A reader writes:
At your suggestion (for which many thanks!) I have ordered a copy of Orchard’s 1953 Catholic Commentary; just now I feel rather like a kid before Christmas, eagerly awaiting the present. I noted in reading about it that he uses the Douay Rheims translation of the Bible. I’m curious; what is your take on this version, regarding the accuracy of the translation? I’m now reading the RSV, which I enjoy immensely as a nice blend of accessible (yet not gender-neutral) and dignified prose. Since joining the Church 5 years ago I’ve thought about purchasing a copy of DR, but I just haven’t got around to it. Now with Orchard’s Commentary on the way (and with my birthday coming up), I thought that this might be a nice time to purchase a copy. Any thoughts?
The Douay-Rheims is a fine translation, and if you like King James-era English, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s the one to have if that’s what you like.
It’s not perfect (and you should ignore claims that praise it to high heaven above all other translations–they are never made on its behalf by people proficient in the biblical languages), but it’s a good, basic, traditional translation.
If you’d like to learn more about it, here’s an online article about it. If you’d like to read some of it for yourself to get a flavor for what it’s like, the translation itself is also online.
