The New Jerusalem Bible, usually called the NJB, is an English Catholic Bible first published in 1985 as a revision of the earlier Jerusalem Bible. It translates from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek and is known for a literary, readable style and extensive scholarly notes. It suits readers who want careful biblical scholarship alongside a flowing, modern voice, especially Catholic readers and students who value footnotes and cross-references. Readers who prefer a more literal wording or a shorter reading experience may find other translations easier to use day to day.
Background
The NJB grew out of the Jerusalem Bible, a Catholic translation published in 1966 that was itself based on the French Bible de Jerusalem produced by scholars of the Dominican school in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Bible was widely admired for its vivid language and its introduction and notes, and it became an important text for English-speaking Catholics after the Second Vatican Council.
The New Jerusalem Bible was produced by a team of Catholic scholars who revised the earlier work in light of further manuscript study and advances in biblical scholarship. Its publisher, Darton, Longman and Todd in the United Kingdom, has kept it in print for decades, and it is commonly used in Catholic parishes, seminaries and university courses.
Translation Method
The NJB aims for a balance between word-for-word fidelity and thought-for-thought clarity. Its translators generally stay close to the sense of the original languages while allowing sentences to read naturally in English. You will notice that it tends to prefer full, flowing sentences over strictly literal phrasing, and that it sometimes restructures a passage so the logic is easier to follow.
This middle path makes the NJB useful for study because it does not drift far from the grammar of the source texts, yet it rarely feels stiff. Readers who want to see exactly how a Hebrew or Greek word is handled may need to consult the footnotes or an interlinear, since the English text prioritizes readability over a one-to-one match of every term.
Reading Level and Style
The NJB is written in a dignified, poetic English that reads more like polished literature than a casual paraphrase. Its prose moves smoothly, which makes long stretches of narrative and the wisdom literature feel engaging. Many readers find the rhythm of the psalms and prophets especially memorable.
Because of its elevated diction and the depth of its notes, the NJB is generally pitched at a high school or early college reading level. Younger readers can manage it with some patience, and the introductions to each book help frame what they are about to read.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
This familiar opening of the shepherd psalm shows the NJB’s general approach. The Jerusalem tradition keeps the image of the Lord as shepherd while presenting the sentence in clean, unhurried English. Readers comparing it with more literal translations will notice that the NJB aims to convey the emotional confidence of the line rather than reproducing every word in the same order. Other versions may keep the wording closer to the Hebrew sentence structure, which can make them better for close word study.
Who Should Use It
The NJB is a strong choice for Catholic readers, for those following a lectionary-based study, and for anyone who wants scholarly notes and introductions without sacrificing readability. Its footnotes give historical and literary context that many study Bibles lack, and its cross-references help you trace themes across the canon.
Its limits are real. The literary style may feel more formal than some readers want for daily devotions, and the notes, while valuable, add length to the volume. If you are looking for the simplest possible English for a first reading or for children, a plainer translation may serve you better, though the NJB can still be a rewarding companion once you are comfortable with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NJB a Catholic Bible?
Yes, the New Jerusalem Bible was prepared by Catholic scholars and includes the deuterocanonical books that Catholic tradition recognizes. It is widely used in Catholic parishes and schools. Protestant readers may still find it useful, though the canon will differ from their own Bibles.
How is the NJB different from the Jerusalem Bible?
The NJB is a revision of the earlier Jerusalem Bible, updated with further scholarly work and refined wording. The core approach remains similar, with a literary style and extensive notes. Many readers consider the NJB the more current of the two.
Is the NJB good for daily Bible reading?
It can be, especially if you enjoy elegant prose and want background from the notes. Readers who prefer very plain language may find it more demanding. Trying a few chapters first will show you whether its style suits your routine.
