How to Identify a Catholic Bible in 5 Simple Steps

Why Knowing the Differences Matters

Whether you are a devout Catholic, a casual reader, or a researcher interested in religious texts, it is essential to know how to differentiate between a Catholic Bible and other versions. A Catholic Bible carries unique content and annotations that set it apart from Protestant or Orthodox versions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right Bible for your needs, ensuring accuracy, and gaining a deeper understanding of the faith.

Look for the Imprimatur

One of the most reliable ways to identify a Catholic Bible is by checking for the imprimatur. This is a special permission granted by a bishop or archbishop, signifying that the text meets the standards of the Catholic Church. You can find the imprimatur and nihil obstat seals on the title page of the Bible. These seals indicate that the text has been reviewed and approved by the Church. The imprimatur is typically followed by the name of the granting bishop or archbishop, while nihil obstat includes the name and function of the person who gave the approval.

The Ten Commandments and Their Division

A key difference between Catholic and Protestant Bibles lies in how the Ten Commandments are presented. In a Catholic Bible, you will find the second commandment divided into two parts, as illustrated below:

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth below. You shall not bow down to them or serve them for I the Lord your God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me showing lovingkindness to thousands to those who love Me and keep my commandments.

This division was made by Saint Augustine in A.D. 426, aligning with the Catholic tradition. This distinction is one of the quickest and surest ways to identify a Catholic Bible from a Protestant one.

Additional Books in the Old Testament

Catholic Bibles also contain a few extra books in the Old Testament, specifically, Maccabees 1 and 2. These books are not found in Protestant Bibles. By checking for these books at the end of the Old Testament section, you can easily distinguish a Catholic Bible. If you find these books, it confirms that the Bible is indeed Catholic.

Checking the Table of Contents

If you cannot find the imprimatur or nihil obstat on the title page, you can still identify a Catholic Bible by looking at the Table of Contents in the Old Testament. Six books are unique to Catholic Bibles:

Additional books like The Prayer of Manasses, 1 and 2 Esdras, 3 and 4 Maccabees, and Nahum indicate an Orthodox Bible, which is a different version.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps—checking for the imprimatur, looking for the division of the second commandment in the Ten Commandments, and examining the Old Testament Table of Contents—you can easily identify whether a Bible is Catholic. Ensuring you have the correct version is crucial for understanding and practicing the faith accurately. Happy reading!