NAB New Testament Revision Project

The Revision of the New American Bible New Testament

Introduction:

At their June 2012 plenary meeting, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved the initiation of a revision of the New American Bible New Testament and entrusted that work to the oversight of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Following the development of a plan and budget for the project, the work began in 2013 with the appointment of an editorial board consisting of five members, all of whom are active members of the Catholic Biblical Association. The editorial board then drafted a document detailing the "Process and Principles" of the revision project, which were approved by the USCCB.

In July 2014 the revision project was announced to CBA members present at the Annual Meeting at Providence College. In Fall 2014 additional revisers were recruited, who will work together in five teams covering five sections of the New Testament (Matthew & Mark; Luke & Acts; Johannine Literature; Pauline Literature; and Catholic Epistles). Work by the revision teams will begin in early 2015. Following the necessary approvals for liturgy and for publication of a Scripture translation, publication of the final text is expected around 2025.

The three-fold purpose of this process is to produce a translation of the New Testament that is even more suitable for individual study and devotion, catechesis, and proclamation within the Sacred Liturgy. The goal of the revision is to improve a good translation with a focus on fidelity to the original text, clarity of expression, appropriate consistency in rendering Greek into English, and suitability for public proclamation. The revised translation aims to facilitate the reader’s or hearer’s encounter with Jesus Christ through his Word and to build up faith, hope, and love.

Editorial Board:

  • Dr. Harold Attridge
  • Rev. Christopher Ciccarino
  • Dr. Mary Healy
  • Rev. Felix Just, SJ
  • Rev. Edward Mazich, O.S.B.
  • Most Rev. Donald Trautman (Advisor)
  • Mary Elizabeth Sperry (USCCB Staff)

CBA Member Participation:

  • Detailed suggestions for translation revisions were solicited from all CBA members up until Dec. 31, 2014.
  • Further updates on this project will be posted here periodically.