For those new to the Bible, choosing a translation can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of English versions, each with its own style, vocabulary, and approach to the original languages. Which one should you choose?
The good news is that the Church—East and West—has long affirmed that many translations can faithfully convey the Word of God, provided they are accurate, complete, and interpreted within the mind of the Church.
Below are several recommended translations, grouped by language style, with notes on their background and character. These are all suitable for personal reading, prayer, and study. There are, of course, many other translations you might choose. And some of the details (such as the text basis of the Old and New Testaments) might be unnecessary for the new reader. Perhaps these readers might just choose based upon the style.
Modern Language Translations
Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE)
A beloved and balanced translation, the RSV-2CE maintains dignified English while using clear, accessible language. It is closely based on the traditional RSV, with revisions to conform to Catholic usage (including restored "sacred" vocabulary). It includes the full canon of Scripture and is widely used in Catholic study materials, as well as liturgical texts in the Ordinariate.
🟢 Old Testament Base: Primarily Masoretic with Septuagint comparisons
🟢 New Testament Base: Revised from the 1946 RSV NT (originally based on Nestle-Aland 17/21)
🟢 Style: Formal equivalence (word-for-word), clear, literary
Read RSV-CE at BibleGateway (this is the first edition with traditional language, the second edition is not available online)
Orthodox Study Bible (OSB)
This edition features the Old Testament translated from the Septuagint, which is the version traditionally used by the Eastern Churches. The New Testament is based on the New King James Version (NKJV), which reflects the Byzantine text-type through the Textus Receptus. It is currently the most accessible English Bible aligned with Eastern / Byzantine Christian tradition. Includes commentary and liturgical notes.
🟢 Old Testament Base: Septuagint (Rahlfs)
🟢 New Testament Base: Textus Receptus (via NKJV) with updates to the Received Greek New Testament
🟢 Style: Moderately traditional language, devotional tone
Order the OSB at Ancient Faith Store
New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
This is the official English translation for the United States published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It features modern language and includes extensive notes for historical and theological context. While the translation is readable and academically grounded, some may find the style less poetic. Some Eastern Catholics also use this or an earlier version of this Bible in thier lectionary.
🟢 Old Testament Base: Masoretic Text with some Septuagint influence
🟢 New Testament Base: Nestle-Aland (critical Greek text, Alexandrian type)
🟢 Style: Dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought), scholarly, pastoral
Read NABRE at USCCB
English Standard Version – Catholic Edition (ESV-CE)
A recent Catholic adaptation of the ESV, known for its elegant, modern prose and clarity. This version includes the full Catholic canon, though the Old Testament is translated from the Masoretic Text. The New Testament closely follows the Nestle-Aland 27th edition. It is growing in popularity for Bible study and personal devotion.
🟢 Old Testament Base: Masoretic Text with some Septuagint influence where necessary
🟢 New Testament Base: Nestle-Aland 27 (via RSV & ESV revisions)
🟢 Style: Formal equivalence, smooth and precise English
Read ESV at esv.org (Catholic edition not available online)
Traditional or “Elevated” English Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The traditional English Catholic Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate. Its language is stately, poetic, and rooted in the same Elizabethan English style as the King James Version. It remains a favorite for those who love traditional forms of prayer and older liturgical expressions.
🟢 Old Testament Base: Latin Vulgate (derived from LXX and early Hebrew texts)
🟢 New Testament Base: Latin Vulgate (informed by older Greek manuscripts)
🟢 Style: Elevated, reverent, literary
Read Douay-Rheims at DRBO.org
Brenton’s Septuagint (Old Testament only)
This is the classic 19th-century English translation of the Greek Septuagint. It’s especially valued by those who want to study the Old Testament as it was received by the early Church and quoted in the New Testament. While the English is dated, it remains useful for comparison and deeper study.
🟢 Old Testament Base: Septuagint
🟢 New Testament: Not included
🟢 Style: 19th-century formal English, academic tone
Read Brenton's LXX at Elpenor
Final Advice
Choose a Bible you will actually read. If you are more drawn to poetic, traditional English, choose a translation that resonates with that voice. If you prefer clarity and accessibility, begin with a modern-language edition. Each of these recommended translations is trustworthy, faithful to the Church’s tradition, and suitable for prayerful reading.
Consider reading the Gospels first—especially Luke or John—and return often to the Psalms. The most important step is not finding the “perfect” Bible, but opening it with faith, reverence, and a desire to meet the living God.
If you desire to read the Holy Scriptures together with the larger Church, consider following the Byzantine Lectionary. Or there are numerous online resources you can utilize, such as the popular "The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" from Ascension Press (also available from all major podcasters).
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
—Psalm 119:105
Start over: Part 1 – What Is the Bible? →