The Introduction and Evolution of the Jerusalem Bible

The Jerusalem Bible, a seminal work in the catalog of Catholic translations of the Bible, marked a significant departure in bringing biblical teachings to the English-speaking public. Its initial introduction in 1966 not only brought a plethora of deuterocanonical books to light but also introduced readers to numerous notes and introductions that offered comprehensive insights into the texts. This translation marked a new era in biblical studies, reflecting a move away from traditional methods of translation and towards a more scholarly and direct approach.

The Genesis of the Jerusalem Bible

The Jerusalem Bible is an English translation of the Bible, produced by the Catholic community. It differs from other translations in that it includes not only the traditional books of the Bible but also the deuterocanonical books, which are significant in Catholic tradition but not in the Protestant tradition. These additional books contain valuable historical and theological information that has been crucial in shaping Catholic doctrine and understanding.

The origins of the Jerusalem Bible trace back to a precursor in the French language. In 1956, a French version called La Bible de Jérusalem was published, which was then revised in 1961. This earlier version was prepared by the faculty of the Dominican Biblical School in Jerusalem, using the Hebrew and Greek texts as their foundation. The English version of the Jerusalem Bible, initiated in 1943, was derived from this French translation, ensuring a continuity of scholarship and interpretation while adapting to the linguistic and cultural nuances of the English language.

The 1943 Encyclical and the Permission for Catholic Translation

The foundation for the Jerusalem Bible was laid with the issuance of an encyclical letter by Pope Pius XII in 1943. This encyclical, titled , provided Roman Catholics with explicit permission to produce an English version of the Bible based on the original Greek and Hebrew texts. Traditionally, Catholic translations had relied on the Latin Vulgate, a centuries-old version that, while scholarly, was not always the most accurate or up-to-date. This shift marked a broader movement towards more rigorous and direct biblical studies within the Catholic community.

The 1985 Update: The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)

The Jerusalem Bible was not a static translation. In 1985, a significant update was introduced, resulting in the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB). Unlike its predecessor, the NJB was not a direct translation from the French version but rather a fresh translation from the original Greek and Hebrew texts. This new edition maintained many of the stylistic and interpretive choices of the original Jerusalem Bible, ensuring continuity with the older translation while offering a more contemporary and accurate rendering of the texts.

The Translation Method and Style

The translation approach of the Jerusalem Bible is noteworthy for its literal style, which closely follows the original language. This method, often referenced as the “mid-Atlantic” method, strikes a balance between maintaining the literal meaning of the text and ensuring readability in English. Examples of this translation can be seen in passages such as Mark 12:26, where the translators sought to convey the exact meaning of the original while making the text accessible to modern readers.

For instance, the text, 'And as touching the dead that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses how in the bush God spake unto him saying I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob' (Mark 12:26) is translated in a way that not only preserves the ancient meaning but also makes it relevant to the contemporary reader. This approach is further emphasized in the notes and introductions, which provide extensive commentary and context, often reflecting the Catholic understanding of the texts without being overtly doctrinal.

Conclusion

The Jerusalem Bible stands as a monumental achievement in the field of biblical translation, its evolution from the French La Bible de Jérusalem to the updated New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) highlights the ongoing commitment to accuracy and relevance in religious texts. Its introduction in 1966 marked a shift towards more direct and scholarly translations that have significantly influenced the English-speaking Catholic community. The translation method adopted by the Jerusalem Bible, particularly the mid-Atlantic style, continues to be a model for translators seeking to balance faithfulness to the original texts with accessibility to modern readers.