COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE SUBJECT OF:
BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
While the Church prefers the use of the original languages of the Bible, it is necessary that the laity be able to read and comprehend the Scriptures. Thus, faithful and decent translations of the original are recommended for the brethren in their own languages.
The Church can not endorse a particular translation, but we suggest that the following might be helpful to parishioners:
- Douay-Rheims Bible – A Catholic translation of the Latin Vulgate.
- Knox Bible – Translated from the Vulgate by Monsignor Ronald Knox
- New Jerusalem Bible – A Catholic translation of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts.
- Didache: Roberts-Donaldson, Charles Hoole, J.B. Lightfoot, and various others.
Translations that Should Not Be Used
The following is only a short list of translations that may not be read from the ambo or during any services or educational programs of the Church. It is also recommended that the laity not utilize these translations as they contain heresy and doctrinal bias of cults or sectarian groups.
- New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. (Denies the Divinity of our Lord.)
- Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. (Denies the Divinity of our Lord.)
- New European Version. (Denies the Divinity of our Lord.)
- Emphatic Diaglott (printed by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Denies the Divinity of our Lord.)
Questions
As stated, this is only a short list of translations. There are many good Bible versions that would be of benefit to brethren, but there are also many heretical translations. If you should have any questions about various translations, please direct them to your priest.
(January 25, 2023, Updated on February 9, 2023)