Catholic Bibles come in several approved translations and editions, with a few key options commonly used by Catholics today. Below is a concise guide to help you choose. Direct answer
- If you want an officially approved Catholic edition in English, the Nova Vulgata serves as the Catholic Church’s normative Latin text, while several English translations are approved for use in liturgy and study (notably the New American Bible and the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, among others). The Nova Vulgata itself is the standard Latin text, not a direct English translation, and contemporary Catholic readers often rely on approved English translations that align with Catholic canon and liturgical use. To pick a start point, many readers choose a well-regarded English Catholic edition such as the New American Bible (NAB) or the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), depending on the availability in their region and the study notes they prefer.
Key distinctions
- Canon and deuterocanon: The Catholic Bible includes 73 books, combining the protocanonical and deuterocanonical books that are present in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Masoretic Text. This is the basis for all Catholic Bible editions.
- Official versus common use: The Nova Vulgata is the official Latin text, while English translations receive ecclesiastical imprimatur or recognitio to indicate Church approval for use in liturgy and study. Common English options with approval include NAB and RSV-CE, among others.
- Translation philosophy: Catholic translations vary from “literal” to “dynamic equivalence,” but all aim to reflect Catholic doctrinal readings and include extensive notes aligned with Catholic scholarship. Examples include translations with study notes and deuterocanonical materials.
Popular English options (summary)
- Nova Vulgata (Latin text; standard for the Church)
- New American Bible (NAB) – widely used in U.S. Catholic liturgy and study; many Catholic parishes and readers prefer NAB notes and structure.
- RSV-CE (Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition) – widely respected for its balance of precision and literary quality; approved for Catholic use.
- NRSV-CE (New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition) – commonly used in academic and parish contexts; includes deuterocanonical books; has episcopal approvals in some regions.
Practical tips
- Consider your purpose: liturgical use, personal study, or devotional reading can guide translation choice. Liturgical use often aligns with NAB or RSV-CE in English-speaking regions, while study editions might favor RSV-CE or NRSV-CE with ample footnotes.
- Check for official approvals: look for imprimatur or recognitio from your local bishops’ conference or the Vatican when selecting an English edition to ensure it’s suitable for liturgical reading and study.
- Access and format: many Catholic bookstores and online platforms offer multiple approved translations, including study Bibles with Catholic notes and deuterocanonical readings. Choose one that includes helpful introductions and notes aligned with Catholic doctrine.
If you’d like, specify your country or language, and your preferred use (liturgy vs. personal study), and a tailored recommendation with a few concrete edition titles can be provided.
