What Version of the Bible?

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What is the most highly recommended version of the Catholic Bible? I hear some say Douay-Rheims then I hear just as many for the New American Version. What say you?

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Srfnolen
 
It depends on how you want to use it. I prefer the Jerusalem Bible (not the New Jerusalem) for personal spiritual reading, the DR along with the NRSV-CE for Bible study and the NAB for anything related to the liturgy since it’s the closest to what is used at Mass.
 
The best translation is the one you’ll read. 🙂

Your question, though, invites the further question of “Recommended by whom?” As Corki indicated, it can depend on what your purpose is. It can also depend on your personal tastes. Some people like the more formal language of the DR. Others don’t.

Catholic Answers has a pretty helpful Bible Translation Guide.
 
If you’re wanting a Bible to sit down and really delve into the scriptures, then I’d suggest the St. Ignatius Catholic Study bible, it’s amazing, and has so much information in addition to the actual text of the Bible. I’ve learned a great deal during my reading of it.

Also, it has maps, which are great! 😛
 
The best translation is the one you’ll read. (thanks, Joe)

That said, I often use many different versions to read. If I am using it in RCIA, I try to stick with the New American Bible (because that is the version they will hear at Liturgies). But I like to go back and forth between different versions and translations. It gives greater perspective.

One of my favorite verses is** Is 49:16** (why is too long a story here). But that God writes our names on the palms of his hand … is intensified when you read "carved" or "engraved" or “branded” on the palms of his hands.
 
srfnolen said:
What is the most highly recommended version of the Catholic Bible? I hear some say Douay-Rheims then I hear just as many for the New American Version. What say you?

Thanks,
Srfnolen
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Hi srfnolen, I think you may be referring to **‘what translation’ **is most highly recommended. 😉
 
WilT said:
Hi srfnolen, I think you may be referring to **‘what translation’ **is most highly recommended. 😉
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I stand corrected. Yes, translation is a better word. What about the Navarre for studying purposes.
 
srfnolen said:
I stand corrected. Yes, translation is a better word. What about the Navarre for studying purposes.
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The Navarre is a great, highly respected biblical commentary that is very much in line with Catholic tradition. It’s a bit pricey for the whole set, but it is very good. The Ignatius Study Bible is a less expensive option. It is also very good, albeit a tad shorter than the Navarre.

The Navarre uses the RSV translation. It is not a separate translation.
 
Do you want your Bible to most closely match what you hear at mass (it won’t be a perfect match, but it’s as close as you can get in the USA)? Get the New American Bible Revised Edition.

Do you want your Bible to have the thickest amount of archaic English (thees/thys/thous)? Get a Douay-Rheims.

Do you want a lot of archaic English, but much more readable (although not nearly as literal a translation)? Get a Knox.

Do you want some archaic English once in awhile, but would rather have mostly modern English, and a very literal translation? Get the Revised Standard Version Catholic edition. If you want pretty much no archaic language and still a very literal translation, get the RSV second Edition from Ignatius Press.

Do you want a very easily read but looser translation in modern English? Get the original Jerusalem Bible. If you want more accuracy but will trade a bit of readability and accept some inclusive language, get a New Jerusalem Bible.

If you want literal, but sanitized with lots of inclusive language, get the New Revised Standard Version Catholic edition.
 
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