www.byzcath.org

I�m looking at the various Bibles on my bookshelf. The KJV edition I have does not specify the translation style, but a number of web articles comparing translations state that it is a �word-for-word� translation and not a �dynamic equivalent� translation. �Word for word� is also called �formal equivalence� and �complete equivalence�.

The NKJV Bible (1982) I have indicates that �Dynamic equivalence, a recent procedure in bible translation, commonly results in paraphrasing where a more literal rendering is needed to reflect specific and vital sense�. It references the KJV as being done with �complete equivalence� (word-for-word). Sounds like the idea of "dynamic equivalence" didn't exist in A.D. 1611.

As if on cue, the copy of the ESV I ordered was on my doorstep when I arrived home this evening. I just spent an hour reading the first several chapters of Genesis, the psalms from the Divine Services that came to mind, and several chapters of Luke. I am very impressed with it, it reads very easily (but then I use the RSV on a daily basis and it is an update to the RSV so I�m bound to like it). I noticed again that in many of his publications Msgr. Levkulic used the RSV. The verses that are so familiar from his editions of the liturgical books jump out at you.

I agree with Bob, in the Roman(Latin) Rite the majority of the current ICEL translations are far from the Latin, a 40 year or so glich...if one is interested in comparisons you can read them at

http://www.wdtprs.com/blog/

(what does the prayer really say)

by Fr. Z moderator of the catholic forum @ catholic.org

james

The RSV Bible with Apocrypha was published with the Imprimatur of Richard Cardinal Cushing, and was used for a lectionary for the Novus Ordo in the early seventies, so there is no reason to believe that it cannot be used now. There are two editions of the RSV Gospel Book in print: one from the Antiochian Archdiocese (English only) and one from the Greek Archdiocese (English and Greek on facing pages).

Incognitus

Dear Administrator,

And to think this entire situation could be avoided if we used the Slavonic Bible . . .

Alex

Dear Admin:

What is the difference between the RSV-CE and the new ESV?

incognitus:

I think that this lectionary has been suppressed for the moment so that there would be uniformity with the provisional one.

BOB

The ESV is an update to the RSV. It appears they went back and retranslated everything to verify the RSV but kept the words of the RSV, updating only the archaic forms of English to bring it current. They also state that they used better manuscripts than the earlier versions. My uneducated and highly personal opinion based upon selected reading is that is as familiar and easy reading as the RSV but is immediately understandable (which was sometimes not the case with the RSV).

There is no ESV-CE (Catholic edition) and the website doesn�t discuss it. Those interested can find lots of information on this translation at www.esv.org. [esv.org.]

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Regarding the possibility of using the RSV lectionary in the RC Church, Bob is right. Rome had requested that countries be uniform in using only one version of the Scriptures in the lectionary, so the USCCB banned the use of the RSV-CE at Mass in favor of the updated version of the NAB. That move remains controversial and many are hoping they will again allow the RSV-CE to be used.

I use a couple of RSV versions for reading...in fact I'm purchasing a couple of brevaries that originated in the UK...a might better than what is produced state side...

You would think Rome would insist on the RSV for the lectionary since it is the base text for the CCC...but that would be too neat and simple.

EWTN does not sell or promote the NAB...

james

The Latin Church also has lectionaries from the RSV-CE and the Jerusalem Bible, although in the US they can't be used at he moment. In Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Paksitan, South Africa the Jerusalem Bible is the text of the Lectionary. India also has the RSV-CE. Canada has submitted a revision of the NRSV for recognition.

Archbishop Jospeh Raya and Baron Jose DeVinck also made their own translation of the Gospel and Epistle books and these are available from Alleluia Press.

Just publishes for those who wish to compare texts:
The Catholic Comparative New Testament: Rheims New Testament / New American Bible / Revised Standard Version / New Revised Standard Version / Jerusalem Bible / New Jerusalem Bible / Good News

Fixed Link [amazon.com]

and for crying out loud, people, READ THE BIBLE regardless of translation. Catholics have a terrible track record when it comes to daily or even weekly Scripture reading. you would be as appalled as I when you learn from as many Catholics as I have who think the Bible is some magic juju only the Priest is allowed to read, or at least you can leave with that impression after talking with them. oh, truth be known, many evangelical and even fundamentalist Protestants have a lot of repenting to do when it comes to Scripture reading. how often do I have to tell them something in Scripture and they look at me like the dinosaur in Jurassic Park when the computer nerd tries to play fetch with it. they seem to know a lot of verses on how to get saved, how God hates gays, and how women should know their place short of donning a burka and hieing to the seraglio. oh, they alos know the grotesquely taken out of context verse of how you are not to call anyone 'father" (they misuse it to talk about how we address our Priests, but so it goes). thus the real issue here is not so much the translation, as it is to read the written Word of God from cover to cover, and to make a commitment to do so daily. oh, when I was at UT Chattanooga, when one campus ministry or another coveted my presence at Bible Trivia games. it was fun whipping Baptist, Presbyterian or Church of Christ hiney at the game.and this coming from a Catholic who is not "supposed to read the Bible", as opposed to people who do the "B-i-b-l-e" thingy.
Much Love,
Jonn

Dear John,

That's right - if the King James Version was good enough for St Paul, it should be good enough for everyone!

Alex

does that include you as well?

I think we are forgetting one aspect of Catholic Belief about the inspiration and inerrancy of the Sacred Scriptures. ("in all there words and all their parts) Although there are some who may not like the word man or mankind, they were revealed for a reason! The Sacred Scriptures like the words of the Creed are not up for grabs to translate them like we want or what suits our agenda but they are to be translated as faithfully and accurately as possible.
Just my opinion.

Stephanos I

I have a Roman Catholic "lectionary" containing all the readings (Epistles & Gospels; 3 year cycle) used at Roman Mass, published in London, using the RSV. If the Roman Catholics can use that translation, I suppose it follows that it is o.k. for the Byzantine Catholics too?

the unworthy,
Elias

My smallish RSV CE is my constant companion, I don't leave the house without it...well 95% of the time that is...the other 5% is a senior discount

james