The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version

Book cover: 'The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version'
Number of pages: 
314 pages
Copyright: 
1899
Publisher: 
TAN Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Review: 

The Douay Rheims Bible is supposed to be the most accurate, Catholic, translation of the Bible available in the English language. The Old Testament was translated into English in 1609 and the New Testament in 1582 and revised in its entirety (and "diligently] compared with the Latin Vulgate") by Bishop Richard Challoner from 1749-1752. Although the some of the language would be considered archaic today (lots of "thees" and "thous") but it really is beautiful. Although you will probably want a more modern translation as well, the Douay Rheims is especially good for memorizing passages and as a reference for points (and discussions) in which accuracy is especially important. TAN Books also publishes the Douay New Testament in a less expensive edition.

Sample passages: Genesis 1:1-3In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters. And God said: Be light made. And light was made.

Psalm 26: 1-2The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? Whilst the wicked draw near against me, to eat my flesh. My enemies that trouble me, have themselves been weakened, and have fallen.

John 1: 1-5In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur 1899

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1-13-01