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Catholic Bible Translation Guidelines
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Catholic Church Guidelines for Bible Translation

This resource organizes, by document, the principles for translating Scripture so that the faithful can understand it, while remaining faithful to the biblical source texts, Church Tradition, Catholic doctrine, and liturgical use.

Created: 2026-06-20 Scope: centered on the Latin Church and the Roman Rite Format: research summary HTML
View detailed translation reference by document Proper Name Transliteration Guidelines

1. Major categories

Catholic Bible translation can be considered in two broad layers.

General Bible translation

This is a translation used for personal reading, Bible study, catechesis, mission, annotated Bibles, and similar purposes. Under canon 825 of the Code of Canon Law, it requires approval by the Apostolic See or by the conference of bishops.

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 · Read the original

Bible translation for the liturgy

This is a translation proclaimed in the public liturgy, including Mass readings, responsorial psalms, the Gospel, the Liturgy of the Hours, and sacramental rites. Its procedures and standards of expression are stricter than those for general translation.

Both kinds require “accurate translation,” but liturgical translation is a text that the faithful hear, respond to, sing, and pray. For that reason, proclaimability, stability, and ecclesial unity are especially important.

2. Basic principle: Scripture must be open to the faithful

「Dei Verbum」 22 of the Second Vatican Council teaches that all Christians should have easy access to Sacred Scripture. The Church therefore takes care that “suitable and correct translations” are made in various languages, and recommends, where possible, translation from the original texts of the sacred books.

→ Source: Dei Verbum n. 22 · Read the original

This does not mean that the Catholic Church seeks to restrict Bible translation. It means that the Church oversees translation so that Scripture is widely distributed and translated accurately in accordance with the faith of the Church. The same article also sees translation in cooperation with other Christian communities as possible when approved by Church authority.

→ Source: Dei Verbum n. 22 · Read the original

「Dei Verbum」 21 emphasizes that Scripture is central to the Church's preaching, theology, catechesis, and liturgical life. Translation is therefore both a scholarly task and a pastoral responsibility of the Church.

→ Source: Dei Verbum n. 21 · Read the original

3. Approval of general Bible translations

Canon 825 of the Code of Canon Law is the key norm concerning approval for publication. Books of Sacred Scripture and their vernacular translations may not be published without approval by the Apostolic See or the conference of bishops. Vernacular translations also require “necessary and sufficient annotations.”

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 · Read the original

  • Approving authority: the Apostolic See or the relevant local conference of bishops

    → Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 · Read the original

  • Required elements: the necessary annotations and explanations in addition to the translated text

    → Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 · Read the original

  • Interconfessional translation: cooperation with other Christian communities is possible with the permission of the conference of bishops

    → Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 §2 · Read the original

  • New editions and translations: under canon 829 of the Code of Canon Law, the scope of approval may not automatically extend to them

    → Source: Code of Canon Law can. 829 · Read the original

Approval or imprimatur is the Church's judgment that “this book is not harmful to Catholic faith and morals and may be used publicly.” It does not mean that every scholarly choice in the translation is infallibly determined.

4. Source texts and textual criticism

An important turning point in modern Catholic biblical scholarship is the encyclical 「Divino Afflante Spiritu」 of Pius XII. This document actively encouraged the study of original biblical languages such as Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, as well as textual criticism and the study of ancient documents.

→ Source: Divino Afflante Spiritu nn. 14-17 · Read the original

Catholic translation therefore does not follow the method that “only the Latin Vulgate must be translated.” General Bible translation is, in principle, based on the biblical source texts and the critical editions used in scholarship. In liturgical translation, however, the 「Nova Vulgata」 is used as an auxiliary norm for confirming Latin liturgical tradition and interpretive usage.

→ Source: Divino Afflante Spiritu nn. 16-17 · Read the original

→ Source: Scripturarum Thesaurus, whole document · Read the original

Object Basic direction Additional consideration in liturgical use
Old Testament Hebrew text Review the Masoretic Text, critical editions, ancient versions, and manuscript evidence Also consult Latin liturgical tradition and the choices of the 「Nova Vulgata」

→ Source: Divino Afflante Spiritu nn. 16-17 · Read the original

→ Source: Scripturarum Thesaurus, whole document · Read the original
Old Testament Greek text Review the Septuagint tradition and the textual tradition of the relevant book Especially important for the deuterocanonical books and the Greek parts of Esther and Daniel
New Testament Greek text Use modern critical editions as the standard while reviewing textual variants and annotations Consider readings long received in liturgical contexts and stability of expression

5. Principles of biblical interpretation

「Dei Verbum」 12 presents criteria for Bible translation and interpretation. Translators must examine what the biblical authors actually intended to say, the literary forms, the culture and habits of expression of the time, the context, and parallel passages.

→ Source: Dei Verbum n. 12 · Read the original

Catholic translation, however, does not stop at historical and philological analysis. It must also consider the unity of all Scripture, the living Tradition of the Church, the analogy of faith, and the interpretation of the Magisterium. Catholic Bible translation is therefore not a simple conversion of language, but an interpretive work carried out within the faith of the Church.

→ Source: Dei Verbum n. 12 · Read the original

  • Literary forms: distinguish history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, apocalyptic literature, and other forms.

    → Source: Dei Verbum n. 12 · Read the original

  • Authorial intention: investigate the meaning expressed by ancient authors within their own times and cultures.

    → Source: Dei Verbum n. 12 · Read the original

  • Church Tradition: consider how Scripture has been read and prayed within the Church.

    → Source: Dei Verbum n. 12 · Read the original

  • Doctrinal harmony: translation must not conflict with Catholic faith and morals.

    → Source: Dei Verbum n. 12 · Read the original

6. Purpose and procedure of liturgical translation

In the liturgy, Scripture is not simply writing that conveys information, but the word of God proclaimed in the Church. 「Magnum Principium」 explains that biblical translation for the Liturgy of the Word is intended to proclaim the word of salvation to the faithful and to express the prayer of the Church.

→ Source: Magnum Principium, whole document · Read the original

Under canon 838 of the Code of Canon Law, the basic responsibility for liturgical translation belongs to the conference of bishops. The conference prepares and approves liturgical books, receives the confirmatio of the Apostolic See, and then publishes them in the relevant region.

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 838 · Read the original

Stage Content
1. Judgment on language The conference of bishops judges whether to use the language in the liturgy and how broad the scope of translation should be.

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 838 §3 · Read the original
2. Preparation of translation The liturgical commission, biblical scholars, language experts, and experts in liturgical Latin work together.

→ Source: Liturgiam authenticam nn. 70, 72, 75. The preparation of liturgical translations is entrusted to the conference of bishops' liturgical commission and proceeds with the cooperation and common review of experts in liturgy, biblical studies, philology/language, and music. · Read the original

→ Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 nn. 17-18. It proceeds with the help of suitable persons, including experts in liturgical Latin, and with common work by groups of experts. · Read the original
3. Doctrinal review Commissions responsible for doctrine of the faith verify the accurate and complete expression of Catholic faith.

→ Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 nn. 18-19. The conference of bishops' doctrinal commission reviews whether the translation expresses the Catholic faith accurately and completely and accords with sound doctrine. · Read the original

→ Source: Liturgiam authenticam nn. 26, 80. Liturgical translation must agree with orthodox doctrine and preserve the harmony between the law of prayer and the law of belief. · Read the original
4. Approval by the conference of bishops The conference of bishops approves the translation according to the established procedure and vote.

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 838 §3 · Read the original
5. Confirmation by the Apostolic See The confirmatio is requested. More fundamental adaptations require recognitio.

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 838 §2-3 · Read the original
6. Promulgation and publication After confirmation, the conference of bishops promulgates the liturgical book and publishes the official edition.

→ Source: Code of Canon Law can. 838 §3 · Read the original

Threefold fidelity

The 2021 decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments explains the fidelity of liturgical translation in three directions.

→ Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 nn. 20-23 · Read the original

  • Fidelity to the source text: respect the Latin typical edition of the Roman liturgical book and the biblical source texts.

    → Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 nn. 20-21 · Read the original

  • Fidelity to the language of translation: if the language is Korean, it must be natural and accurate in Korean.

    → Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 n. 22 · Read the original

  • Fidelity to the understanding of the faithful: the people who actually hear and pray the texts must be able to understand them.

    → Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 n. 23 · Read the original

7. Specific guidelines of 「Liturgiam authenticam」

「Liturgiam authenticam」 of 2001 presents detailed criteria for liturgical translation. After 「Magnum Principium」 in 2017 and the 2021 decree, this document must be interpreted according to the intent of the new canon 838 of the Code of Canon Law, but many of its translation principles remain important criteria.

→ Source: Liturgiam authenticam, whole document · Read the original

→ Source: Magnum Principium, whole document · Read the original

→ Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838, whole document · Read the original

  • Translate the source text as fully and accurately as possible.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 20 · Read the original

  • Avoid omissions, additions, explanatory insertions, and excessive paraphrase of the content.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 20 · Read the original

  • Do not retranslate other modern-language translations; translate Scripture directly from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 34 · Read the original

  • In liturgical Bible translation, consult the 「Nova Vulgata」 as an auxiliary tool for preserving Latin liturgical tradition.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 37 · Read the original

  • Use accessible language while preserving dignity, beauty, and doctrinal accuracy.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 25 · Read the original

  • Liturgical language does not need to be exactly the same as everyday conversation; as a language of prayer it should have stability and memorability.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 59 · Read the original

  • Do not turn the symbols, images, and implications of Scripture into overly explanatory prose.

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 43 · Read the original

8. Lectionary and psalms

The biblical texts within liturgical books must be taken from a Bible translation formally approved by the conference of bishops. The biblical passages, arrangement, and accompanying elements of the lectionary must follow the order of the Roman liturgical books.

→ Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 39 · Read the original

→ Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 n. 29 · Read the original

Because psalms and canticles must be suitable not only for recitation but also for singing, translators must consider not only accuracy of meaning but also rhythm, repetition, proclaimability, and the possibility of common response. Within a single region, as far as possible, one approved translation should be used throughout the liturgical books so that the faithful can remember important biblical passages and become familiar with them in prayer.

→ Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 36 · Read the original

→ Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 60 · Read the original

9. Canon and deuterocanonical books

The Catholic Bible has a broader Old Testament canon than Protestant Bibles. A complete Catholic Bible must include the following deuterocanonical books and Greek additions.

→ Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 1.1.2 · Read the original

  • Tobit
  • Judith
  • Wisdom
  • Sirach
  • Baruch
  • First and Second Maccabees
  • The Greek parts of Esther and Daniel

→ Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 1.1.2 · Read the original

The 1987 Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible explain that the deuterocanonical books may be placed in a separate section in an interconfessional translation, but they make clear that these texts must be included in a complete Bible that receives Catholic approval.

→ Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 1.1.2 · Read the original

10. Interconfessional translation

The Catholic Church permits joint translation with other Christian communities. The 1987 「Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible」 aim to produce a common text that can be used together by several confessions, based on the Hebrew Old Testament text and the Greek New Testament text agreed upon by scholars from several Church traditions.

→ Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible, Presentation and section 1.1.1 · Read the original

  • Form a joint translation team, review committee, and advisory group.

    → Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible, Presentation · Read the original

  • Agree in advance on source texts, annotation standards, transcription of personal names, and style level.

    → Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 1.1.1 · Read the original

  • Avoid notes that provoke confessional differences; when necessary, handle them through objective explanations of alternatives.

    → Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 2.8 · Read the original

  • A Catholic edition may display an appropriate imprimatur or joint recommendation.

    → Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 2.8 · Read the original

11. Application in the Catholic Church in Korea

The official Bible of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea (CBCK) is the official common translation used by the Catholic Church in Korea, published in 2005 after 17 years of work. According to the explanation of the conference of bishops, the source texts used for the translation are as follows.

  • Hebrew parts of the Old Testament: the Masoretic Text of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
  • Greek parts of the Old Testament: in principle, the Göttingen edition of the Septuagint
  • New Testament: The Greek New Testament of the United Bible Societies

The 1977 Common Translation Bible was a translation produced jointly by Catholics and Protestants, and it was used in the Catholic liturgy in Korea until the 2005 Bible was published as the official Bible.

In the case of the liturgical psalms, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea (CBCK) approved them in October 2008, and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments granted the Apostolic See’s confirmation by decree on 2025-09-26. This is not a new translation, but a text that adapts the psalms and canticles of the Bible for the liturgy.

12. Working checklist

  • Are the source texts and critical editions to be used clear?

    → Source: Divino Afflante Spiritu nn. 16-17 · Read the original

  • Are the principles for handling textual variants documented?

    → Source: Divino Afflante Spiritu n. 17 · Read the original

  • Are the deuterocanonical books and the Greek parts of Esther and Daniel included?

    → Source: Guidelines for Interconfessional Cooperation in Translating the Bible section 1.1.2 · Read the original

  • Are major theological terms translated consistently?

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 50 · Read the original

  • Are the text and annotations, and the translation and explanatory material, clearly distinguished?

    → Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 · Read the original

  • Are there expressions that conflict with Catholic doctrine and morals or could cause misunderstanding?

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 26 · Read the original

  • If the translation is for liturgy, have reading aloud, hearing, response, and singing been considered?

    → Source: Liturgiam authenticam n. 59 · Read the original

  • Has the approval procedure of the conference of bishops been completed?

    → Source: Code of Canon Law can. 825 and can. 838 · Read the original

  • If the translation is for the liturgy, has the confirmatio of the Apostolic See, or recognitio where necessary, been received?

    → Source: 2021 Decree implementing can. 838 nn. 34-35 · Read the original

13. Sources