Jerusalem bible vs new jerusalem bible

The Jerusalem Bible (JB) and the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) are both Catholic translations of the Bible, but they differ in their translation style, accuracy, and theological tone.

The Jerusalem Bible (1966)

The Jerusalem Bible was the first Catholic translation of the Bible into English, commissioned by the French biblical scholar Abbé Pierre. It was translated from the original languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic) and aimed to provide a more literal and accurate rendering of the text. The JB was known for its formal equivalence approach, which sought to preserve the original wording and syntax of the biblical texts.

The New Jerusalem Bible (1985)

The New Jerusalem Bible was a revision of the original Jerusalem Bible, undertaken by a team of Catholic scholars and translators. The NJB aimed to update the language and style of the original translation while maintaining its accuracy and formal equivalence approach. The NJB also included additional features, such as:

  1. A more contemporary English translation.
  2. A revised introduction and notes.
  3. A new set of maps and illustrations.
  4. A more comprehensive index.

Key differences

  1. Language: The NJB uses more contemporary English, making it easier to understand for modern readers. The JB, while still clear, uses more formal and antiquated language.
  2. Translation style: Both translations aim for formal equivalence, but the NJB is more nuanced in its rendering of Hebrew and Greek idioms. The JB is more literal, which can result in awkward phrasing at times.
  3. Theological tone: The NJB is generally considered more ecumenical and less dogmatic than the JB, which was influenced by the Catholic Church's teachings and traditions.
  4. Inclusive language: The NJB uses more inclusive language, avoiding masculine pronouns and using gender-neutral language where possible. The JB uses more traditional language, which can be less inclusive.
  5. Additional features: The NJB includes more extensive introductions, notes, and indexes, making it a more comprehensive study Bible.

Conclusion

Both the Jerusalem Bible and the New Jerusalem Bible are reliable and accurate translations of the Catholic Bible. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and study goals. If you prefer a more formal, literal translation with a traditional tone, the JB might be the better choice. If you prefer a more contemporary, nuanced translation with additional study features, the NJB might be the better choice.