest why? He said he never really gave it no thought?

The Bible studies ae interesting nontheless.

God bless,
Johnnie O

Johnnie O,

Thanks for checking out the blog…I am glad you liked you the Gomes interview. I think we both have a love of collecting Bibles!


I haven’t yet taken a look at the Orthodox Study Bible, but I must say that it does look pretty cool. I was surprised that they decided to use the NKJV for the NT, although I know that probably has something to do with which original Greek text is preferred and used by the Orthodox Church. I hope to be able to find an edition at a local bookstore, so that I can give it a quick look over. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Mattjolley]

// worst … change … ever !!!
// i would like to know since when the pope and jews have the authority to change anything in the sacred scriptures??? if i remember correctly some where in the bible (by jesus) it states nothing shall be changed nor added…

// i believe God revealed his name for a reason and it’s written for a reason…

If it was rendered as LORD for years surely the JB was wrong to change LORD to Yahweh in the first place? Various versions such as the DR Challenor have used LORD years before the JB came along so surely Jerusalem was wrong to change this to Yahweh on the whim of the translators who obviously wanted the Old Testament to read more ‘authentically’ or something.

 

[Mattjolley]

Mattjolley,

What is your overall thought on the CTS Jerusalem Bible? I ordered one of the really small travel ones when it first came out, but I haven’t used it much. (It really is small!) I was thinking about getting the larger leather edition.

Yes I have the leather version with the gilded pages, a very nice Bible. Especially if you like the Jerusalem Bible. I got a travel version too and it is very small! Alright for travel, though, it certainly doesnt take up too much room in your bag! What do you make of the notes and so forth?

 

[mccorm45]

Yes I have the leather version with the gilded pages, a very nice Bible. Especially if you like the Jerusalem Bible. I got a travel version too and it is very small! Alright for travel, though, it certainly doesnt take up too much room in your bag! What do you make of the notes and so forth?

Mattjolley,

I think the notes are ok. There are certainly far fewer of them than in the JB or NJB. I actually thought the NJB’s notes were probably the best and most complete for any Catholic Bible out there currently. I think one of the strengths of the CTS edition are the intro’s to each book, including there use in the liturgy. I thought that was pretty cool.

However, I prefer the NJB to the JB. I think the NJB is a bit more literal, although there are some renderings in it, like changing “Church” for “community” in Matt 16, that make no sense.