Hey everyone, ever wondered what Bible Catholics use? It’s a common question, and today, we’re going to break it down simply.
Catholics use a Bible that looks very similar to other Christian Bibles, but with a few key differences in its Old Testament. The most commonly used English translations include the New American Bible, Revised Edition, or NABRE, and the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, often called RSV-CE. The NABRE is especially popular in the U.S. for its liturgical use in Mass readings.
The main difference is that Catholic Bibles contain seven additional books in the Old Testament, which are called “deuterocanonical” books. These books are Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Sirach, Wisdom, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees. They also include additional sections in the books of Esther and Daniel.
These books were part of the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament widely used by early Christians. The Catholic Church considers them inspired Scripture, offering valuable historical, moral, and spiritual teachings.
So, while different translations exist, any Bible approved by the Church, often noted by an “imprimatur,” means it’s considered accurate and suitable for Catholic study and devotion. Whether it’s for Mass or personal reading, the core message remains!