RSV Catholic Edition: Which Bible Should You Choose?

The RSV Catholic Edition is a Catholic translation of the Revised Standard Version that includes the complete Catholic Bible, including the deuterocanonical books.

It is valued for its formal, carefully structured English, its connection to older English Bible traditions, and its usefulness for serious study. You may also see two related names: RSV-CE, the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, and RSV-2CE, the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.

What the RSV Catholic Edition is and why Catholics use it

The Revised Standard Version began as a twentieth-century revision of the American Standard Version, which itself grew from the King James tradition. The RSV sought to preserve a dignified literary style while using more current English and drawing on modern biblical scholarship.

The original RSV was published for a broad Christian audience and did not contain all the books recognized by the Catholic Church. The 1966 RSV Catholic Edition adapted the text for Catholic use by including the deuterocanonical books and making other changes connected with Catholic biblical tradition.

Those books include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and First and Second Maccabees, along with the Catholic additions to Esther and Daniel. Catholics usually call these books deuterocanonical; many Protestant editions call them Apocrypha or omit them entirely.

The RSV Catholic Edition also uses Catholic ordering and terminology in places where that matters for readers who worship and study within the Catholic tradition. It is not simply a Protestant RSV with a few extra pages bound into the back.

RSV-CE and RSV-2CE: the differences that matter

The two Catholic editions share the same basic translation heritage, but they are not interchangeable in every detail. The RSV-2CE was produced as a revision of the RSV-CE, with particular attention to language that had become dated or awkward for modern readers.

The main differences can be understood in four areas:

• Language: The RSV-2CE updates some archaic expressions and generally reads more smoothly aloud.
• Pronouns and verb forms: It reduces older forms such as “thee,” “thou,” and “hast” in many passages.
• Textual and Catholic adjustments: It restores or revises certain passages in ways intended to reflect Catholic translation preferences.
• Presentation: Specific editions may differ in notes, introductions, maps, cross-references, and typography, even when the biblical text is similar.

The RSV-2CE is often associated with Ignatius Catholic Study Bible materials and other Catholic resources. Readers who want a classic, formal style may prefer the original RSV-CE, while those who find older English distracting may find the RSV-2CE easier to read.

Neither edition should be treated as a completely new translation unrelated to the other. The second edition retains much of the RSV’s syntax, vocabulary, and cadence. Its purpose is better described as a careful Catholic revision rather than a wholesale replacement.

How to identify the right RSV Catholic Bible

Book listings can be confusing because publishers sometimes shorten the name, emphasize the publisher rather than the revision, or use “RSV Catholic” without clearly displaying the edition. Use the following process before purchasing.

1. Look for the full abbreviation. Confirm whether the listing says RSV-CE or RSV-2CE.
2. Check the contents page. Make sure the Bible includes the Catholic Old Testament books rather than only an appendix labeled Apocrypha.
3. Read the copyright information. The publication page can identify the revision, publisher, and date of that particular printing.
4. Inspect the notes and extras. A plain Bible, study Bible, devotional Bible, and reader’s Bible may contain the same translation but serve different purposes.
5. Consider the physical format. Compare font size, binding, paper quality, page layout, and whether the book lies flat when open.

Some online listings use “Catholic edition” loosely. A Bible can contain the deuterocanonical books yet still be a poor fit for your needs if the print is too small, the notes are limited, or the edition is difficult to use during study.

What books are included in the RSV Catholic Edition

A Catholic RSV contains the 73 books of the Catholic Bible: the 46 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament. The Old Testament includes the additional books and passages that are absent from most Protestant Bibles.

The deuterocanonical material is placed within the Old Testament rather than being separated as an optional supplement. In a typical Catholic arrangement, the additional books appear in positions familiar from Catholic Bibles, although exact ordering and headings can vary by edition.

The Catholic additions to Esther and Daniel deserve special attention. They are not merely separate titles. They are passages incorporated into those biblical books, so the edition’s contents and page layout should be checked if you are comparing it with a Protestant RSV.

Having these books in the same volume makes the RSV-CE useful for Catholic theology and devotional reading. It also allows you to read passages referenced by Catholic liturgical texts, catechetical works, and historical Christian writers without switching to another Bible.

How the RSV Catholic Edition approaches translation

The RSV is generally associated with a formal-equivalence approach. That means its translators aimed to represent the wording, grammatical structure, and literary character of the source texts closely, while still producing intelligible English.

No translation follows its source language mechanically. Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek often express ideas through structures that do not sound natural when copied directly into English. Translators must decide how to handle idioms, ambiguous terms, poetry, manuscript differences, and changes in meaning across historical periods.

The RSV often preserves biblical phrases that readers recognize from older English translations. Its style can therefore feel solemn and literary without reproducing the full archaism of the King James Version. This balance is one reason the RSV remains popular among readers who want a Bible for close reading and theological reflection.

The same qualities can make it less immediately accessible to someone who prefers conversational English. Long sentences, unfamiliar vocabulary, and traditional masculine wording may require more attention than a contemporary translation would.

What the RSV-CE sounds like in practice

The RSV’s style is often described as restrained, dignified, and economical. It avoids some of the highly colloquial phrasing found in newer translations, which can make the text feel suited to public reading and sustained study.

At the same time, its older wording can create friction. A reader may encounter words or expressions whose meaning is clear from context but not part of everyday American English. The RSV-2CE addresses some of this by updating selected forms while retaining the underlying style.

Consider these questions when sampling a passage:

• Can you follow the sentence structure without repeatedly rereading it?
• Does the wording help you notice the argument or imagery of the passage?
• Will you be reading silently, aloud, or with a group?
• Do you prefer traditional biblical vocabulary or contemporary phrasing?
• Are you comfortable consulting notes when a term has more than one possible meaning?

Reading several chapters rather than one isolated verse gives you a more reliable impression. The Gospel of Matthew, the Letter to the Romans, Psalms, and one of the wisdom books can reveal different aspects of a translation’s style.

RSV Catholic Edition for personal prayer

The RSV-CE can serve well for lectio divina, personal prayer, and slow reading. Its measured language encourages you to pause over repeated words, images, and connections between passages rather than moving quickly through a paragraph.

For prayer, the best Bible is one you will actually open regularly. A translation’s reputation cannot compensate for tiny print, an uncomfortable binding, or wording that consistently prevents you from understanding the passage.

You may want one edition for prayer and another for detailed study. For example, a compact RSV-2CE could remain in a prayer space, while a larger RSV-CE study Bible could stay at a desk with room for notes and cross-references.

When using the RSV in prayer, avoid treating every difficult sentence as spiritually profound simply because it sounds formal. Read for meaning first. If a phrase seems unclear, compare it with a trusted Catholic translation or consult a reliable commentary.

RSV Catholic Edition for Bible study and theology

The RSV has been influential in Catholic and ecumenical theological writing. Many readers appreciate its consistent vocabulary and relatively close relationship to the structure of the original languages. That can make it helpful when tracing repeated terms or comparing a passage with commentaries that quote older English translations.

Its notes vary widely by publication. A basic RSV-CE may provide little more than cross-references, while a study edition may include introductions, explanatory notes, maps, a concordance, and essays. Those materials should be evaluated separately from the translation itself.

A good study method is to read the passage without notes first, then return to the notes for historical, literary, and theological context. Mark places where the text is difficult, compare one or two other Catholic translations, and consult the notes only after forming your own initial observations.

Pay special attention to passages where a single English word represents a range of meanings in Hebrew or Greek. A cross-reference can show how the same translation choice works elsewhere, but it cannot by itself settle every question about the original text.

Using the RSV Catholic Edition with the Catholic lectionary

The RSV Catholic Edition may be useful for preparing for Mass, but the wording in your parish’s lectionary may not match the RSV. Catholic liturgical books use an approved lectionary translation, and the selection can differ by country or bishops’ conference.

In the United States, the Sunday readings commonly heard at Mass are based on the New American Bible lectionary, not the RSV-CE. This means an RSV passage can help you study the reading while still sounding different from the proclamation you hear in church.

That difference is not a defect. A lectionary is prepared for public worship, including consistency across parishes and suitability for proclamation. A personal Bible may be chosen for different reasons, such as literary style, study tools, or faithfulness to a particular translation philosophy.

How the RSV compares with other Catholic Bible translations

The RSV Catholic Edition occupies a middle position between older formal translations and newer translations written in more contemporary English. Comparing it with other Catholic Bibles can clarify what you value rather than turning the choice into a contest over which translation is universally best.

• New American Bible Revised Edition: Common in United States Catholic settings and closely connected with the U.S. lectionary. It may be the most convenient choice if you want the wording used at Mass.
• New Jerusalem Bible: Known for a distinctive literary voice and extensive introductions and notes in many editions. Its style differs noticeably from the RSV.
• Douay-Rheims: A historic Catholic English Bible with strongly traditional language. It is not a modern revision of the RSV and may feel more archaic.
• Christian Community Bible or other contemporary Catholic translations: These may use more accessible English and explanatory features, depending on the edition and region.
• New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition: A separate revision in the RSV family, with different editorial decisions and a more contemporary translation style than the RSV-CE.

Readers sometimes confuse the RSV-CE with the NRSV-CE. The NRSV is not simply the RSV-2CE under another name. It is a later revision with its own translation committee, textual decisions, and approach to inclusive language.

Strengths and limitations of the RSV Catholic Edition

The RSV-CE’s strengths are especially clear when you want a Bible that rewards repeated reading. Its formal style, literary continuity, and traditional terminology can support memorization, theological study, and comparison with older Christian writing.

• Strength: It preserves a recognizable, dignified biblical voice.
• Strength: It offers the complete Catholic canon in one volume.
• Strength: It is useful for readers who prefer close attention to wording and structure.
• Strength: The RSV-2CE improves readability in many places without abandoning the RSV character.

Its limitations are equally practical. Some readers find the language dated, some editions have sparse notes, and the original RSV-CE may not be the easiest choice for someone reading the Bible for the first time.

• Limitation: Older pronouns and expressions can slow comprehension.
• Limitation: Different printings vary substantially in paper, type, binding, and study features.
• Limitation: It may not match the wording used in American Catholic worship.
• Limitation: Readers seeking fully contemporary language may prefer another Catholic translation.

A limitation does not make a translation unsuitable. It simply tells you where another edition might serve you better. Many Catholics keep more than one Bible because different translations answer different needs.

Which RSV Catholic Edition should you choose?

Choose the RSV-CE if you appreciate traditional biblical English, want the original Catholic edition, or are reading theological works that frequently quote the RSV. It can be particularly satisfying for readers who value continuity with older English Scripture while still wanting a Catholic canon.

Choose the RSV-2CE if you want the RSV’s formal character with fewer archaic expressions. It is often the better first purchase for someone who likes a traditional style but does not want older pronouns and verb forms to interrupt reading.

Choose a different Catholic translation if matching the U.S. lectionary, using very contemporary English, or finding extensive explanatory notes is your primary goal. You can still use the RSV-CE as a comparison Bible; owning one translation does not require rejecting the strengths of another.

Before buying, read a few representative passages in a sample or library copy. Include narrative, poetry, prophecy, a Gospel, and an epistle. The right choice should be accurate enough for your purpose, understandable to you, and physically comfortable to use.

How to read the RSV Catholic Edition well

Start with a manageable book rather than opening at Genesis and expecting to read straight through. Mark’s Gospel, Philippians, Ruth, Tobit, or selected Psalms can provide a clear entry point, depending on whether you want narrative, teaching, prayer, or Catholic deuterocanonical material.

Use the Bible’s introductions and notes as aids, not substitutes for reading. Notice who is speaking, who is being addressed, what changes from one scene to the next, and which words or themes recur.

1. Read the passage once without interruption. Focus on its basic movement and main point.
2. Read it again slowly. Mark repeated terms, contrasts, commands, questions, and images.
3. Check the notes and cross-references. Look for historical background and related passages.
4. Compare one Catholic translation when needed. Investigate wording that affects your understanding.
5. Respond in prayer or reflection. Consider what the passage reveals about God, human life, and the Church’s faith.

Keep the distinction between translation and interpretation in view. A footnote, heading, or study comment can help explain a passage, but it is not the biblical text itself. If a question has significant doctrinal or historical consequences, use a reputable Catholic commentary or ask a qualified priest, religious educator, or biblical scholar.

Is the RSV Catholic Edition still a good choice?

Yes. The RSV Catholic Edition remains a strong choice for readers who want a complete Catholic Bible in formal English. Its age is not, by itself, a reason to dismiss it; older translations can still offer clarity, beauty, and careful wording.

The better question is whether its particular style matches your purpose. The original RSV-CE suits readers who enjoy traditional language, while the RSV-2CE is usually more approachable for those who want a smoother reading experience.

Whichever edition you select, verify that it contains the Catholic canon, identify whether it is RSV-CE or RSV-2CE, and examine the physical and editorial features before purchasing. Those simple checks will prevent most misunderstandings and help you choose a Bible you can use consistently.

Frequently asked questions

Is the RSV Catholic Edition approved by the Catholic Church?

Catholic editions of the RSV were prepared for Catholic use and published with the relevant ecclesiastical permissions associated with their editions. Approval details can vary by printing and publisher, so check the copyright and publication pages of the specific Bible. Ecclesiastical approval also does not mean that every RSV edition is the official translation used for Catholic liturgy in every country.

Does the RSV Catholic Edition include the Book of Enoch?

No. The Catholic RSV includes the 73 books recognized in the Catholic canon, including the deuterocanonical books, but it does not include the Book of Enoch as part of the biblical canon. It may be mentioned in notes or introductions in some study editions, but such a reference is different from including it as Scripture.

Can Protestants read the RSV Catholic Edition?

Yes. Protestant readers can use it for personal reading, historical comparison, or study, while recognizing that it contains books their tradition may classify differently. The main practical difference is the inclusion and placement of the deuterocanonical books. A reader should also check whether the edition’s notes reflect Catholic interpretations when using it for comparative study.

Why do some RSV Catholic Bibles use different wording from one another?

Some are the original RSV-CE, while others are the RSV-2CE, which revises selected wording and archaic forms. Publishers may also add editorial headings, notes, cross-references, or liturgical features. Always check the abbreviation, copyright page, and listed revision rather than relying only on a product title or cover image.