The REB, or Revised English Bible, is a British translation first published in 1989 that revises the earlier New English Bible with a focus on clear, readable modern English. It sits in the middle of the translation spectrum, aiming for accuracy to the original languages while producing prose that reads naturally in everyday English. It suits readers who want a scholarly text in a comfortable, contemporary voice, including those studying the Bible in a group or preparing to teach it. Readers who prefer a strict word-by-word rendering for close study may find it less literal than they would like.
Background
The REB grew out of the New English Bible, a project begun in the 1940s by scholars from several British churches and universities. The New English Bible appeared in full in 1970, and it was revised over the following decades to reflect advances in biblical scholarship and changes in the English language. The Revised English Bible was completed in 1989 under the same broad ecumenical umbrella, bringing together scholars from across the main British denominations.
Because the project was produced by a committee rather than by one publisher or one theological school, the REB tends to avoid sharp sectarian readings. Its notes and wording aim to be usable by Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Catholics and others who share a common reading of the text. This broad origin is part of what gives it a distinctive, measured tone.
Translation Method
The REB is generally described as a thought-for-thought translation, sometimes called dynamic equivalence. Its translators worked to capture the meaning of a passage as a whole, then express that meaning in idiomatic English, rather than matching each Hebrew or Greek word with a fixed English equivalent. This allows whole sentences to be reshaped so they feel natural to a modern reader.
The trade-off is that some original word choices and sentence structures disappear. A reader comparing the REB with a more literal version may notice that a repeated term in the original has been varied, or that a figure of speech has been restated plainly. For devotional reading and understanding a passage’s overall argument, this is often a strength. For tracing how one key word is used across a book, a more formal translation may serve better.
Reading Level and Style
The REB is written in clear, relatively formal British-leaning English that is accessible to adult readers without theological training. Sentences are generally of moderate length, and the vocabulary avoids most archaic terms while still carrying a dignified, slightly literary tone suited to public reading and worship.
Readers who grew up with the King James Version may find the REB’s sentence rhythm unfamiliar at first, but most adult readers will find it comfortable after a few chapters. Its restrained style makes it a good choice for reading aloud in small groups, since the language carries well without sounding overly casual or overly ornate.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1-3
1 The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(WEB)
This familiar psalm shows how the REB handles imagery. Where some translations keep the shepherd and green pasture language close to the Hebrew, the REB tends to preserve the central picture while smoothing the phrasing into flowing modern English. The core image of God as a caring shepherd leading his people to rest and restoration comes through clearly, even though the exact wording differs from more literal versions.
Who Should Use It
The REB works well for people who want a respected scholarly translation that reads like good contemporary prose. It is a strong choice for group Bible study, for those teaching adults or young people, and for readers moving from very old English who want something fresh without giving up careful scholarship. Its British origin and ecumenical background make it particularly appealing to readers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth churches.
Its limits are the ones common to any thought-for-thought approach. For detailed word studies, or for comparing how an author uses a specific term, readers will want to pair the REB with a more literal translation. It is best used as a companion to other versions rather than as the only Bible on the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the REB the same as the New English Bible?
No, the REB is a revision of the New English Bible. It was completed in 1989 and incorporates updated scholarship and modern English usage. Many of the underlying principles remain the same, but the wording was substantially reworked.
Is the REB a good translation for beginners?
Yes, it is generally considered approachable for new readers because its language is clear and its sentences are easy to follow. It still offers enough depth to reward continued study. Beginners often find it a comfortable first read before exploring more literal versions.
Should I use the REB for serious word study?
It can be helpful for understanding the overall sense of a passage, but for detailed word studies a more formal translation is usually better. Many students use the REB alongside a literal version to get both the flow of the text and the precision of the original wording.
