Which Bible Translations are used in the Anglican Church?

I think there will be a wide variety; most I have been to use either the NIV or NRSV.

Speaking to the Episcopal Church (in the USA), the allowed Bible translations are specified by Canon II.2. The allowed versions are: KJV, English Revised, ASV, RSV, Jerusalem, NEB, GNB, NAB, NIV, NJB, REB, NRSV, or another approved by the diocesan bishop. In practice, however, I have found the NRSV to be by far the most common choice.

As for personal study, I typically begin with the NRSV. There are several reasons. First, since it is my parish's lectionary Bible, it corresponds with the readings being heard in church. That makes it essential for sermon preparation. Second, I like the inclusive language. Third, I find most of the debated bits to be well-translated. There are a few exceptions (such as Gen. 1:1-2) where I don't like their choices. I will often turn to the NIV (1984) or the ESV for a slightly more conservative read or to see what my more evangelical colleagues might be reading since they seem popular in those circles. If I'm looking for more literal, I use the NASB (1995). I've also explored both the NET Bible and the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard) and generally liked them both.

Esdra said:

Hi

which Bible translations are typically used in Anglican masses?

And which Bible translations do you usually use for private Bible Study and why?

Esdra

Click to expand...

All churches that use the historic Book of Common Prayer--all the Continuing Anglican churches, for instance--are automatically using the Authorized, i.e. King James, version. For private study, there is no particular rule of thumb.

Albion said:

All churches that use the historic Book of Common Prayer--all the Continuing Anglican churches, for instance--are automatically using the Authorized, i.e. King James, version. For private study, there is no particular rule of thumb.

Click to expand...

Except for the psalms.

I suppose too it would be possible to use something else for the morning and evening prayer lessons, though I have never seen that done in a parish that uses the BCP exclusively.

MKJ said:

Except for the psalms.

Click to expand...

And I am not convinced that every quotation in the BCP is KJV either.

Iosias said:

And I am not convinced that every quotation in the BCP is KJV either.

Click to expand...

You've raised an intriguing issue. Can you identify one that is NOT from the AV?

The comfortable words!

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him.
COME unto me all that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. St. Matth. xi. 28.
So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. St. John iii. 16

Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15.

Hear also what Saint John saith.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 St. John ii. 1.

Click to expand...

Iosias said:

The comfortable words!

Click to expand...

Yep, there are a few words that have been changed or moved. How interesting. But is this from another Bible translation? I wouldn't think so.

There is your homework! I would suspect the Bishop's Bible, but haven't checked it out.

Iosias said:

There is your homework! I would suspect the Bishop's Bible, but haven't checked it out.

Click to expand...

I'll wait.

Bishop's is the most likely -- it will be similar to KJV because both translations were mostly based on Tyndale. (Geneva is possible too)

Albion said:

You've raised an intriguing issue. Can you identify one that is NOT from the AV?

Click to expand...

Since the psalms are not from the AV why would you assume the quotations would be?

Esdra said:

Hi

which Bible translations are typically used in Anglican masses?

And which Bible translations do you usually use for private Bible Study and why?

Esdra

Click to expand...

As others have said, NRSV is the most common, though NIV is not uncommon and others (ESV, Message,...) crop up in a few places.

Privately I use mostly CEB now

kern said:

Bishop's is the most likely -- it will be similar to KJV because both translations were mostly based on Tyndale. (Geneva is possible too)

Click to expand...

Yes, they are possibilities. But I am doubtfu that either is the source. Isn't it more likely that the BCP merely made minor alterations for their own sake and are not, in fact, taken verbatim from some prior translation?

Esdra said:

Could it be that the psalms in the bcp are from the douay reims version? As this translation also reads similar to the kjv?
Just a suggestion.

Click to expand...

No. Traditionally, they are from the Coverdale translation. The psalms in the 1979 BCP in TEC is from Coverdale, as are in the classic 1662 if I'm not mistaken

I read the King James Version on occasion for the beauty of the language the quality of the literature, and because it is the first thing I was introduced to, so I have an attachment to it.

For study or reading the Bible with more clarity, I tend to read the New Jerusalem Bible. I have read that it is widely respected, and the language is modern, but splendid, and I love the Psalms. I also selected this version because it is approved by canon law in the Episcopal Church to be read at our services.

When I really feel like studying the Hebrew Bible, I read The Jewish Study Bible: TANAKH Translation as well as every word of the commentary. It is the most beautiful translation of the Hebrew scriptures I have ever read (I love their rendition of Psalm 23), and the notes and scholarship are wonderful. I find myself amazed reading through the Torah and commentary and discovering the roots of some Christian traditions and liturgy in completely unexpected places! The notes also point out variants in the text and provide ideas about how the Torah and rest of the Bible came together as a whole. This has helped me notice variations in the biblical stories, and I tend to remember the narrative much better after having read the scriptures with the notes. There are also many essays contained in the back on all kinds of topics. It really helps deepen my knowledge of Judaism and even Christianity. I would encourage any Christian to read it. This third text is probably my favorite.

I currently favor the NRSV. But for personal reading and study I use a wide variety of translations, ranging from the Douay-Rheims to The Message.