The RSV and the NABRE are both English Bibles with roots in the Catholic and broader Christian tradition, but they were built for different purposes. The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is an older, more literal revision that many students and pastors use for close study of the wording. The New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) is the Bible used in the Catholic Church in the United States for Mass readings and the Liturgy of the Hours, and it leans toward clear, readable English. Choose the RSV if you want a word-level sense of the original text, and the NABRE if you want a dependable, modern reading that matches Catholic liturgy.
Background
The RSV appeared in 1952 as a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901, produced by a committee of mostly Protestant scholars working under the National Council of Churches. Its goal was to update an older English style while keeping the familiar cadence of the King James tradition. A Catholic edition, the RSV Catholic Edition, later added the deuterocanonical books, the additional books accepted in Catholic Bibles.
The NABRE is a revision of the New American Bible, first published in 1970 by Catholic scholars in the United States. The revised edition came out in stages and was completed in 2010, with its Old Testament updated in part to reflect newer scholarship and to improve the English of the Psalms and the prophets. Its translators worked under the authority of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which is why it is the version used in the American lectionary.
Translation Method
The RSV follows a fairly literal, formal-equivalence approach. It tries to keep the sentence structure and key terms of the Hebrew and Greek where English allows, so a reader can often see the grammar and word choices behind a passage. This makes it useful for comparing passages side by side, though the English can sometimes read as stiff.
The NABRE mixes approaches, aiming for accuracy while adjusting phrasing so that sentences flow naturally in English. In practice you will find more smooth, readable sentences and fewer literal oddities than in the RSV, which suits listening aloud and reading straight through. The trade-off is that a few word-level details may be smoothed away, so careful students often pair it with a more literal text.
Reading Level and Style
The RSV uses a traditional, slightly formal English. Its vocabulary is largely familiar, but its syntax reflects the older translation tradition, so readers new to Scripture may find some sentences slower to follow. Many older congregations feel at home with its tone because it resembles the Bibles of their youth.
The NABRE is written in contemporary English and generally reads more easily for a general audience. Its sentences tend to be shorter and more direct, and its notes are designed to help readers who are new to the Bible. The style works well for personal reading and for hearing the text proclaimed in church, though some readers miss the more distinctive rhythm of older English versions.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
Both translations keep the core image of God as a shepherd who provides for his flock, which is the heart of this psalm. The RSV tends to stay closer to the Hebrew word order and vocabulary, so the phrasing feels more formal and close to the original structure. The NABRE renders the line in smoother, more contemporary English, making the comfort of the image immediate for a reader hearing it for the first time. In both cases the meaning is the same: the Lord’s care is complete, and the psalmist speaks from that security.
Who Should Use It
Choose the RSV if you are studying the text closely, comparing passages with the original languages, or want a translation that has long been used in seminaries and academic settings. Its literal approach rewards slow reading, though it asks more patience from beginners. It is also a good choice for readers who already know the older English and prefer its sound.
Choose the NABRE if you want a clear, modern reading that fits Catholic worship and personal devotion. Its readability and close link to the American lectionary make it a practical everyday Bible, though readers who want maximum word-by-word fidelity may find it less precise than the RSV in places. Many people find that reading both side by side offers the best of each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NABRE the same as the RSV Catholic Edition?
No. The NABRE is a separate translation produced by Catholic scholars in the United States, while the RSV Catholic Edition is a version of the older RSV with the deuterocanonical books added. They share some lineage in English Bible translation but differ in their wording and method.
Which one do Catholics use at Mass?
In the United States, the readings used in the Mass lectionary come from the NABRE. Other countries may use different approved translations for their own liturgy. Catholics are free to read other translations for personal study.
Can I use both together?
Yes, and many readers do. Reading the RSV alongside the NABRE lets you see where the wording is literal and where it has been smoothed for clarity. This comparison often deepens understanding of the text.
