Thursday, October 15, 2009

Your Favorite Bible Edition



While it seems that I am always looking for the "next best thing" in regards to Catholic Bibles, there is one thing that has remained constant over the past few years: My favorite Bible edition is still the Cambridge NRSV Reference Bible with the Apocrypha--French morocco leather. While there have been times when I have been "tempted" to switch Bible translations, I always seem to fall back to this edition. Although it is true that I am sympathetic to the NRSV translation, the overall quality of this Cambridge edition, including not only the Moroccan leather, but the plentiful cross-references, thick paper, 18 maps, and truly helpful glossary, make this edition a true gem for Catholic Bible readers. There is no other Bible that meets my needs like this edition of the NRSV.

But how about you? What Bible edition do just absolutely love and use? This question has less to do with a particular Bible's translation, but rather the whole package. Feel free to give a glowing report of your favorite Bible, including any links to websites that provide further details about it.

37 comments:

Vince C said...

Translations aside (I'm a devout Catholic student of the Bible who's preferred translation is the RSVCE), I think my favorite Bible is the St. Joseph gift edition of the New American Bible. I use this edition quite a bit, by necessity, in teaching parish Bible studies. Not crazy about the translation; absolutely loathe many of the footnotes, but I am really fond of the book itself. The font and layout are perfect, it is attractive and well-bound, it 'lays' open easily on table on/in the hand when teaching, the pages are not too thin or thick, and it has many helpful charts and liturgical aides.

My dream version of this version of the NAB would be to take out all the footnotes containing 'higher criticism' speculation, revise or replace the dopey "Reading Your Bible" essay, revise a few key passages to more traditional renderings (i.e., Psalm 23, Luke 1:28) update the color plates to fine art depictions of the same scenes, and provide full size color maps in an appendix. A place ribbon or two would be nice as well.

In my opinion, this would make this edition of the Bible, maybe not perfect, but at least much more attractive and usable.

rolf said...

Timothy, I think I agreed with you in the past on this Bible. The NRSV translation is growing on me, but this edition is my favorite Bible. I love the French Morocco leather, it is flexible but not floppy soft like some of the other premium leather. I like the Bible paper used, it is very resistant to bleed through. I like the cross references, the maps and the glossary. I also like the fact that this is the non-aglicanized version of the text. The new NRSV Catholic editions that Harper Collins is putting out are the anglicanized versions. Overall, I love the quality of this Bible, and long as I don't do something to ruin it (like spill coffee on it), it should last a life time!

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the Jerusalem Bible 1966 edition,
the footnotes are plentiful and a support catholic perspective. I don't find too much higher criticism notes overall and the translation is balanced.

jogomu said...

In NRSV-land I am currently reading from the Cambridge "giant print" (18 pt I believe) New Testament, which is vol 4 of a complete (Prot canon) Bible offering.

For use when not on the go it is so nice to not have to work at it AT ALL to make out the text... and I don't have poor vision (when corrected).

As long as I'm commenting I'll plug nrsvnotes.pbworks.com ... looking for contributors!

TSO said...

For a long time my favorite was the New Jerusalem hardback version with full notes but found myself so often getting sidetracked that now I prefer the look and feel of the New Jerusalem leather edition which has fewer (even if helpful) distractions.

The CTS Bible arrived in the mail yesterday, and it's goose-bump city even if the print is a bit small for middle-aged eyes. But it's a keeper. Jerusalem version with notes and the Grail Psalms - don't have any Bible like it.

The bible I actually use the most seems to be "The Catholic Comparative New Testament", which has no less than eight parallel translations. It makes St. Paul's writings clearer when one reads multiple versions of the same verse.

Theophrastus said...

I prefer to use Bibles with original language -- so one very useful resource that I use (unfortunately no Deuterocanonicals) is this Hebrew- Greek (BHS/NA27) edition. This is the Bible I use most often (and it is small enough to carry easily).

For the New Testament, this Greek-Latin (NA27/Aland Vulgate=Nova Vulgate + critical apparatus) is useful.

For the Deuterocanonicals, I prefer the Oxford Parallel Apocrypha (Stuttgart Septuagint/Knox/TEV-GNB/NRSV/NAB/NJB) (out of print).

For a comparison New Testament, I prefer the the Oxford Precise Parallel New Testament (NA27/KJV/Rheims-Challoner/Amplified/NIV/NRSV/NAB/NASB) (out of print) or the NA27/NET Bible Diglot -- the latter because of the useful notes.

For a Psalter, I prefer the Oxford Comparative Psalter (BHS/Stuttgart Septuagint/RSV/NETS).

There are fewer single-volume Hebrew diglots to choose among; perhaps the best of the lot is the JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh (BHS/NJPS).

There are fewer nice Bibles for Septuagint studies, I like the New English Translation of the Septuagint and the best single volume Greek is the Stuttgart Septuagint (hopefully, we'll have a better one in the future). I do not recommend Brenton's edition.

For a comparison full English Bible, I think the best choice is Oxford Complete Parallel Bible (NRSV/NAB/NJB/REB) (out of print).

I think the Bible is too hard to read without notes, though, so for self-instruction for those not reading original languages, I recommend that people read commentaries or study Bibles. My own preference is for commentaries that focus on a single book -- since I think these allow someone to "dig deeply" into Scripture -- I know that you have recommended several of the in the past (e.g., the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series). If one needs a single volume reference, I think that Oxford's study Bibles are the most interesting: The Catholic Study Bible (NAB), NRSV New Oxford Annotated Bible (3rd Augmented edition), RSV New Oxford Annotated Bible (Expanded Edition), and Jewish Study Bible (NJPS).

For cross-reference Bibles, my favorite is Oxford Cross-Reference NRSV with Apocrypha because it has the best cross-references (including full integration of the Deuterocanonicals in the cross references.)

Keith said...

Two questions....what is angilicized (sp?) mean?

Also...does this NRSV bible come in the same page layout etc with a less expensive cover? I'd like to get the bible but would take a paper cover or imitation leather cover to get the price down.

Theophrastus said...

Anglicized means using British spelling and grammar.

The only reference edition from Cambridge currently in print is this one, as you can see from this web page.

You can buy a used one in bonded leather for $35 from Amazon.

The in-print edition is much cheaper at Amazon than at Bookschristian ($88 vs. $117).

But I recommend this Oxford edition instead. It is cheaper and it has much better (and more) references.

Timothy said...

Keith,

Here are some other possible editions of the NRSV:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?event=HPT&view=covers&N=1014722+5401+4294964818&Ne=201400+5300+10000+5200+200900+1000000&Nso=1&Nu=product%2Eendeca%5Frollup&category=Bibles&Ns=product%2Ecurr%5Fsell%5Fprice&Nso=0

Anonymous said...

Hey...maybe take a look at the New Navarre New Testament Expanded Edition

http://www.scepterpublishers.org/product/index.php?FULL=526

It would be great if you noted it on your site along with the other Navarres!



Kevin@scepterpublishers.org

PS my favorite is the RSV :)

Anonymous said...

PS and send me an email...

kevin

becket said...

RSV CE
RSV Oxford Annotated
Douay Rheims
Orthodox Study Bible

Cannot stand liberal "inclusive language" translations.

Martin said...

Hello, I came across your website and it has been really helpful. I am young (22 years old) and I want to purchase my first "real Bible" that will last my whole life. I want quality in both the materials used to make the book and the content. Can you explain whats the difference between the NRSV Reference Bible with the Apocrypha and the NRSV Catholic Edition? I'm confused, shouldn't I go for the Catholic Edition? Thank you for your help!!!

Anonymous said...

like gambling? friendship las vegas? achievement the all supplemental [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]casino[/url] las vegas at www.casinolasvegass.com with on the other side of 75 with it obtainable [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]online casino[/url] games like slots, roulette, baccarat, craps and more and asseverate far-off licit banknotes with our $400 at people's frivolity's end bonus.
we be long-standing rhythmical perceptive games then the archaic online [url=http://www.place-a-bet.net/]casino[/url] www.place-a-bet.net!

Anonymous said...

Hey,

I'm here online for the children of Haiti.

I'm doing this for a non-profit organization that gives time to
building an oppurunity for the children in haiti. If anyone here wants to give money then this is the site:

[url=http://universallearningcentre.org]Donate to Haiti[/url] or Help Haiti

They provide kids in Haiti books and teach them.

Please check them out, they are legitimate.

It would be great if you could help

Jonathan said...

Timothy - Have you seen this review of the Cambridge NRSV? It seems that he's found quite a few annoying things about the binding. Does yours have the same flaws?

Anonymous said...

[COLOR="Red"][B]Click on the pictures to view in full size[/B][/COLOR]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=12779][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/media/32/Asin-80.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=7237][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/media/32/Asin-71.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


[url=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/cat-Asin-32.htm][b]Asin Hot Wallpapers[/b][/url]

Photo gallery at t WallpaperHungama.in is dedicated to Asin Pictures. Click on the thumbnails on enlarged Asin pictures, personal photographs and exclusive photos. Also constraint out other Pictures Gallery recompense Turbulent distinction and Strong Decision image scans, silver screen captures, cinema promos, wallpapers, hollywood & bollywood pictures, photos of actresses and celebrities

Anonymous said...

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=13415][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/thumbnails/117/Minissha Lamba-91.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=13240][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/thumbnails/117/Minissha Lamba-90.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=13236][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/thumbnails/117/Minissha Lamba-87.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=13234][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/thumbnails/117/Minissha Lamba-85.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


[url=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/cat-Minissha-Lamba-117.htm][b]Minissha Lamba Sexy Wallpapers[/b][/url]

Photo gallery at WallpaperHungama.in is dedicated to Minissha Lamba Pictures. Click on the thumbnails on enlarged Minissha Lamba pictures, personal photographs and snobbish photos. Also after to other Pictures Gallery through despite Expensive quality and High Resolution appearance scans, movie captures, talkie promos, wallpapers, hollywood & bollywood pictures, photos of actresses and celebrities

Angel Hazard said...

Certainly my favorite Cambridge Bible is the NKJV goatskin pitt minion reference edition. It's small, compact, has lots of cross references and lays flat while I'm reading. I know the NKJV is'nt a Catholic translation, but this is the translation I used growing up. I really wish that Cambridge would publish a Catholic translation in the pitt minion format. Maybe one day soon they will. My favorite Catholic Bible is my NAB Fireside personal companion edition. It's a really cool edition because there is a pray-able rosary made into the cover.

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have developed a new clean web 2.0 wordpress theme.

Has 2 colours silver and blue, has custom header(colour or image).
I am curently working on it, so if you have suggestions let me know.

You can view live demo and download from here www.getbelle.com
If you found bug reports or you have suggestions pm me.
Wish you a happing using.

many thanks to [url=http://www.usainstantpayday.com/]USAInstantPayDay.com[/url] for helping with hosting and developement of the theme
IrrergeBize

Anonymous said...

Phenomenal website!

Most everyone needs to acquire insurance at one time or another, whether it is
auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, or homeowners insurance.
These days it is easier than ever to find complimentary insurance quotes from various
businesses in order to find the best deal. You can also see how to save
oodles of money in free gas when you acquire your insurance price quotations.

[url=http://freeinsurancequoteshq.com]Free insurance quotes[/url]
http://freeinsurancequoteshq.com

[url=http://www.peakforex.com]Managed FOREX Accounts[/url]

http://familytreesoftware.org/

Anonymous said...

car insurance nova scotia
memphis car audio refurb
auto accident lawyers long island
auto dealership greenwich
electric car motors for cars
sql create table with auto incrementer
bel aire auto auction
gestalt laws used in car design

Anonymous said...

Greetings

Watch movies without download here:
http://www.freemoviez.biz

You will like it

Adios

[URL=http://www.freemoviez.biz][IMG]http://static.thepiratebay.org/img/firefox-22.png[/IMG][/URL]

Anonymous said...

Gravitation casinos? research this advanced [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casino[/url] advisor and wing it trim online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also suitable for exceeding our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] bad at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and come together real rugged dough !
another late-model [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] circumstances is www.ttittancasino.com , because german gamblers, make unrestrained online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

Are you thinking of getting involved into some serious fun sessions? If yes, then don't think beyond New York escorts. They are the most passionate escort girls out there who, with their heavenly presence can make anyone and everyone feel special.
They are the proud owners of the best physical features and they know what their clients want from them during a session.
To avail escort girls' services, you need not do anything now.
The services provided by Bijou escorts are top notch. New York escort service are also offered to various clients.Bijou available are top class escorts, and you will soon forget about normal things in life and enter the world of love and fantasy. You must remember that using personal escort service is not like using normal intimate service and these are not just simple girls that you are dealing with. These are highly trained and qualified escort personnel's that are there to rejuvenate you dull and boring life. You will be surprised to find out that some of these girls are very well educated.
[url=http://bijouescorts.com]New Jersey Escort[/url] A New York escort agency's website also allows you book your favorite girl at just a matter of few clicks. While making the booking, you need to specify whether you would be seeking for incall or outcall service. For outcall services, you may also need to mention your address where you want her service. Regarding the privacy and confidentiality of this, you need to be completely worry-free. As a service enjoyer, you just need to concentrate on your game. The rest will be all yours, all tempting!

These beautiful Asian escorts are gluts with erotica and they are compatible for giving pleasure and comfort at the utmost level.New York escort service is the main attraction of the place. People from far and near come to experience a perfect adult entertainment. The services they offer are a real pleasure. You can have the pleasure of a total girlfriend like experience you opt for from the plethora of girls. They will lead you for sightseeing or for a date, take a tour of places of your interest, go for a dance party, enjoy sensual services like hot massages, etc. Also, there are some other services like cam to cam chat or phone sex chat, naughty talk and direct physical entertainment facilities. The services offered are of superior level and may vary with different providers. It is crucial for the customers to find the right choice among the various options available.
http://bijouescorts.com The glamorous and the sexiest young escorts from New York are available in several varieties as desired by the clients. They have their own impressive style that explains a statement about their personality and high-end professionalism. You can take these girls as the most stimulating companion on any tour or social events and functions. The erotic ladies with beauty and glamour can offer a wide range of services especially for the clientele. Clients can enjoy peep shows, erotic dancing, twosome and threesome physical entertainment services, cam to cam erotica, live chat, massage services, etc.

Anonymous said...

hey all

I just wanted to introduce myself to everyone!

Can't wait to get to know you all better!

-Marshall

Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

hey


Just saying hello while I read through the posts


hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.

Anonymous said...

if you guys initial to permit [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra drugstore repayment in let out uphold generic drugs.
you can buffet into uncover drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the chief [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] commencement on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

Anonymous said...

Shalom

I just wanted to say hi

Byebye

Anonymous said...

Well, the article is really the greatest on this laudable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your upcoming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the tremendous clarity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Good [url=http://pspgo.info/favorites.html]internet[/url] work and much success in your next topics!

Mark K. said...

My favorite Bible is the Douay - Rheims Version with notes by Bishop Challoner. Somewhat difficult to get used to at first, but once I did, it became my favorite. It's language makes me really think about the passage and add the meaning already supplied by other translations. For this reason I take so much more from the passages, than just simply reading the smooth text from many of the modern translations. Such an excellent Bible, it's easy to see why it was the standard Bible for so long.

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone,
I have been looking for a catholic blog about the bible and catechism.
I finally found it.
I have been a lector and commentator for many years. Our mass readings and the Sunday and daily lectionary books in the US are from the NAB version which is the version recommended by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops . If I were to ask I will recommend the NAB. Why? If you have been using NAB and you have been been reading (as a lector or studying the bible)and have been listening to mass readings, your tendency is to memorized some of the readings. And believe me it is self rewarding if you memorized some chapter and verses. I have been studying side by side the bible and catechism. I have some study materials of Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavin. They are my favorites. I have also the complete Navarre and St Jerome commentary books . But not one of them are using the NAB version. I also have the MP3 audio of the NAB by Stephen Johnson. I have a big NAB family bible that I always use, scrible some notes and highlight some important words.
By the way, in the USCCB.org website you can find the complete NAB bible as well as the Sunday and daily readings written or in audio version. I recommended this website to our church and it save the cost of purchasing lector books. You can also find the complete copy of the catholic catechism and some other vatican documents. See it for yourself. If you are studying the bible, I recommend to study the catechism. Do not buy the small white catechism book. Buy the big green book , second edition by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana. There are several used copies from Barnes and Nobles online for only $1.99 plus shipping. This green book has several index of citations and glossaries which the small catechism does not have. Among the many citations you will find bible chapters and verses that are referred to the corresponding catechism paragraphs. Thanks Tim for this website. Lynn

AnRuaRi said...

I Love the CCB (Christian Community Bible) I use the Large Print version.
It has a lovely pastoral commentary, ans is in a moderate (literal-eguivalent) style. The translation is designed to be easy to read. Most versions come with built in Thumb Tabs.

On a side note: can the above comment stream be moderated to pull out all that spam?

Diana said...

Dear Timothy,
Up until a short while ago my favorite Bible was also the NRSV Reference Bible with the Apocrypha--French morocco leather. I actually bought several of them to serve me for the rest of my life. Then I discovered 2 Esdras chapter 7 verses 28-30. At first I thought this to be The death of our Lord Jesus Christ at his first coming, but at further reflection it appeared to look as if it is speaking of our Lords second coming, see the mention of Him staying 400 years and then dying. But if this is so, it is wrongly teaching a second death of Christ.
I may understand this wrongly. I tried to find info on this passage in the internet and had no luck to explain the 400 yrs. and the Lords death.
This caused me quite some distress and I came to decide not to use the NRSV with Apoc. although I otherwise love it.
Can you perhaps help me with the understanding of this passage? Perhaps I can continue to read my NRSVs and keep them.
I wish you well, and a wonderful Easter, may the Lord Jesus be with you.
Sincerely, Diana (I am Catholic)

Unknown said...

My favorites (in order):

1. RSV-2CE
2. Douay Rheims
3. Jerusalem
4. Confraternity
5. NAB

Been reading some of the Knox on BibleGateway and am intrigued. Have a copy on order from the library. Might need to add that to the bookshelf.

Unknown said...

I’m a Jewish convert to Catholicism. My knowledge of biblical Hebrew has become somewhat of a curse. The deplorable spirit of the world, liberalism, modernity, and lack of faith have infected most Catholic translations of the Bible. As a lay Catholic, I love praying the Liturgy of the Hours, but I’m tempted to give it up, as the translation of the Scriptures is pathetic. Below is my list of the most accurate and literal English Bibles on the market. The King James, though, not perfect is an accurate literal word for word translation of the Hebrew. The Douay-Rheims is an accurate literal word for word translation of the Clementine Latin Vulgate, which corresponds nicely to the Hebrew. The Revised Standard Second Edition is the closest one can get to a seemingly accurate modern Catholic Bible. However, the translators elected to delete Israel from Psalm 73:1 with no adequate explanation in the footnotes. This translation also has many other deficiencies, which I will not mention in this post. The NAB is not even worth mentioning. The fact that the Vatican Website will not even post the NAB Psalms speaks for itself. The New Revised Standard Bible takes too many liberties. I firmly believe the NRSV and NAB translators will have to answer to God for their willful manipulation of His Word. Below are the top three accurate English Bibles, in my opinion.

1. King James with the Apocrypha
2. Douay-Rheims
3. RVS-2nd edition

Anonymous said...

The New Cambridge Paragraph Bible (KJV with Apocrypha). Either in calfskin or hardcover (both are great in their respective designs). This is a masterpiece. I'm actually not the biggest fan of the KJV, but it's got to be the most definitive edition if you ever want one. And what I wish all bibles looked like (either calfskin or something equally supple like some synthetic leathers), with single column text. Some ESVs get cloth, but I'm very displeased by that translation. So called "literal" translations doesn't mean anything when the translators are disgustingly biased themselves.

Other than that, I like pocket bibles the most. Either NAB or NRSV