Original Jerusalem Bible

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Does anyone know a place I can check out the Jerusalem Bible online? I’m thinking of getting a copy but wanna read over it before buying it.

What are some pros and cons concerning it?

Thanks!!

I currently have the Douay Rheims, NAB, RSV-2CE, NRSV-CE, and am considering the NJB (I’m still looking over it on catholic.org)
 
I’m unaware where one can view the entire version of this particular translation online but if you want to see the Daily Readings from the Jerusalem Bible, you can surf here:
universalis.com/mass.htm

(They use their own unapproved translations for the Psalms but the other readings are A-Okay)
 
**I would say that the pros. would be that I’ve heard some claim that it is more poetic. It also does not have inclusive language. It perhaps might also be easier reading.

The cons. would be perhaps that it is less literal, uses dynamic equivalence, and seems to lack a commentary. Therefore, it is not ideal for bible study, but better for devotional reading. Another con would be the way it uses “Yahweh God” instead of the traditional “Lord God” english translation in the book of Genesis. The reason being that in Genesis the Hebrew uses the tetragrammaton “YHWH” and this has been traditionally translated as Lord. I guess the Jerusalem Bible translator decided to break with the traditional translation since he thought it was more accurate to say “Yahweh.” However, recently, the Vatican has prohibited the use of “Yahweh” in all liturgical hymns and prayers, and by implication all bible translations to be used in the liturgy cannot attempt to pronounce the tetragrammaton as it was originally intended by the Sacred Author of Scripture to be unpronounceable, obscure, and mysterious, which is why the vowels were left out. The pronunciation “Yahweh” is a more modern attempt to approximate its possible original pronunciation. So, I guess the British would have to do without using the Jerusalem Bible in their liturgy as they might have in the past.**
 
Omyo12 said:
Does anyone know a place I can check out the Jerusalem Bible online? I’m thinking of getting a copy but wanna read over it before buying it.

What are some pros and cons concerning it?

Thanks!!

I currently have the Douay Rheims, NAB, RSV-2CE, NRSV-CE, and am considering the NJB (I’m still looking over it on catholic.org)
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There is a ‘readers edition’ still in current publication which I see a lot at Barnes and Noble bookstore. Check with your local bookstore and if they have it, read it there. This readers edition of the Jerusalem Bible does not have the extensive commentary notes and chapter headings that the 1966 original version has (which probably weights at least 4 lbs.) I bought mine on E-Bay (a few years ago in perfect condition for $60.00.)

Like posted above, the Jerusalem Bible is a ‘dynamic translation’ (meaning based). I like it for several reasons, I use it as a companion translation to a more literal translation (like the RSV-2CE) and compare verses that appear unclear or that are noted in the textual notes as having an uncertian meaning. It is also refreshing to read a dyanmic translation once and awhile (sometimes it breathes new life into scripture that you know fairly well). It is a more poetic translation, and when you have to read a whole book like Exodus, the dynamic translation flows a lot better. Another dynamic translation that I use is the Revised English Bible.
 
pro it reads like poetry and is an accurate translation with impeccable scholarship behind it
con it is too heavy to hold for a long time if you have arthritis and the brown covers on some editions are starting to disintegrate
 
Thanks everyone for your great responses, I think I’m going to go ahead and order the “reader’s version” off Amazon 🙂
CalCatholic said:
It is a more poetic translation, and when you have to read a whole book like Exodus, the dynamic translation flows a lot better. Another dynamic translation that I use is the Revised English Bible.
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What do you mean by “poetic”?
I keep reading posts saying that; could you give me some examples 🙂
Thanks!
 
Perhaps it has a rhythm to it, particularly in the Psalms and other poetic passages in the Bible. With a dynamic translation you have greater freedom in your choice of words, so you can make the book of psalms, Job, and some hymns sound more like poems and hymns . In a more literal translation you don’t have such freedom since your priority would be to try to find an exact English word that means the same as each Hebrew word. Therefore the rhythm gets lost in translation and it becomes more dull and boring to read and requires more patience. In a formal equivalence translation like the RSV, they try as much as possible to be both literal and dynamic at the same time so that it would be faithful to the original words as much as possible and not be so boring and difficult. They try to do a balance.
 
I have both the 1966 JB and the NJB…I find myself always drifting back to the original JB, even though it is not as accurate as the NJB in places…however, I personally find that the JB is better overall than the NJB because it lacks the inclusive language, does not have questionable liberal notes, and seems to have translated in line with Catholic teachings much more so than the NJB. The NJB may have corrected some of the more loosely translated passages but it misses the mark on many others. Some of the notes are questionable as well.

You can look at the NJB here
catholic.org/bible/

Overall, I don’t think you will find a better all inclusive Catholic study bible out there yet. The cross-references are absolutely phenomenal and the notes are informative. As others noted, both translations are poetic and flow real nice. Although I love the KJV, Douay, and the Confraternity for the way the archaic language sounds when read, I find that I read a lot longer and understand better when I read the JB. Although they are not as literal, I don’t think they are so dynamic that they can be deemed inaccurate, as they do a real good job of balancing readability and accuracy.

I would try to get hold of a 1966 JB on ebay. I scored mine for $25!! But usually they go for around $60. The readers editions do not have any notes, so keep that in mind.
 
Omyo12 said:
Thanks everyone for your great responses, I think I’m going to go ahead and order the “reader’s version” off Amazon 🙂

What do you mean by “poetic”?
I keep reading posts saying that; could you give me some examples 🙂
Thanks!
Click to expand...
I guess by poetic I mean that the translation flows a little better and is more descriptive and less formal (literal). Here is an example;

(Hebrews 12: 1-2)

RSV-2CE: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jerusalem Bible: “With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we too, then, should throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily, and keep running steadily in the race we have started. Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection: for the sake of the joy which was still in the future, he endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it, and from now on has taken his place at the right of God’s throne.”

Being a dynamic translation allows the Jerusalem Bible to use extra descriptive words which make the transaltion flow a little better (the RSV-2CE also renders the passage well, a little more literal).
 
I have The Jerusalem Bible for my everyday reading, but I keep my DR Bible handy to cross check things I feel are needing a greater clarification.
 
As to the Jerusalem Bible being poetic, I think the comment is most appropriate. As a former American Bible Society volunteer, and a supporter of Wycliffe Bible Translators, I see every Bible as a resource provided by God. The Jerusalem Bible is, as others have pointed out, very PLEASANT to read. It is ENJOYABLE reading. I’m afraid I cannot say the same for the New Jerusalem Bible!

I AM very firmly Protestant (with a touch of Pentecostal, I suppose) and have had some association with the F.I.R.E. movement and have read books by Sister Ann Shields. I’ve also met some wonderfully powerful Catholic believers in the 40 Days for Life movement.

As a bit of a recluse, I have difficulty being in front of people, so my stay on the streets was pretty brief, but I very much appreciated the fellowship of both Catholic and Protestant in that effort and worked with others to form a small working committee to gain more local Protestant participation in that vital cause.

But back to the Jerusalem Bible - I was LED to a passage IN the JB that fit an exhortation I used for two brothers in Christ, having to do with language and jokes they were using/sharing. The passage is Titus 2:7-8 and the specific wording that is unique to the JB is “so WHOLESOME”. I felt this wording communicated the meaning so much more clearly as to make the passage more forceful. The one older friend THANKED me for the verse - as he often does (he truly LOVES God and continually seeks stronger faith).

I think the growing apostasy of our times is demonstrating the need for all followers of Christ to come together - not to change our doctrines or churches, but to find common ground in upholding the most fundamental truths of our Faith. I know I am far from orthodox in every aspect of my own ‘doctrine’ but find great commonality with all who truly love God.

May the Lord bless all the participants here and may we learn to press on together wherever we can ‘fight the fight’ in prayer and service side by side!

(I sold my first Jerusalem Bible (new, then) while raising money for a missionary but bought a used one again in the past few years!)
 
I am not for certain but I think you can view the first few pages on amazon. Cons, it uses Gods name revealed to Moses in Exodus, which is not allowed to be said or used in the liturgy or hymns anymore.
 
I rather liked the use of Yahweh rather than Jehovah. The restriction on the use of God’s Name is a Jewish one, no? I have no ‘cons’ for the original Jerusalem Bible. It would be nice to have MORE translations online to such as biblegateway.com but there are copyright issues as well.
 
phubert28 said:
I rather liked the use of Yahweh rather than Jehovah. The restriction on the use of God’s Name is a Jewish one, no? I have no ‘cons’ for the original Jerusalem Bible. It would be nice to have MORE translations online to such as biblegateway.com but there are copyright issues as well.
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I agree. I did really like reading his name… And was rudely corrected…
 
Oh yes I know. I don’t read it anymore but I asked one of the ladies in my parish and she told me I couldn’t say it. I didn’t realize this but it just seemed the way she did it was rude.
 
Some people just cling to their ‘legalistic’ ideas. On the streets in front of an abortion facility I rubbed shoulders with a lady who was VERY hostile to her son having become a Baptist. I asked if it wasn’t GOOD that he had come to faith in Jesus and she loudly declared “NO!” - like a former Filipino friend who with her husband became much more committed to their Catholic faith (which I applauded) but then decided I needed to be saved by converting to Catholicism. She pursued it so ardently that eventually I had to sever contact with her when once she had counted me as ‘an elder brother in Christ’. Sad. But nevertheless I’m glad I had some part in ENCOURAGING that growth in faith in the first place (gave her a Good News bible with the Catholic Bishops imprimatur which she LOVED and began giving in turn to her entire family).

My views can be at odds with Catholics AND Protestants!

I’ll stick with Joshua’s declaration to Israel: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
 
You can read it here:
seraphim.my/bible/jb/jb-nt%20content.htm

It’s in use in the Liturgy in much of the English-speaking world, including England and Wales, so you can find readings for Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours that uses the modified version approved for the Liturgy: that includes changing all the "Yahweh"s to "Lord"s. And the psalms are replaced with the Grail Psalms, just as in the US.

We didn’t have to stop using it when the Vatican said The Name shouldn’t be pronounced in the liturgy: we use a modified version.

If you buy the CTS New Catholic Bible, it contains the modified version of the Jerusalem Bible used in the liturgy, with the psalms replaced by the Grail psalms, so the whole thing matches the Lectionary (for now). Good for reading out loud.
 
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