What Is the NABRE Bible?
The NABRE Bible (New American Bible Revised Edition) is the official Catholic Bible translation widely used in the United States.
Published in 2011 and approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), it combines modern English readability with scholarly accuracy based on the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.
For many Catholics, the NABRE is more than just a Bible translation. In fact, it is the version most commonly used in Catholic education, personal study, and the readings heard at Mass throughout the United States.
Therefore, if you are looking for a Catholic Bible that balances faithfulness to the original texts with clear modern language, the NABRE is one of the strongest options available today.
What Does NABRE Stand For?
NABRE stands for New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Specifically, it is the latest revision of the New American Bible (NAB), which was first published in 1970. The revised edition includes:
- A fully updated Old Testament
- A revised Book of Psalms
- The same revised New Testament introduced in 1986
Consequently, the goal of the revision was to provide a more accurate translation based on advances in biblical scholarship and newly discovered ancient manuscript evidence.
History of the NABRE Bible
The Confraternity Bible Where It All Began
The roots of the NABRE trace back to the Confraternity Bible Project an effort by American Catholic scholars to produce an English Bible directly from the original biblical languages.
The Original NAB (1970)
The original New American Bible was published in 1970 and became a major milestone in Catholic biblical scholarship. Notably, it was one of the first American Catholic translations produced from Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic rather than relying primarily on the Latin Vulgate.
Revisions and Updates
Over time, biblical scholarship advanced significantly. Moreover, archaeological discoveries, improved understanding of ancient languages, and better manuscript evidence made revisions necessary.
- 1986 The New Testament was revised for greater accuracy
- 1991 The Psalms were revised
- 1994–2001 Work on the Old Testament revision began, carried out by 40 revisers and 8 editors
- 2009–2010 The Psalms were further revised by a new team
- 2011 The complete NABRE was officially released on March 9, 2011
As a result, it remains one of the most important Catholic Bible translations in the United States today.
Who Created the NABRE?
The NABRE was produced by a large team of nearly 100 Catholic scholars, editors, theologians, bishops, and Church authorities.
The project was:
- Sponsored by: The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)
- Reviewed and approved by: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
- Imprimatur granted: 2010
This extensive review process helped ensure that the translation was both academically reliable and consistent with Catholic teaching. Furthermore, because of this careful oversight, the NABRE is widely trusted among Catholic educators, clergy, students, and Bible study groups.
Translation Philosophy of the NABRE
Every Bible translation must decide how closely it will follow the original wording of the biblical texts.
Formal Equivalence
Formal equivalence attempts to translate the original words as literally as possible while maintaining understandable English. It is often called “word-for-word” translation.
Dynamic Equivalence
Dynamic equivalence focuses on conveying the meaning of the text in natural modern language. It is often called “thought-for-thought” translation.
The NABRE Approach
The NABRE falls between these two methods. It seeks accuracy while remaining readable for modern audiences.
This balance makes it:
- Easier to understand than highly literal translations
- More accurate than loose paraphrases
- Suitable for both personal reading and serious study
As a result, many Catholics find the NABRE approachable without sacrificing scholarly credibility. Additionally, the NABRE reads at approximately a high school reading level, making it accessible to teenagers and adults alike.
Key Features of the NABRE Bible
1. Modern English Language
One of the biggest advantages of the NABRE is its clear and contemporary English.
Unlike older translations that use archaic language such as “thee” and “thou,” the NABRE speaks in a style that modern readers can easily understand. In other words, there is no need to struggle with outdated phrasing.
2. Extensive Study Notes
Many editions include detailed footnotes that explain:
- Historical context
- Cultural background
- Literary structure
- Theological themes
Consequently, these notes make the NABRE especially useful for serious Bible study.
3. Book Introductions
Each biblical book typically includes an introduction discussing:
- Authorship
- Historical setting
- Major themes
- Purpose of the book
As a result, readers gain a much broader context before beginning each book.
4. Cross-References
Thousands of cross-references connect related passages throughout Scripture, helping readers explore important biblical themes and see the unity of the Old and New Testaments.
5. Strong Scholarly Foundation
The NABRE incorporates insights from modern biblical scholarship and ancient manuscript evidence, including:
- The Dead Sea Scrolls
- The Septuagint (ancient Greek Old Testament)
- The Masoretic Text (standard Hebrew Old Testament)
6. Liturgical Reading Schedules
Many NABRE editions include:
- A 3-year liturgical cycle of Sunday Mass readings
- A 2-year liturgical cycle of daily Mass readings
Therefore, the NABRE is ideal for Catholics who want to follow the Church’s liturgical calendar at home.
The Catholic Canon and the NABRE
One important feature of the NABRE is that it contains the complete Catholic canon of Scripture.
In contrast to most Protestant Bibles that contain 66 books, the Catholic Bible contains 73 books.
The NABRE includes the seven Deuterocanonical books:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Wisdom (Book of Wisdom)
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
- Baruch
- 1 Maccabees
- 2 Maccabees
Furthermore, it also includes the Catholic additions to the books of Daniel and Esther. These books have long been part of Catholic tradition and, therefore, remain an important part of the Church’s biblical heritage.
NABRE Bible vs Other Catholic Translations
NABRE vs RSV-CE (Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition)
| Feature | NABRE | RSV-CE |
| Published | 2011 | 1966 |
| Translation Style | Formal/Dynamic blend | More literal |
| Language | Modern English | Slightly traditional |
| Study Notes | Extensive | Less extensive |
| Used at Mass (USA) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
For everyday Catholic reading, many people choose the NABRE. On the other hand, for detailed academic study, some readers prefer the RSV-CE, which is more literal and popular among scholars and apologists.
NABRE vs NRSV-CE (New Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition)
The NRSV-CE is the official translation for the Catholic Church in Canada. It is known for:
- Academic acceptance in universities and seminaries
- Inclusive language in some passages (“fishers of people” instead of “fishers of men”)
However, the NABRE generally uses less inclusive language and remains the primary Catholic translation for United States liturgy.
Both are excellent choices. Ultimately, the best option often depends on personal preference.
NABRE vs Douay-Rheims Bible
The Douay-Rheims Bible (completed 1610) is a classic English Catholic translation from the Latin Vulgate. Although it uses beautiful language, many modern readers find its archaic style difficult.
In contrast, the NABRE:
- Translates directly from original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts
- Uses contemporary English
- Reflects modern manuscript discoveries
Therefore, the NABRE is generally considered more textually accurate for today’s readers.
NABRE vs Jerusalem Bible / New Jerusalem Bible
The Jerusalem Bible (1966) and New Jerusalem Bible (1985) are popular British Catholic translations praised for their literary and poetic quality.
While the NABRE tends to be more scholarly and note-heavy, the Jerusalem Bible editions are often preferred for their elegant writing style.
Is the NABRE Bible Approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes.
Indeed, the NABRE has official Catholic approval and is recognized for use within the Church.
- The translation underwent extensive review by the USCCB
- It received an official imprimatur in 2010
- It carries the official endorsement of Catholic bishops in the United States
As a result, this makes it a completely trustworthy option for Catholics seeking a Bible consistent with Church teaching. Moreover, many Catholic schools, parishes, and educational programs rely on the NABRE because of its official standing.
Why Is the NABRE Used at Catholic Mass?
One reason the NABRE is so important is its direct connection to Catholic worship in the United States.
The Lectionary for Mass the official book of Scripture readings used during Mass is based on the NAB/NABRE tradition.
Consequently, Catholics frequently encounter NABRE-based readings during:
- Sunday Mass
- Daily Mass
- Parish programs
- Religious education classes
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Therefore, using a NABRE Bible at home can help Catholics follow along more closely with the readings heard at church and deepen their understanding of the Scriptures proclaimed at the altar.
Important Note: A new translation the Catholic American Bible is planned for release on Ash Wednesday 2027. It will largely be a further revision of the NABRE, including a third revision of the New Testament and an updated Psalter.
Best NABRE Bible Editions to Buy
Several excellent editions of the NABRE are available depending on your needs.
📖 Best for Daily Reading
- Large-Print Leathersoft Edition (Catholic Bible Press) Comfortable for daily devotional reading
- NABRE Deluxe Leatherette (Saint Benedict Press) Includes Old Masters art, full-color maps, and a manual of Catholic prayers
For Serious Bible Study
- Oxford Catholic Study Bible (NABRE) Features a 525-page Scripture introduction and detailed Reading Guides for every book
- Catholic Study Bible (various publishers) Includes footnotes, maps, charts, and historical commentary
🌱 Best for New Readers
- Basic Paperback Edition (Our Sunday Visitor) Affordable and practical for new readers
For Young Readers / First Communion
- First Communion New Testament (Catholic Bible Press) A beautiful white leathersoft edition, perfect as a gift
Free Digital Access
- bible.usccb.org/bible Full NABRE text, completely free online
- YouVersion (Bible.com) Free NABRE app for mobile devices
- Olive Tree and Logos Bible Software For advanced digital study
How to Study with the NABRE Bible
Getting the most out of your NABRE requires more than just reading the text. Here are practical tips:
Read the Book Introductions First Before starting any book, read its introduction. Doing so gives you historical context and makes the actual text far more meaningful.
Use the Footnotes The NABRE’s footnotes are one of its greatest assets. Whenever you encounter a difficult verse, check the footnotes for explanation and context.
Follow the Liturgical Readings Consider reading the Sunday or daily Mass readings from your NABRE each day. In this way, you connect your personal study directly to the life of the Church.
Explore Cross-References When a passage references another part of Scripture, follow the cross-references to discover the deep connections between Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, this practice reveals how the whole Bible tells one unified story.
Join a Catholic Bible Study The NABRE is widely used in programs such as:
- The Great Adventure Bible Study (Jeff Cavins)
- Little Rock Scripture Study
- Word Among Us
Studying with others not only deepens understanding but also builds lasting community.
Pros and Cons of the NABRE Bible
Pros
- Officially recognized Catholic translation
- Modern and readable English language
- Excellent and extensive study notes
- Complete Catholic canon (73 books)
- Strong scholarly foundation
- Widely used throughout the United States
- Free online access at USCCB website
Cons
- Some readers prefer a more literal translation style
- Certain footnotes have occasionally generated debate among readers
- Traditionalists may prefer older translations such as the Douay-Rheims
- Not used at Mass outside the United States and Philippines
Nevertheless, despite these points, the NABRE remains one of the most respected Catholic Bible translations available today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NABRE Bible Catholic? Yes. The NABRE is a fully Catholic Bible containing all 73 books of the Catholic canon, including the Deuterocanonical books.
Is the NABRE the same as the NAB? No. The NABRE is the revised edition of the original New American Bible (1970). The revision involved major updates to the Old Testament and Psalms.
Is the NABRE good for Bible study? Yes. Its footnotes, book introductions, cross-references, and scholarly resources make it one of the best Catholic study Bibles available.
Can non-Catholics read the NABRE? Absolutely. Anyone interested in Scripture can benefit from reading the NABRE, although its study notes reflect Catholic scholarship and tradition.
Is the NABRE easy to read? Yes. The translation uses modern English and is generally accessible to most adult readers at approximately a high school reading level.
Is the NABRE available for free? Yes. The full NABRE text is available free at bible.usccb.org/bible and on the YouVersion Bible app.
Will the NABRE be updated again? Yes. A new translation called the Catholic American Bible is planned for 2027, which will be largely based on a further revision of the NABRE.
Conclusion
The NABRE Bible is one of the most trusted and widely used Catholic Bible translations in the United States.
Combining modern readability, scholarly accuracy, official Catholic approval, and comprehensive study tools, it serves as an excellent choice for personal devotion, Bible study, and deeper engagement with Scripture.
Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, a student of theology, a new convert, or someone exploring Christianity for the first time, the New American Bible Revised Edition offers a balanced and reliable way to encounter God’s Word. In short, if you are looking for one Catholic Bible that does it all the NABRE is the answer.
For the most accurate and up-to-date NABRE text, visit the official USCCB website at bible.usccb.org.
Daniel Matthews is a Bible researcher and Christian writer with a passion for explaining biblical terms, names, symbols, and theological concepts in simple language. He specializes in Old Testament studies, Hebrew word meanings, and biblical symbolism, helping readers better understand Scripture and its historical context.
