The new jerusalem bible
The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) is a Catholic Bible translation that was first published in 1985. It is a revision of the Jerusalem Bible (JB), which was published in 1966. The NJB is considered one of the most popular and widely used Catholic Bible translations in the English-speaking world.
Here are some key features of the New Jerusalem Bible:
- Translation philosophy: The NJB is a formal equivalence translation, which means that it aims to convey the literal meaning of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translators sought to preserve the nuances of the original languages, while still making the text readable and understandable to modern English speakers.
- Inclusive language: The NJB uses inclusive language, which means that it avoids masculine pronouns and other language that might be perceived as exclusive or discriminatory. This approach reflects the Catholic Church's emphasis on the importance of inclusivity and respect for all people.
- Footnotes and introductions: The NJB includes extensive footnotes and introductions that provide historical, cultural, and theological context for each book of the Bible. These notes help readers understand the background and significance of the text.
- Apocryphal books: The NJB includes the Deuterocanonical books, also known as the Apocrypha, which are considered part of the Catholic Bible but not part of the Protestant Bible. These books include Tobit, Judith, Additions to Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus (also known as Sirach), Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees.
- Style and tone: The NJB is written in a clear and readable style, with a tone that is both scholarly and accessible. The translators aimed to create a translation that would be suitable for both academic study and devotional reading.
Some of the strengths of the New Jerusalem Bible include:
- Its formal equivalence approach, which preserves the nuances of the original languages
- Its inclusive language, which reflects the Catholic Church's emphasis on inclusivity and respect for all people
- Its extensive footnotes and introductions, which provide valuable context and background information
- Its readability and accessibility, making it suitable for both academic study and devotional reading
However, some critics have noted that the NJB's translation philosophy can sometimes result in a more literal translation that may not always convey the intended meaning or nuance of the original text. Additionally, some readers may find the NJB's language and style to be less engaging or less poetic than other translations.
Overall, the New Jerusalem Bible is a highly respected and widely used Catholic Bible translation that offers a reliable and accessible way to engage with the Scriptures.