Catholics primarily use the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) in the United States, which serves as the official English translation for liturgical readings during Mass. The Catholic canon contains 73 books, including deuterocanonical texts not found in Protestant Bibles. Other approved translations include the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), favored by scholars for its accuracy, and the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), used in Canada. All Catholic Bible translations require official ecclesiastical approval through the nihil obstat and imprimatur process, ensuring doctrinal fidelity. Understanding these different versions reveals the Church’s commitment to both tradition and accessibility.
When Catholics open their Bibles for Mass, personal prayer, or study, they typically encounter one of several officially approved translations that have shaped Catholic worship and scholarship for decades. The New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) serves as the official English Bible of the Catholic Church in the United States and many English-speaking countries, featuring extensive footnotes that reflect contemporary scholarship to aid reader understanding. The Catholic canon comprises 73 books, which includes 46 books in the Old Testament (with the deuterocanonical books) and 27 in the New Testament.
During Mass in the United States, Catholics hear readings from the New American Bible (NAB), which forms the foundation of the liturgical lectionary. The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE) enjoys high regard among Catholic scholars for its accuracy and literal translation style, while the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE) holds official status in Canada and incorporates inclusive language, such as “fishers of people” instead of gender-specific terms.
The New American Bible anchors U.S. Catholic liturgy while scholarly editions like RSV-CE emphasize precision and NRSV-CE embraces inclusive language.
All Catholic Bible translations require official ecclesiastical approval through processes including the nihil obstat and imprimatur. Since 1983, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has overseen these approvals, ensuring doctrinal fidelity to Catholic theological tradition. The Council of Trent declared the Latin Vulgate as the official Latin Church Bible but permitted translations from original languages, while the Nova Vulgata currently serves as the official Latin text for church documents.
Several newer translations are gaining recognition and usage within Catholic communities. The English Standard Version Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) has received Vatican approval and praise for combining precision with readability while incorporating the latest manuscript discoveries. The Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE) has approval for liturgical use in regions including the Antilles and personal ordinariates for former Anglicans.
Popular Catholic study Bibles build upon these approved translations to serve different audiences. The Didache Bible and Ignatius Study Bible both draw from the RSV-CE, offering accessible study notes for lay readers and thorough commentary for scholars respectively. The Good News Bible Catholic Edition uses simpler language, making it particularly suitable for second-language English speakers. For digital access, the Vatican Website provides the NAB online with easy navigation of the complete Catholic Bible. The historically significant Douay-Rheims translation served as the standard English version for Catholics until the 1960s, known for its powerful and formal traditional language.
These various translations and editions reflect the Church’s commitment to making Scripture accessible while maintaining doctrinal accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Catholics Read Protestant Bible Translations Like the NIV or ESV?
Catholics can read Protestant Bible translations like the NIV or ESV, though the Catholic Church recommends versions containing the full 73-book Catholic canon.
Protestant translations typically exclude seven Deuterocanonical books that Catholics consider Scripture. While these translations offer valuable scholarship, Catholics may find them incomplete for full theological study.
Many Catholics use Protestant versions for personal reading while relying on Catholic-approved Bibles for worship and formal instruction.
Why Do Catholic Bibles Have Different Chapter and Verse Numberings in Some Books?
Catholic Bibles show different chapter and verse numberings because they draw from various manuscript traditions—Hebrew, Greek Septuagint, and Latin Vulgate—which established different numbering systems centuries ago.
The Psalms particularly reflect these variations, with some Catholic editions following Greek-based numbering that includes psalm headers as verses.
Additionally, Catholic Bibles include Deuterocanonical books with unique structures, and different editors make varying decisions about verse divisions for clarity.
Are There Specific Catholic Bible Apps or Digital Versions Recommended by the Church?
The Church endorses several digital Bible platforms featuring approved translations with ecclesiastical approval. Verbum Bible Software offers the NABRE and RSV-CE with Catholic study resources.
Meanwhile, Augustine Institute provides the Vatican-approved ESV Catholic Edition. Ignatius Press distributes digital versions of the RSV-2CE.
The USCCB website offers online access to approved translations. These platforms include the full Catholic canon and integrated devotional tools.
Do Catholics Need Permission From a Priest to Buy or Read the Bible?
Catholics do not need permission from a priest to buy or read the Bible. The Catholic Church actively encourages all faithful to read Scripture for personal prayer and spiritual growth.
While priests may offer pastoral guidance on choosing approved Catholic translations like the New American Bible or suggest study aids for better understanding, no canonical requirement exists for obtaining formal permission to purchase or read ecclesiastically approved Catholic Bibles.
Which Catholic Bible Translation Is Best for New Converts or Beginners?
The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) serves as the most practical choice for new converts, given its use at Mass and balanced readability.
The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition offers greater accuracy for those prioritizing literal translation.
Study editions like the Ignatius Study Bible or Word on Fire Bible provide helpful commentary and footnotes that guide beginners through Catholic teachings and scriptural context effectively.
