Which translation of the Bible should I read?
It depends on what you are looking for.
THE BIBLE
8/22/20261 min read
The five most recommended Bible translations approved by the Church:
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE or RSV-2CE) This top choice for modern scholars is a very literal translation. Great for those who want direct translation from the source material.
Douay-Rheims The original English translation of St. Jerome’s 405 AD Latin Vulgate. It is great for those who like the flowery “Thou and thee” of Old English and the direct connection to the early Church.
New American Bible Revised Edition (NAB) A scholarly translation utilizing Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Great for those looking for scholarly work that is a little easier to read. This is the translation used at Mass and Liturgy of the Hours in the United States.
New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) A modernized version of the NAB. It aims to be an easier to read version of the NAB and to include notes tied to more modern archeological and historical research.
Catholic American Bible (CAB) Will be available Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027. It seeks to unify the NAB (approved for liturgical purposes) and the NABRE (approved for private prayer and study), so that US Catholics will have a single Scripture source approved for both liturgical and personal use.
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