The NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition) and the DRA (Douay-Rheims American Edition) are both Catholic Bibles, but they were made roughly four centuries apart and with very different goals. The NABRE is a modern English translation built from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, written in plain contemporary English. The DRA is a revised version of the 1609 to 1610 Douay-Rheims, which was translated from the Latin Vulgate and keeps much of the older, more formal English. The NABRE suits readers who want clear modern wording for study, reading and liturgy, while the DRA suits those who value a traditional Catholic text and the familiar cadence of older English.
Background
The NABRE comes from the New American Bible project organized by the bishops of the United States. It was first published in 1970 and was revised in several stages, with the Revised Edition appearing in 2010 after new work on the Old Testament and the Psalms. The translation was produced by a large team of Catholic scholars, and the bishops’ conference approved it for use in the Lectionary for Mass, which is one reason it appears in many parish settings.
The DRA has a longer and more tangled history. The original Douay-Rheims was produced by English Catholic scholars working in exile, with the New Testament appearing at Rheims in 1582 and the Old Testament at Douai in 1609 and 1610. The American Edition revised that text in the twentieth century to update spelling, grammar and some wording while keeping its basic character. It remains a close reflection of the older English Catholic tradition.
Translation Method
The NABRE follows a largely thought-for-thought approach. Translators aimed to convey the meaning of each passage in natural English, so sentences are often rearranged to read smoothly. This makes the text easier to follow in a single reading, though it means the exact order of words in the original is not always preserved.
The DRA leans toward a more literal, word-by-word method, especially in its base text from the Latin Vulgate. Its phrasing follows the sentence structure of the source closely, which gives readers a sense of the original rhythm but can feel stiff or unfamiliar to people used to modern prose. Comparing the two side by side shows how a single idea can be carried in very different sentence shapes.
Reading Level and Style
The NABRE reads in contemporary American English and is generally comfortable for teenagers and adults with no prior background in older Bible language. Its vocabulary is straightforward, and its footnotes and introductions are written for ordinary parish readers as well as students. For most people beginning serious Bible reading, it is the easier of the two to start with.
The DRA carries the formal, archaic flavor of its English ancestry, with words and constructions that are less common today. Many readers find this beautiful and dignified, especially when reading aloud or in prayer, but it takes more effort to follow in detail. Its style asks you to slow down and attend to each phrase.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
Here the NABRE tends to state the image of the shepherd in direct, modern wording that a reader can grasp immediately. The DRA keeps closer to the older phrasing and sentence order, so the same line sounds more formal and carries a slightly different music. Both convey the same confident trust in God’s care, but one speaks in the everyday English of today while the other speaks in the English of an earlier Catholic tradition.
Who Should Use It
Choose the NABRE if you want a clear, current translation for personal reading, Bible study, or a group that meets regularly. Its notes and modern wording make it a practical everyday Bible, and it aligns with the readings used in Mass. Its limits are that it is a translation of meaning more than form, so some readers who want to study word choice closely may want a second text beside it.
Choose the DRA if you prefer the traditional English of the Catholic Douay tradition, or if you want to read in a register that feels prayerful and historic. Its close attention to the Vulgate makes it valuable for those interested in that textual heritage. Its limits are its older vocabulary and sentence patterns, which can slow down a first reading and may be harder for younger readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NABRE the same as the New American Bible?
The NABRE is the Revised Edition of the New American Bible, first published in 1970 and updated in later stages. It is the version most Catholic parishes in the United States use today. Earlier editions of the New American Bible are no longer the standard text.
Does the DRA use the Latin Vulgate?
Yes, the original Douay-Rheims was translated from the Latin Vulgate, and the DRA retains that tradition. This is why it can differ from modern translations that work primarily from the Hebrew and Greek. Its close link to the Vulgate is one of its main points of interest for readers.
Which should a beginner read first?
Most beginners find the NABRE easier, because its wording is modern and its notes are written for general readers. The DRA can be rewarding later, once you are comfortable with Scripture and want to read in a more traditional voice. Many people read both over time.
