Approved Catholic Bible Translations in English
The Catholic Church treasures Sacred Scripture as the inspired Word of God and ensures that every approved translation faithfully conveys the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit. To safeguard this fidelity, Catholic Bible translations must receive ecclesiastical approval—typically through a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur—confirming that the text contains nothing contrary to faith or morals. Some translations are further approved for liturgical use, meaning they may be officially proclaimed during the Holy Mass.
The following English Bible versions have received Catholic approval for personal study, devotion, or liturgical reading. Each reflects a unique balance of scholarship, linguistic style, and reverence for God’s Word, serving the Church’s mission of bringing the Gospel to all nations.
RSV-CE (Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition)
The RSV-CE, first published in 1966, is a Catholic adaptation of the Revised Standard Version, itself a revision of the King James and American Standard traditions. It follows a formally equivalent (“word-for-word”) translation method, preserving the dignity and beauty of traditional English while remaining clear and readable. The deuterocanonical books are included in their proper Catholic order.
The RSV-CE received ecclesiastical approval (Imprimatur) prior to 1983 and therefore remains approved for Catholic use under Canon 825 §1, though it is not formally approved by the USCCB for liturgical use in the United States.
Because of its fidelity and literary quality, it continues to be highly respected by Catholic scholars and remains a favorite for study and prayer.
NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
The NABRE, published in 2011, is the most recent major update of the New American Bible. It retains the 1986 New Testament translation while offering a fully revised Old Testament and Psalms. Drawing on the latest advances in biblical scholarship and newly available manuscripts, the NABRE remains faithful to Catholic doctrine and tradition.
It has received formal approval from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for personal, devotional, and academic use. However, the lectionary readings used at Mass in the United States still derive from an earlier edition of the NAB (not from the NABRE).
This is the version provided by the USCCB on their official website.
NAB (New American Bible – Lectionary Edition)
This version, approved for liturgical use in the United States, forms the basis of the Lectionary for Mass currently used in Catholic worship. It is a Vatican-approved edition of the New American Bible adapted for proclamation during the liturgy. The NAB was the first American Catholic translation to rely directly on the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts rather than translating from the Latin Vulgate, in keeping with the directives of the Second Vatican Council’s Dei Verbum.
This is the translation published on the Vatican website and officially used in the U.S. Catholic liturgy.
Jerusalem Bible
The Jerusalem Bible was first published in 1966, translated from the original Hebrew and Greek under the direction of the Dominican École Biblique de Jérusalem. It was the first widely used English Catholic Bible to translate directly from the original languages rather than the Latin Vulgate. Known for its literary beauty and spiritual depth, it became the basis of the Lectionary used in most English-speaking countries outside the United States, including the United Kingdom and much of the Commonwealth.
The Jerusalem Bible carries full Catholic ecclesiastical approval and is approved for both private use and liturgical proclamation in many regions. Its dignified yet accessible style has made it a beloved choice for both public reading and personal devotion.
NRSV-CE (New Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition)
The NRSV-CE is a Catholic adaptation of the New Revised Standard Version, an ecumenical translation known for its accuracy and scholarly integrity. It uses contemporary English while remaining faithful to the original texts. The Catholic Edition restores the deuterocanonical books in their proper order and carries a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur from Catholic bishops.
The NRSV-CE is approved for Catholic use, including personal study and public reading, and is authorized for liturgical use in several English-speaking countries outside the U.S., such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
Because of its balance of scholarship and clarity, it is widely used in academic and inter-Christian contexts.
Note: The online version of the NRSV-CE is available from from the "Home" link n this app. That online version comes from a free resource managed by an interdenominational Christian organizations. While those translations are approved for Catholic use, the other content available through YouVersion, Bible Gateway, and Biblia that is found in the "Plans" is interdenominational content rather than specifically Catholic. Therefore, that additional content may not necessarily be endorsed by the Catholic Church.
