Catholic Bible-RSV: Revised Standard Version

Important advice: The hard cover edition doesn't come with ribbons and doesn't have gold gilding on the edges of the pages. Those features are only present in the Leather edition. If you really want those, get the leather edition if its available, though the hard cover is quite tough and nice quality too. I got the Hard cover edition and it is very sturdy. The paper quality is amazing and it feels so nice to turn the pages. The margins are a bit tight but it's not too big of a deal for me as the text is easy to read and flows well in this layout. The quality of the packaging was great and so was the rest of the purchase experience.

I wanted an RSV-CE version since some time. It was after being informed about the unnecessary agenda-serving language used in NRSV. NRSV was the one I was suggested when I really started reading the Word. For some misguided reason people here in India commonly think NRSV is THE recommended catholic version, whereas it is only one of many. This is RSV and the product in itself is excellent. The zippered gild edged compact Bible is something I will really cherish and will be able to carry with me to work daily. The print is small but not a problem for me at all. This bible is too beautiful and I am proud to own it. But then, nothing can really be beautiful enough to hold the living and active Word in it! Also, thanks to the Amazon seller Atlantic publications.

The Douay-Rheims Bible might be the most accurate translation. But I have a hard time comprehending it because of its archaic English usage. I don't get the nuances of old English. Therefore, even if DR is super-accurate, I'm unable to benefit from that accuracy. In fact, I find myself focusing more on the literary nuances in my attempt to grasp the meaning. Therefore, I decided to use a translation that uses standard English. However, I believe that many recent translations are trying to make the Bible "cool" and "acceptable". Finally, I decided to go with the RSV-2CE and bought this beautiful Bible! (Pics attached) The Didache Bible, the Great Adventure Catholic Bible (by Ascension Press), and the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible also use RSV-2CE. The RSV-2CE is known for its formal equivalence. It is a word-for-word translation that safeguards literal fidelity. In some translations, Mother Mary is referred as "virgin" in Isaiah 7:14. In others, as "young woman". In Luke 1:28, some translations say "full of grace" while others say "favored one". Actually, none of these are technically incorrect. (To know why, check online resources like Catholic Answers.) It's pretty hard to translate unique, uncommon word usage. Hope this helped someone who was as confused as me. :)

Very nice

I got this as a study bible and it's good for personal reading and biblical study. This version uses Formal equivalence translation (Word for Word translation) and it is a must have if you're interested in Bible Study and want a more literal meaning of the Scriptures from the original language. A Good must have Bible for everyone!

Printing quality is good. A must book for everyone.

Good quality printing and binding. Very good typesetting and fonts. The reference maps given in the last section helps the reader to see the history unfolding as pages unfold. Ignatius Bible is hard to find in local stores. I'm happy with my purchase.

Brilliant Bible. The letters are large and very easily readable. The presentation makes you want to read the Bible a lot.