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The RNJB: New Testament and Psalms: Revised New Jerusalem Bible
A Bible for study and proclamation. The Revised New Jerusalem Bible presents anew the scholarship, character and clarity of the 1966 Jerusalem Bible (the first modern English version) and the 1985 New Jerusalem Bible. It is a Bible that prioritises accuracy of translation and richness of tone, written that the message might be fully proclaimed' (2 Ti 4:17). This volume presents the full New Testament and the Psalms, and a comprehensive set of study notes, cross-references and book introductions. Clear read' style. The biblical scriptures were written to be proclaimed, so the RNJB uses linguistic style and speech patterns best suited for being read out loud. Formal equivalence. The language, concepts and imagery of the original scriptures are presented more accurately by the RNJB than the colloquial approach of many other modern translations. Gender inclusion. The message of the Bible is for all people, so care has been taken to avoid traditional male bias of the English language, while remaining faithful to the meaning of the original scriptures. Revised Grail Psalter. The book of Psalms is based on the text of the 2010 translation of The Revised Grail Psalms. Modern measurements. Ancient systems of measuring and timing have been replaced by modern, metric equivalents. Comprehensive study notes. The notes, cross-references and book introductions of the JB and NJB are replaced in the RNJB by new materials which reflect the fruit of the most up-to-date and ecumenical scholarship. The Revised New Jerusalem Bible has been prepared and edited by The Revd Henry Wansbrough OSB, who was previously General Editor of the New Jerusalem Bible.
624 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
About the author
Henry Wansbrough
99 books10 followersBorn Joseph Henry Wansbrough, the Very Reverend Dom Henry Wansbrough, OSB, MA (Oxon), STL (Fribourg), LSS (Rome), is an English biblical scholar and a monk of Ampleforth Abbey, England.
He was General Editor of the New Jerusalem Bible. He has written twenty books, more than sixty articles, around ninety book reviews, an edition of the Synoptic Gospels, with an accompanying textbook, for 'A'-Level students, and more than fifty electronic booklets, essays, and lectures, as well as editing, co-editing, and translating other volumes. Today he resides at Ampleforth.
He was General Editor of the New Jerusalem Bible. He has written twenty books, more than sixty articles, around ninety book reviews, an edition of the Synoptic Gospels, with an accompanying textbook, for 'A'-Level students, and more than fifty electronic booklets, essays, and lectures, as well as editing, co-editing, and translating other volumes. Today he resides at Ampleforth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 28, 2019
This is the heavy hardbound book out of Doubleday (1985) with a repro of Raphael's Transfiguration on the front cover. I came to this bible late in life, having grown up Protestant, but despite its size and bulk it has much to recommend it to the general reader.
For one thing, it includes the Deuterocanonical books ("Apocryphal books") that Protestant bibles generally do not. While not the most elaborate study bible out there, it has learned and helpful commentary.
What may matter most to us general readers is: how does it read? It reads differently from most of the English-language bibles around today, the main reason is that it's not descended from the line of (Tyndale) King James (aka "Authorised" Version) that most such bibles are. Here's a comparison of a crucial Old Testament passage in three different translations, leading with this one:
Genesis Ch. 3, verses 12-14:
In the New Jerusalem Bible:
"12.The man replied, 'It was the woman you put with me; she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.' 13.Then Yahweh God said to the woman, 'Why did you do that?' The woman replied, 'The snake tempted me and I ate.' 14.Then Yahweh God said to the snake, 'Because you have done this, Accursed be you of all animals wild and tame! On your belly you will go and on dust you will feed as long as you live."
New International Version (NIV):
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.”
Finally, the Amplified Bible:
12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent beguiled and deceived me, and I ate [from the forbidden tree].” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all the cattle,
And more than any animal of the field;
On your belly you shall go
And dust you shall eat
All the days of your life.”
The reader will notice that there are differences between the New Jerusalem Bible and the other two, apart from the fact that the NJB says "Yahweh God" instead of "Lord God," and that when the Almighty speaks, it is not shown in verse. To me it just reads more smoothly in many cases: Eve complains that the snake "tempted" her rather than "deceived," "beguiled" or even "tricked" her as in other versions.
THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE is not a novelty, but a significant different translation of the bible. Unless you are Catholic you may not want to make it your primary bible but it is a worthy contender among bibles, and many people (including one bible-as-literature professor) have told me they think it just reads more smoothly and often more meaningfully, too. The fifty-dollar retail price can be significantly undercut by shopping around, or buying used.
THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE has a new version on the way: The Revised New Jerusalem Bible. I'm sorry to say I am not familiar with it.
For one thing, it includes the Deuterocanonical books ("Apocryphal books") that Protestant bibles generally do not. While not the most elaborate study bible out there, it has learned and helpful commentary.
What may matter most to us general readers is: how does it read? It reads differently from most of the English-language bibles around today, the main reason is that it's not descended from the line of (Tyndale) King James (aka "Authorised" Version) that most such bibles are. Here's a comparison of a crucial Old Testament passage in three different translations, leading with this one:
Genesis Ch. 3, verses 12-14:
In the New Jerusalem Bible:
"12.The man replied, 'It was the woman you put with me; she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.' 13.Then Yahweh God said to the woman, 'Why did you do that?' The woman replied, 'The snake tempted me and I ate.' 14.Then Yahweh God said to the snake, 'Because you have done this, Accursed be you of all animals wild and tame! On your belly you will go and on dust you will feed as long as you live."
New International Version (NIV):
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.”
Finally, the Amplified Bible:
12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate it.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent beguiled and deceived me, and I ate [from the forbidden tree].” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all the cattle,
And more than any animal of the field;
On your belly you shall go
And dust you shall eat
All the days of your life.”
The reader will notice that there are differences between the New Jerusalem Bible and the other two, apart from the fact that the NJB says "Yahweh God" instead of "Lord God," and that when the Almighty speaks, it is not shown in verse. To me it just reads more smoothly in many cases: Eve complains that the snake "tempted" her rather than "deceived," "beguiled" or even "tricked" her as in other versions.
THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE is not a novelty, but a significant different translation of the bible. Unless you are Catholic you may not want to make it your primary bible but it is a worthy contender among bibles, and many people (including one bible-as-literature professor) have told me they think it just reads more smoothly and often more meaningfully, too. The fifty-dollar retail price can be significantly undercut by shopping around, or buying used.
THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE has a new version on the way: The Revised New Jerusalem Bible. I'm sorry to say I am not familiar with it.
April 23, 2008
The Jerusalem Bible was the first English bible I actually read from cover to cover while taking the introductory courses in Hebrew and Christian scriptures at Grinnell College. The reason for selecting it had nothing to do with its identification as the newest Catholic bible. It had everything to do with the fact that the scholar's edition purchased had better notes and marginalia than the Oxford Revised Standard or the New English texts also recommended for class.
Unlike other Catholic bibles I've referred to, the Jerusalem is intellectually honest. They may have the trinitarian texts which appear in such editions, but they always include notes indicating that such texts are only found in very late manuscript traditions.
Unlike the Oxford Revised Standard, the Jerusalem is free of the compulsion to copy, as much as honestly possible, the traditional formulations of the Authorized (or "King James") Version. This was a plus for me as all my previous serious study had been either with the RSV or AV. I wanted a fresh look and something that wasn't tied to Protestant traditions. There is, however, substantial reliance on the translations of the original French edition.
The only great weakness of the Jerusalem is that it is not as complete as the Oxford R.S.V., not including all canons of all Christian sects as their scholarly edition does.
In 1985 I went out and purchased this edition of The New Jerusalem Bible for classes with Loyola University's Institute of Pastoral Studies, giving my old edition away to someone who lacked a decent text. This newer version is a bit more literal than its predecessor.
Unlike other Catholic bibles I've referred to, the Jerusalem is intellectually honest. They may have the trinitarian texts which appear in such editions, but they always include notes indicating that such texts are only found in very late manuscript traditions.
Unlike the Oxford Revised Standard, the Jerusalem is free of the compulsion to copy, as much as honestly possible, the traditional formulations of the Authorized (or "King James") Version. This was a plus for me as all my previous serious study had been either with the RSV or AV. I wanted a fresh look and something that wasn't tied to Protestant traditions. There is, however, substantial reliance on the translations of the original French edition.
The only great weakness of the Jerusalem is that it is not as complete as the Oxford R.S.V., not including all canons of all Christian sects as their scholarly edition does.
In 1985 I went out and purchased this edition of The New Jerusalem Bible for classes with Loyola University's Institute of Pastoral Studies, giving my old edition away to someone who lacked a decent text. This newer version is a bit more literal than its predecessor.
Read
September 1, 2013Spent months reading the bible and looking at it from a historical and literary perspective. Eye-opening stuff. This is supposedly the most accurate translation, though I did notice that in the King James (considered the most beautiful, if less accurate, translation) there is a UNICORN in psalm 22, whereas in this version it is merely a wild bull.
I'm not going to pick a rating for the bible, Goodreads.
I'm not going to pick a rating for the bible, Goodreads.
August 16, 2008
It's the most accurate translation currently available, to my knowledge. I like to go back and forth between it and other translations like the KJV or the NIV when I don't understand something.
July 26, 2015
(the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB))
This is the first of my Catholic Bibles that I have read. I quite liked it, though less than the Amplified Bible.
There is no maps, but there's a glossary, chronological table, and measurements that are helpful. Each book has a small introduction and subjects are sometimes given title within the text, which are helpful. I also like this one's size.
Some things I like less, like only giving the name-meanings of Job's three daughters (I would rather have the untranslated ones if one would have to choose between the two choices). The goddess of Ephesus was named Artemis, not Diana as the Romans would've put it (it's put as Diana here). And then there's the 'sallying out' of fortresses, now and then - I haven't heard it elsewhere and it sounds a bit funny, like they're almost waltzing out, holding onto the hems of their shirts or something. The second point here is the only one that's not about my taste, but still...
But, in the end, this is a decent translation, and a good Catholic Bible. I still have to read some other versions, but this one I will keep, and can recommend :)
This is the first of my Catholic Bibles that I have read. I quite liked it, though less than the Amplified Bible.
There is no maps, but there's a glossary, chronological table, and measurements that are helpful. Each book has a small introduction and subjects are sometimes given title within the text, which are helpful. I also like this one's size.
Some things I like less, like only giving the name-meanings of Job's three daughters (I would rather have the untranslated ones if one would have to choose between the two choices). The goddess of Ephesus was named Artemis, not Diana as the Romans would've put it (it's put as Diana here). And then there's the 'sallying out' of fortresses, now and then - I haven't heard it elsewhere and it sounds a bit funny, like they're almost waltzing out, holding onto the hems of their shirts or something. The second point here is the only one that's not about my taste, but still...
But, in the end, this is a decent translation, and a good Catholic Bible. I still have to read some other versions, but this one I will keep, and can recommend :)
July 11, 2008
Best version of the Bible, in my opinion. It balances accuracy with beauty of writing, and is more fair to women without being politically correct in a fake way.
September 23, 2016
I have read a lot of Bible translations in my 30+ years on this Earth - Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. There are MANY Protestant translations. Some are too stilted to read (I'm looking at you King James), and some are too casual to read (Sorry Good News Translation!). Catholics don't have that "luxury" of all the translations. The main versions I can think of are the Revised Standard (RSV) and New Revised (NRSV); New American (NAB) and New America Revised (NABRE); the Douay-Rheims (DR); and the Jerusalem Bible (JB) and New Jerusalem (NJB). Each translation has strengths and weaknesses, and different people have different preferences for translations. I'm not going to tell you which one to pick today, but instead just tell you about about the New Jerusalem Bible as it is one I haven't read before until recently.
The New Jerusalem Bible was published in 1985. It is a hardcover volume that is over 2100 pages long. It is single column format (rare for Bibles, but appreciated) and contains introductions to sections, i.e, the Pentateuch and specific books of the Bible. At the back of the Bible are supplements like colored maps, a chronological table, and various indices (major persons, footnotes, etc.) It has some inclusive language, but doesn't go overboard with it. The pages are somewhat see through, but not so thin that you feel like they will rip merely from turning it. There are tons of cross-references in the margins and the amount of footnotes is impressive. The margins themselves feel a little bit bigger (not much mind you) than other editions, which will give you room for notes, if you are the type of person who marks up their Bible.
Overall, I'm pleased with this version of the Bible and would say if you can get it for a reasonable price (MSRP is $50, but Amazon usually has it for $30), it is a good Bible for someone who hasn't read through the Bible before. The language is very inviting without being casual. It is not liturgical like the NABRE, and not literal like the RSV. It is somewhere in the middle, and what I would call a reading Bible. You won't go into great depth using this Bible as a study tool, but it would be useful for the first reading of a passage and then going deeper with a different translation of the Bible. I could see myself reading this one over the NABRE if I am reading for enjoyment, mainly because it flows better (to me) and the page formatting is much more appealing to the eyes. If I was picking one Bible to read for enjoyment and not in-depth study, it would be this one.
The New Jerusalem Bible was published in 1985. It is a hardcover volume that is over 2100 pages long. It is single column format (rare for Bibles, but appreciated) and contains introductions to sections, i.e, the Pentateuch and specific books of the Bible. At the back of the Bible are supplements like colored maps, a chronological table, and various indices (major persons, footnotes, etc.) It has some inclusive language, but doesn't go overboard with it. The pages are somewhat see through, but not so thin that you feel like they will rip merely from turning it. There are tons of cross-references in the margins and the amount of footnotes is impressive. The margins themselves feel a little bit bigger (not much mind you) than other editions, which will give you room for notes, if you are the type of person who marks up their Bible.
Overall, I'm pleased with this version of the Bible and would say if you can get it for a reasonable price (MSRP is $50, but Amazon usually has it for $30), it is a good Bible for someone who hasn't read through the Bible before. The language is very inviting without being casual. It is not liturgical like the NABRE, and not literal like the RSV. It is somewhere in the middle, and what I would call a reading Bible. You won't go into great depth using this Bible as a study tool, but it would be useful for the first reading of a passage and then going deeper with a different translation of the Bible. I could see myself reading this one over the NABRE if I am reading for enjoyment, mainly because it flows better (to me) and the page formatting is much more appealing to the eyes. If I was picking one Bible to read for enjoyment and not in-depth study, it would be this one.
December 31, 2020
Of course, I am giving this one five stars! I mean, it's the word of God, for heaven's sake.
I just completed reading the Bible in a year - for the second time. Doing this is a real commitment. You don't dare skip a day or there will be hell to pay, so to speak. This year is a leap year, so my ace in the hole was that if I did miss a day, I had an extra to catch up. I guarded that extra day carefully until recently.
Full disclosure: this version is a Catholic Bible, and since I am not Catholic, I didn't read the non-Protestant books. My mom gave this version to me back in the 90s, at my request. I don't remember why I requested this translation, but I imagine that it was because someone recommended it to me as a literary version. The language is lovely.
So, I really like this particular translation. No matter the translation, however, reading the whole Bible is tough. First, you have days of "begats." So tedious. At least the reading plan I used had daily reading in both the Old and New Testaments, so there was a break from that.
Then you have the repetitive plot: God loves his people. His people act terribly. God gets mad and sends plagues, death, and destruction on them. The surviving people repent. God forgives them. His people act terribly. God gets mad and sends plagues, death, and destruction on them. The surviving people repent. God forgives them. Over and over and over again.
Then you have the ghastly stories they never taught you in Sunday School, like daddy offering to let a mob rape his daughters in order to protect his houseguests. And the incomprehensible: Job is a good man so God lets Satan test him by killing his whole family - but it all works out in the end because after God has proved his point, he gives Job a new and better family.
I am obviously not a fan of the Old Testament. I'm on Team New Testament. I love the stories of Jesus loving the outcasts and of him upsetting the apple cart. Every day this year I looked forward to the New Testament reading. Well, until Revelation.
I do think it is worthwhile to read the entire Bible every few years. This coming year, though, I look forward to reading a few books and taking more time with each.
I just completed reading the Bible in a year - for the second time. Doing this is a real commitment. You don't dare skip a day or there will be hell to pay, so to speak. This year is a leap year, so my ace in the hole was that if I did miss a day, I had an extra to catch up. I guarded that extra day carefully until recently.
Full disclosure: this version is a Catholic Bible, and since I am not Catholic, I didn't read the non-Protestant books. My mom gave this version to me back in the 90s, at my request. I don't remember why I requested this translation, but I imagine that it was because someone recommended it to me as a literary version. The language is lovely.
So, I really like this particular translation. No matter the translation, however, reading the whole Bible is tough. First, you have days of "begats." So tedious. At least the reading plan I used had daily reading in both the Old and New Testaments, so there was a break from that.
Then you have the repetitive plot: God loves his people. His people act terribly. God gets mad and sends plagues, death, and destruction on them. The surviving people repent. God forgives them. His people act terribly. God gets mad and sends plagues, death, and destruction on them. The surviving people repent. God forgives them. Over and over and over again.
Then you have the ghastly stories they never taught you in Sunday School, like daddy offering to let a mob rape his daughters in order to protect his houseguests. And the incomprehensible: Job is a good man so God lets Satan test him by killing his whole family - but it all works out in the end because after God has proved his point, he gives Job a new and better family.
I am obviously not a fan of the Old Testament. I'm on Team New Testament. I love the stories of Jesus loving the outcasts and of him upsetting the apple cart. Every day this year I looked forward to the New Testament reading. Well, until Revelation.
I do think it is worthwhile to read the entire Bible every few years. This coming year, though, I look forward to reading a few books and taking more time with each.
December 14, 2023
A mediocre translation. The original Jerusalem Bible had a certain whimsical quality to it that was attractive. Among other things, it was the first English translation to use "Yahweh" instead of "LORD" for the divine name. The updates, however, have not fared well. For one thing, they abandoned the use of "Yahweh." The "gender-inclusive" language is awkward and distracting. There are some weird editorial decisions as well. The speeches of Jesus in John are all set out in poetic lines, as is the entire First Epistle of John. They don't do this with the speeches of Jesus in the other gospels. The notes consistently represent historical-critical skepticism. Many seem to have been chosen specifically to undercut confidence in the Bible. There are also a handful of typos that will probably be fixed in later printings. For example, in Nahum 1:5, the first line says, "He The mountains tremble before him." The "He" should be in italics in the margin, as it represents a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The same with the word "Yod" in the third line of Nahum 1:7. The weirdest thing is that Leviticus 2:1 reads, "the offering consists of wheaten flour on which wine must be poured and incense put." The question is, where did "wine" come from? The Hebrew text says "oil," as does the Greek text and the Latin Vulgate. Someone was nodding at this point. All in all not a translation I recommend.
December 21, 2007
I am fortunate enough to own the edition illustrated by Salvador Dali and it is exquisite - both a delight to the senses, but also so readable. Yahweh is used in the Old Testament for clarity and authenticity - I find myself going to this out-sized edition more often than a smaller King James version every time. I have this in the large edition and also in the smaller paperback. One of the reasons I was drawn to this translation is that it is directly translated from the Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic. I received this as a gift upon graduation and I have treasured it since then as one of the most beloved books I own.
February 6, 2020
Never been a fan of the translation of the NJB. I own and use it for the cross references and footnotes. While in this Revised version the Book of Psalms shows significant improvement, the introductions, footnotes, and cross references are reduced to a minimum (“rationalised” according to the editor in the foreword). This change renders the book completely useless to me, a waste of the high price it is sold at. I am willing to pass it on to anyone who wants it. I don’t recommend buying this book to anyone who would want it for the excellent study tool the NJB was because of its introductions, cross references, and footnotes.
Read
October 3, 2009I wrote a David Cross quote in the margins of Genesis when I read this translation for a class in college. What was it...oh yeah, it was regarding God resting on the seventh day: "God gets tired?? God needs a nap???"
February 10, 2011
If you are looking for modern, clear language then this in my opinion is the best bible available.
Although technically Catholic, the fact that the Church of England also approve of this version is very important to me.
Although technically Catholic, the fact that the Church of England also approve of this version is very important to me.
January 4, 2013
Most people who debate the Bible's legitimacy have never actually read it. The NJB makes this task accessible to students of religion.
May 13, 2022
I was not really in the market for a new bible. I have a couple of favourite physical bibles, and many eBook editions. But I picked this up for a few reasons. First I had read several of the Gospels in the Catholic Truth Society Scripture Series that have an introduction and commentary from Dom Henry. I enjoyed his commentary so much I picked up several other volumes he penned for the CTS, and this bible. My all-time favourite bible for sitting and just reading is The Jerusalem Bible. I received one in grade 7 or 8 for my confirmation from the school board and diocese. And I read it over the next few years. Many years later when I returned to the faith it became my standard for just reading. And even though I have read dozens of translations and likely more specialized bibles (Men’s, Students, Study, Spiritual Warfare, Great Adventure, …) The Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem are my favourites for reading. And with the section and book introductions by Dom Henry this one is at the top of my list.
I started keeping track of books I read in October of 1995, since then I have read a complete bible over 30 times and New Testaments another half dozen. Not counting multiple rereads of specific books of the bible for person study, in bible studies or leading bible studies. These days I only have 2 physical bibles, one in my den and one in my bed side table, but I have over 30 eBook editions and versions. And I am so thankful that this bible is available digitally. I have a dual form of dyslexia and really prefer reading eBooks. And this one is perfectly formatted. A lot of thought, time and effort went into making the digital edition just a well-designed and laid out at the physical edition.
The description of this edition is:
“The Revised New Jerusalem Bible: Study Edition has been crafted to be a unique and comprehensive study Bible experience among the many other options available today. Special consideration has been given to combine the scholarship of the 1966 Jerusalem Bible(the first modern English version) and the 1985 New Jerusalem Bible; presenting you with a Bible that is more of a word-for-word translation from the original Hebrew and Greek languages. Other special translation considerations have been given to the equal treatment of men and women in the text, as well as updating the ancient systems of measurement to the modern metric system.”
And some of the features are:
• Study notes, cross-references, and book introductions edited by Dom Henry Wansbrough, OSB, who was general editor of the New Jerusalem Bible.
• The book of Psalms is based on the text of the 2010 translation of The Revised Grail Psalms.
• A table of the notes provides explanations of the key words, themes, and ideas in the Bible's major footnotes.
• A chronological table, an index of persons, and eight pages of full-color maps provide historical context.
• A bold, rich language as suitable for reading out loud as for studying in silence so that “The message might be fully proclaimed” (2 Timothy 4:17).
• Accurate translation of the original scriptures, rather than the “dynamic equivalence” of some other versions.
And from an eBook perspective I am very thankful they use endnotes at the end of each Book of the bible rather than footnotes at the end of each page, or even each chapter. It makes using it for just reading much easier. And the eBook is very reasonably priced. Dom Henry states in the preface:
“Two decades later a request from the African biblical apostolate for a cheaper edition of The Jerusalem Bible led to a complete revision of the supporting material, independent of the Jerusalem school, though for financial reasons the biblical text of 1966 was retained. This was published by the Catholic Truth Society of London as The CTS New Catholic Bible in 2008. The supporting material produced for that edition has formed the basis of the present edition. The biblical text here presented is, however, a wholesale revision of the Jerusalem Bible text, chiefly under three guiding principles. The Bible was written to be proclaimed aloud rather than studied in silence; it is important, therefore, that the message of the Bible should be read out and heard intelligibly as well as understood in reflective meditation. Attention has also been given to rendering the language and imagery of the original languages accurately rather than by dynamic equivalence. Further, every attempt has also been made to show that the message of the Bible is directed to women and men equally, despite the inbuilt bias of the English language.”
This is an excellent bible for personal use. Group Study. Or Serious scholarship. I can easily recommend it. Even is just for Dom Henry’s introduction to each section and each book. It is a great resource for your faith journey. Mike Aquilina stated:
“Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria.”
We can travel with several bibles, commentaries and supporting books and barely touch the space available on our mobiles. You owe it to yourself to give this bible a try. I am certain it will be worth it.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
I started keeping track of books I read in October of 1995, since then I have read a complete bible over 30 times and New Testaments another half dozen. Not counting multiple rereads of specific books of the bible for person study, in bible studies or leading bible studies. These days I only have 2 physical bibles, one in my den and one in my bed side table, but I have over 30 eBook editions and versions. And I am so thankful that this bible is available digitally. I have a dual form of dyslexia and really prefer reading eBooks. And this one is perfectly formatted. A lot of thought, time and effort went into making the digital edition just a well-designed and laid out at the physical edition.
The description of this edition is:
“The Revised New Jerusalem Bible: Study Edition has been crafted to be a unique and comprehensive study Bible experience among the many other options available today. Special consideration has been given to combine the scholarship of the 1966 Jerusalem Bible(the first modern English version) and the 1985 New Jerusalem Bible; presenting you with a Bible that is more of a word-for-word translation from the original Hebrew and Greek languages. Other special translation considerations have been given to the equal treatment of men and women in the text, as well as updating the ancient systems of measurement to the modern metric system.”
And some of the features are:
• Study notes, cross-references, and book introductions edited by Dom Henry Wansbrough, OSB, who was general editor of the New Jerusalem Bible.
• The book of Psalms is based on the text of the 2010 translation of The Revised Grail Psalms.
• A table of the notes provides explanations of the key words, themes, and ideas in the Bible's major footnotes.
• A chronological table, an index of persons, and eight pages of full-color maps provide historical context.
• A bold, rich language as suitable for reading out loud as for studying in silence so that “The message might be fully proclaimed” (2 Timothy 4:17).
• Accurate translation of the original scriptures, rather than the “dynamic equivalence” of some other versions.
And from an eBook perspective I am very thankful they use endnotes at the end of each Book of the bible rather than footnotes at the end of each page, or even each chapter. It makes using it for just reading much easier. And the eBook is very reasonably priced. Dom Henry states in the preface:
“Two decades later a request from the African biblical apostolate for a cheaper edition of The Jerusalem Bible led to a complete revision of the supporting material, independent of the Jerusalem school, though for financial reasons the biblical text of 1966 was retained. This was published by the Catholic Truth Society of London as The CTS New Catholic Bible in 2008. The supporting material produced for that edition has formed the basis of the present edition. The biblical text here presented is, however, a wholesale revision of the Jerusalem Bible text, chiefly under three guiding principles. The Bible was written to be proclaimed aloud rather than studied in silence; it is important, therefore, that the message of the Bible should be read out and heard intelligibly as well as understood in reflective meditation. Attention has also been given to rendering the language and imagery of the original languages accurately rather than by dynamic equivalence. Further, every attempt has also been made to show that the message of the Bible is directed to women and men equally, despite the inbuilt bias of the English language.”
This is an excellent bible for personal use. Group Study. Or Serious scholarship. I can easily recommend it. Even is just for Dom Henry’s introduction to each section and each book. It is a great resource for your faith journey. Mike Aquilina stated:
“Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria.”
We can travel with several bibles, commentaries and supporting books and barely touch the space available on our mobiles. You owe it to yourself to give this bible a try. I am certain it will be worth it.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 3, 2018
I enjoy this Bible translation because it seems to read as more literary than most. Having grown up hearing Bible verses in the King James version, I miss their poetic charms with most modern translations. This edition seems to flow better than most.
Once I'd bought this one and had been using it for a few years, I read that this English translation was done from the French translation of the original Hebrew. That made complete sense; I studied French for several years, have a natural attraction to it, and found that my genealogy goes back to some parts of France.
I also like the large number of citations in this book; footnotes, maps, a chronological table, indices...it's very well documented. Although this is not the version recommended by my church, it's the Bible I prefer to use.
Once I'd bought this one and had been using it for a few years, I read that this English translation was done from the French translation of the original Hebrew. That made complete sense; I studied French for several years, have a natural attraction to it, and found that my genealogy goes back to some parts of France.
I also like the large number of citations in this book; footnotes, maps, a chronological table, indices...it's very well documented. Although this is not the version recommended by my church, it's the Bible I prefer to use.
July 27, 2010
I give this 5 stars because it's necessary to real the Bible in this day and age and realize how crazy and sick it is and how if there really was a god you should do everything in your power to fight him and bring down his immoral and sick religion. That's not to say there aren't some beautiful parts or that Jesus doesn't drop a few words of wisdom here and there.
I love it when Jehovah's witnesses come to my door- they don't know what they're in for and always leave confused. That's reason enough to read this book.
I love it when Jehovah's witnesses come to my door- they don't know what they're in for and always leave confused. That's reason enough to read this book.
September 11, 2007
The Jerusalem Bible is a contemporary English version of what started out as a French project. It is a fine translation, with some very beautiful passages. The strength of this Bible is that it works from a clean slate and employed some of the finest translators and writers in the English language. Tolkien helped a bit with it
April 25, 2008
A crisp, modern and scholarly edition of the Bible with commentary. Not as Poetic as King James or as readable as the Good News version. It's Catholic, too. Useful for those using the Bible as a reference or for those interested in the process of translating.
February 7, 2013
liked this pocket version a lot, some times if I was reading on the road, the text is way to small. Other that that a very good Bile and includes "Deuterocanonical":) books as well, so in the old Testament section you will get more then 66 "original" books.
August 3, 2015
I am not Catholic, however, the NJB is interesting for it's emphasis on certain key words. A must own for any serious student of the bible. However, because of the liberties taken in its rendering of scripture; this should not be your primary bible, or secondary, only a supplement.
September 18, 2026
The New Jerusalem Bible uses Yahweh for the name of God. Ancient Hebrew has no vowels. The consonants for Yahweh are similar to the consonants in our alphabet of YHWH. Jehovah is a mis translation, because Hebrew has no J sound.
Yahweh seems flat and bland to me. I think the original Hebrew name for God may have been pronounced “Yehowah” That sounds more awe inspiring.
In The Revised New Jerusalem Bible: Study Edition, Old Testament, which I am reviewing here, the use of Yahweh has reverted to “The Lord.” I have read The New Jerusalem Bible, which has a copyright of 1985. The Revised New Jerusalem Bible: Study Edition has a copyright of 2019. It is considered to be the most accurate translation of the Bible, using study notes that include the most recent findings in Biblical archaeology and linguistics.
King David conquered an empire that included Syria and three nations in what is now Jordan. These were from north to south Ammon, Moab, and Edom. The Philistines were not conquered, but they were defeated and never again threatened Israel.
David’s son Solomon built the Temple of Jerusalem. He may have commissioned the beginning of the Bible because the two oldest parts appear to have been written during his reign. Nevertheless, Syria became independent during Solomon’s reign.
After Solomon’s death David’s kingdom divided into the Northen Kingdom, henceforth named “Israel” and the Southern Kingdom, henceforth named “Judah.”
Ammon, Moab, and Edom soon became independent. While this was happening, the Israelites were threatened first by the Assyrian Empire, and then the Babylonian Empire.
The Old Testament prophets blamed the decline and fall of David’s Empire on three factors that caused Yahweh to stop protecting the Israelites. These were sexual immorality, the fact that Israel’s rich were oppressing Israel’s poor, and the fact that many Israelites worshiped other deities in addition to Yahweh.
This is an argument that can be tuned against those who are Israelite monotheists.
In the 44th chapter of Jeremiah, Jeremiah condemns Israelite women who worship the Queen of Heaven. Her name may also have been Asherah. She may have been regarded as Yahweh’s consort. Those women respond by saying:
Jeremiah 44:16 – 19 “We have no intention of listening to the word you have just spoken to us in the Lord’s name but intend to go on doing all we have vowed to do: and we and our ancestors, our kings and our chief men, in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem: we had food in plenty then, we suffered no disasters. But since we gave up offering incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring libations in her honor, we have been destitute and have perished either by the sword or by famine.”
This resembles the way Democrats and Republicans evaluate President Franklin Roosevelt: Democrats say Roosevelt ended the Great Depression; Republicans say Roosevelt artificially prolonged the Great Depression.
The Hebrew Bible and the Protestant Old Testament say nothing of the fate of the Arc of the Covenant. The Second Chapter of 2 Maccabees states that Jeremiah hid the Arc of the Covenant in a cave in Mt. Sinai and sealed the entrance.
In 2 Maccabees Chapter 2: 7 Jeremiah says, “The place is to remain unknown until God gathers his people together again and shows them his mercy.”
Now that the Jews are back in Israel it is time for them to search Mt. Sinai, find the Arc of the Covenant, and bring it back to Israel where it belongs.
Yahweh seems flat and bland to me. I think the original Hebrew name for God may have been pronounced “Yehowah” That sounds more awe inspiring.
In The Revised New Jerusalem Bible: Study Edition, Old Testament, which I am reviewing here, the use of Yahweh has reverted to “The Lord.” I have read The New Jerusalem Bible, which has a copyright of 1985. The Revised New Jerusalem Bible: Study Edition has a copyright of 2019. It is considered to be the most accurate translation of the Bible, using study notes that include the most recent findings in Biblical archaeology and linguistics.
King David conquered an empire that included Syria and three nations in what is now Jordan. These were from north to south Ammon, Moab, and Edom. The Philistines were not conquered, but they were defeated and never again threatened Israel.
David’s son Solomon built the Temple of Jerusalem. He may have commissioned the beginning of the Bible because the two oldest parts appear to have been written during his reign. Nevertheless, Syria became independent during Solomon’s reign.
After Solomon’s death David’s kingdom divided into the Northen Kingdom, henceforth named “Israel” and the Southern Kingdom, henceforth named “Judah.”
Ammon, Moab, and Edom soon became independent. While this was happening, the Israelites were threatened first by the Assyrian Empire, and then the Babylonian Empire.
The Old Testament prophets blamed the decline and fall of David’s Empire on three factors that caused Yahweh to stop protecting the Israelites. These were sexual immorality, the fact that Israel’s rich were oppressing Israel’s poor, and the fact that many Israelites worshiped other deities in addition to Yahweh.
This is an argument that can be tuned against those who are Israelite monotheists.
In the 44th chapter of Jeremiah, Jeremiah condemns Israelite women who worship the Queen of Heaven. Her name may also have been Asherah. She may have been regarded as Yahweh’s consort. Those women respond by saying:
Jeremiah 44:16 – 19 “We have no intention of listening to the word you have just spoken to us in the Lord’s name but intend to go on doing all we have vowed to do: and we and our ancestors, our kings and our chief men, in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem: we had food in plenty then, we suffered no disasters. But since we gave up offering incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring libations in her honor, we have been destitute and have perished either by the sword or by famine.”
This resembles the way Democrats and Republicans evaluate President Franklin Roosevelt: Democrats say Roosevelt ended the Great Depression; Republicans say Roosevelt artificially prolonged the Great Depression.
The Hebrew Bible and the Protestant Old Testament say nothing of the fate of the Arc of the Covenant. The Second Chapter of 2 Maccabees states that Jeremiah hid the Arc of the Covenant in a cave in Mt. Sinai and sealed the entrance.
In 2 Maccabees Chapter 2: 7 Jeremiah says, “The place is to remain unknown until God gathers his people together again and shows them his mercy.”
Now that the Jews are back in Israel it is time for them to search Mt. Sinai, find the Arc of the Covenant, and bring it back to Israel where it belongs.
Read
July 10, 2023The Book of Genesis is what I read and I am not sure that it was this edition, but it was a very readable translation.
Also Job: My favorite part of Job reminds me of thee lyrical sweet section in George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? ... Behold the fear of thee Lord that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. " Job 28:12-29
Also Job: My favorite part of Job reminds me of thee lyrical sweet section in George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? ... Behold the fear of thee Lord that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. " Job 28:12-29
December 29, 2018
2017 Daily Devotional Universal Household OF#1
August 16, 2019
One of the better translations
May 30, 2021
Watch the Chosen then you can read this in colour!
October 6, 2023
Best version of the bible I’ve discovered to date. My ultimate favourite collection of the Holy Scriptures.
Want to Read
August 20, 2024220 DOU
March 24, 2025
One version of God's Word to Humanity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews