All Bibles are not the same. The Catholic Bible contains seven books of the Old Testament which are not found in Protestant Bibles. These books include:

• Judith
• Wisdom
• Tobit
• Sirach
• Baruch
• 1 and 2 Macabees
• Portions of Esther
• Portions of Daniel

These books are sometimes referred to as the "Apocrypha" by Protestants or the "Deuterocanonical" books meaning "also canonical" by Catholics.

Bible History

During the early centuries of the Church there was plenty of debate and discussion about which books actually were authentic and inspired Sacred Scripture. The early Church councils of Hippo (393) and of Carthage (397) both declared that the books currently contained in the Catholic Bible (the canon of Sacred Scripture) were the inspired Word of God and belonged in the Bible.

During the Reformation, Martin Luther and other Protestant leaders removed these books from the Bible. Luther even argued that the Letter of St. James and the Book of Revelation (The Apocalypse) should be removed from the Bible! The Council of Trent in 1546 reaffirmed what the councils of Hippo and Carthage had proclaimed over 1000 years earlier: that the texts found in the Catholic Bible are all the authentic Word of God and comprise the complete canon of Sacred Scripture.

Catholic Bible Translations

There are several different English translations available for the Catholic Bible. The primary ones include:

• Douay Rheims - This is the oldest English translation available and is frequently compared with the King James version because of its use of "Thee", "Thou" and other older forms of words. This translation is considered highly accurate but can be more difficult to read for some people.
• Revised Standard (RSV) - This was a joint translation project between American Protestants and Catholics with the Catholic Church completing the translation of the Apocrypha. This translation is considered the most accurate modern translation but still contains "Thee" and "Thou" when referring to God. This translation along with the New American Bible was approved for liturgical use in the United States.
• Revised Standard 2nd Edition - This version is almost identical to the regular Revised Standard but updates the language by getting rid of "Thee" and "Thou".
• New American Bible (NAB) - This version is the most common American translation. It was written for an eighth grade reading level and contains the most "modern" language of the primary Catholic translations. The New American Bible is available in more versions than any other Catholic Bible.
• Jerusalem Bible - The Jerusalem Bible, completed in 1966, is very similar to

This edition is perfect for anyone needing a straightforward text of the New American Bible, whether for reading or personal devotions. It includes a presentation section, prayers and devotions of the Church, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation ( Dei Verbum ), a select NAB concordance, an essay on using the lectionary, and weekday and Sunday lectionary readings. Translators' notes …

This edition is perfect for anyone needing a straightforward text of the New American Bible, whether for reading or personal devotions. It includes a presentation section, prayers and devotions of the Church, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation ( Dei Verbum ), a select NAB concordance, an essay on using the lectionary, and weekday and Sunday lectionary readings. Translators' notes …

This edition is perfect for anyone needing a straightforward text of the New American Bible, whether for reading or personal devotions. It includes a presentation section, prayers and devotions of the Church, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation ( Dei Verbum ), a select NAB concordance, an essay on using the lectionary, and weekday and Sunday lectionary readings. Translators' notes …

This new, popular size New American Bible, raises its high-quality standards even further as it offers more beautiful and elegant features. Supple material, blind embossing, foil stamping, precise stitching, and decorative gilding combine to provide an exquisite and unique package for the Word of God. The distinctive features of the St. Joseph Editions, including 8 new full-color maps and …

This new, popular size New American Bible, raises its high-quality standards even further as it offers more beautiful and elegant features. Supple material, blind embossing, foil stamping, precise stitching, and decorative gilding combine to provide an exquisite and unique package for the Word of God. The distinctive features of the St. Joseph Editions, including 8 new full-color maps and …

This new, popular size New American Bible, raises its high-quality standards even further as it offers more beautiful and elegant features. Supple material, blind embossing, foil stamping, precise stitching, and decorative gilding combine to provide an exquisite and unique package for the Word of God. The distinctive features of the St. Joseph Editions, including 8 new full-color maps and …

This new, popular size New American Bible, raises its high-quality standards even further as it offers more beautiful and elegant features. Supple material, blind embossing, foil stamping, precise stitching, and decorative gilding combine to provide an exquisite and unique package for the Word of God. The distinctive features of the St. Joseph Editions, including 8 new full-color maps and …

For the faithful in al English-speaking countries the publication of The New American Bible represents a notable achievement.  Its pages contain a new Catholic version of the Bible in English, along with illustrations and explanations that facilitate the uderstanding of the text. This is a simple and handy paperback edition.

Description:   This compact edition of the New American Bible measures 4-1/2" x 6-1/8" and features: • The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum) • Six-page section of familiar Catholic prayers • Essay on using the Lectionary • Table of Weekday and Sunday Lectionary readings • Table of Weights and Measures in the Bible All footnotes appear at the end of chapters …

This Bible features: Beautifully Illustrated Family Record Section Large Easy-To-Read 10 point typeface All Footnotes and Cross-References Keyed in Text Over 30 Self-Explaining Maps in Context Over 70 Living Photographs Historical Survey of the Lands of the Bible How to Read the Bible Vatican II Constitution on Divine Revelation Doctrinal Bible Index Handy Bible Dictionary Liturgical Index of …

Magnificent edition of the New American Bible that features the largest type of any Catholic Bible in a comparable size. The focus is placed on the text, which is arranged for easy reading. Special Features: •  Large, Easy-to-Read 10 pt. Type •  Notes at the End of Each Book •  Vatican II Constitution on Divine Revelation •  Presentation Page …

This white imitation leather gift bible comes with a variety of features.  Some of these include: Beautifully illustrated family record section Large, easy to read typeface All footnotes and cross-references keyed in text Over 30 self-explaining maps in context Over 70 living photographs Historical survey of the lands of the Bible How to read the Bible Vatican II Constitution, on Divine …

A word-for-word recording of the popular New American Bible Digitally recorded and mastered in stereo for the ultimate in listening enjoyment Packaged in an attractive padded case with a zippered closure for protection and convenience Limited Lifetime warranty assures you of a lifetime of listening enjoyment Perfect for the caar, in your home or on the run Narrated by Eric Martin

Here is one of the most popular study editions available.  Complete notes and references, self-explaining maps, a handy study guide and over 30 photographs.  Ideal for schools and study clubs. Special Features Complete text of the New Testament of the "New American Bible" - Includes entire text and footnotes as well as cross references which are so necessary for …

The New Catholic Answer Bible now has double the number of answers to questions about Catholic beliefs, practices, and their foundation in Scripture. The New Catholic Answer Bible is still the right choice for those who want to: Learn more about the Catholic Faith Increase their knowledge of Scripture and deepen their appreciation for it Better respond when others ask them about the Catholic …

Over 100 Catholic Bible Stories for Boys and Girls written in simple, clear language that is easy to understand. Imprimatur: Joseph T. O'Keefe - Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York.

The New Jerome Bibical Commentary Since its publication in 1968, The Jerome Biblical Commentary has been regarded as the best concise historical-critical method commentary in English on the Bible, with 200,000 copies in print. Two decades later, this new 2nd edition reflects all the advances in biblical scholarship of the last quarter-century. Illustrated. This text is a compact commentary on …

The New Jerusalem Bible is the most popular English-language Catholic Bible in the world, outside the U.S.A. This edition features: Black Bonded Leather Cover, in Slipcase Imitation Leather Lining Ribbon Marker Gilt Page Edges and Blocking Attractive Two-column Page Design NJB Translator's Footnotes Throughout.

The New Jerusalem Bible is the most popular English-language Catholic Bible in the world, outside the U.S.A.

This is a fresh, new translation of the entire New Testament (the Four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Letters of St. Paul, the Catholic Letters, the Letter to the Hebrews and the Book of Revelation) in modern, vernacular English from the original Greek. Approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, this edition of the Word of God is eminently suited for personal spiritual …