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The Catholic Bible is commonly called the Catholic Bible, but it does not have one single official translation with a unique name. Catholic Bibles contain 73 books: 46 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. They include seven books—Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees—that are not included in most Protestant Bibles. These are commonly called the Deuterocanonical books.
Key Takeaways
- The Catholic Bible contains 73 books.
- It has 46 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.
- Catholics call seven Old Testament books Deuterocanonical.
- The Catholic Bible is not one single translation.
- Popular Catholic translations include the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE), New Jerusalem Bible (NJB), and Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE).
- Catholic and Protestant Bibles share the same 27 New Testament books.
- The major difference is the number and status of certain Old Testament books.
- The Catholic Church officially recognizes the biblical canon used in Catholic Bibles.
- The Bible is central to Catholic worship, teaching, prayer, and Christian life.
What Is the Catholic Bible Called?
The simplest answer is the Catholic Bible. There is not, however, one universally designated Catholic Bible translation that every Catholic must use.
Instead, the Catholic Church uses and approves different Bible translations for different languages and purposes. A Catholic Bible follows the Catholic biblical canon, which contains 73 books.
The major distinction is that Catholic Bibles include seven Old Testament books that are generally absent from Protestant Bibles. Catholics traditionally refer to these as the Deuterocanonical books, meaning books belonging to a “second” or later-recognized part of the canon.
The term does not mean that Catholics consider these books unimportant. They are part of Catholic Scripture and have been used in Catholic teaching, liturgy, theology, and devotional life.
Is “Catholic Bible” the Name of a Specific Book?
Not exactly.
“Catholic Bible” describes a Bible that contains the Catholic canon. Several different translations can therefore be Catholic Bibles.
For example, a Catholic reader might use a translation such as the NABRE, RSV Catholic Edition, or another translation approved for Catholic use.
The canon and the translation are two different things.
- Canon: Which books belong in the Bible?
- Translation: How are those books translated from their original languages?
That distinction helps explain why there is no single answer such as “the Catholic Bible is called X.”
How Many Books Are in the Catholic Bible?
The Catholic Bible contains 73 books.
| Section | Number of Books |
|---|---|
| Old Testament | 46 |
| New Testament | 27 |
| Total | 73 |
The 27 New Testament books are the same in Catholic and Protestant Bibles.
The principal difference concerns the Old Testament.
Most Protestant Bibles contain 39 Old Testament books, while Catholic Bibles contain 46. The additional seven books are:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Wisdom
- Sirach
- Baruch
- 1 Maccabees
- 2 Maccabees
Catholic editions also contain additional sections in Esther and Daniel that are not normally found in Protestant editions.
What Are the Deuterocanonical Books?
The Deuterocanonical books are biblical books accepted as canonical by the Catholic Church but generally placed outside the Old Testament canon of Protestant traditions.
The word “deuterocanonical” comes from Greek roots associated with a “second” or later canon. In Catholic theology, these books are fully part of Scripture.
Tobit
Tobit tells a story involving family, faithfulness, suffering, prayer, and God’s providence. The angel Raphael plays an important role in the narrative.
One important lesson is that faithfulness can continue even during difficult circumstances.
Judith
Judith presents a courageous woman whose faith and determination become central to the deliverance of her people.
The book emphasizes courage, trust in God, prayer, and God’s sovereignty.
Wisdom
The Book of Wisdom, also called the Wisdom of Solomon, explores righteousness, wisdom, immortality, and God’s justice.
It contains themes that became important in Christian theological reflection.
Sirach
Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is a wisdom book containing practical teaching about family, friendship, speech, humility, discipline, wealth, and relationships.
Its emphasis on practical wisdom makes it especially valuable for reflection on daily Christian living.
Baruch
Baruch focuses on repentance, wisdom, exile, and hope. It is traditionally associated with Baruch, the companion and secretary of the prophet Jeremiah.
1 Maccabees
1 Maccabees provides historical information about the Jewish struggle against foreign rule during the second century BC.
It offers valuable historical background for understanding the period before the New Testament.
2 Maccabees
2 Maccabees focuses on several events surrounding the Maccabean period and strongly emphasizes martyrdom, resurrection hope, prayer, and faithfulness to God.
These themes became particularly significant in Catholic theological reflection.
Why Does the Catholic Bible Have More Books?
The difference developed from different traditions concerning the Old Testament canon.
Early Christians inherited the Scriptures of Israel, but the history of which books were considered authoritative involved multiple languages, communities, manuscripts, and traditions.
A particularly important issue involved the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of Jewish Scriptures. It included books and passages that became part of the Christian biblical tradition.
The early Christian Church frequently used the Greek Scriptures. The New Testament itself contains numerous quotations or allusions that reflect the Greek Old Testament tradition.
Over time, different Christian communities developed different canonical traditions.
The Catholic Church ultimately affirmed the 73-book canon, while Protestant traditions generally followed a 39-book Old Testament alongside the 27-book New Testament.
What Did the Early Christians Use?
The Bible did not suddenly appear as one bound volume during the earliest years of Christianity.
Jesus and the apostles lived within the Jewish scriptural world, and early Christians used Jewish Scriptures in different linguistic forms. Greek was especially important throughout the wider Mediterranean world.
The Septuagint became highly influential among Greek-speaking Christians.
The New Testament also shows that the earliest Christians viewed the Old Testament as authoritative Scripture.
Jesus and the Scriptures
Jesus frequently quoted or referred to Israel’s Scriptures.
For example, in Matthew 5:17, Jesus says:
“I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
The context is Jesus’ teaching about the Law and the Prophets. His statement demonstrates the importance of Israel’s Scriptures within his ministry.
The New Testament therefore cannot be understood separately from the Old Testament scriptural tradition.
What Does the Bible Say About Scripture?
Several New Testament passages explain the importance of Scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is inspired by God.”
Paul tells Timothy that Scripture is useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.
The central lesson is that Scripture is not merely historical literature for Christians. It is intended to shape belief and conduct.
Romans 15:4
“Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.”
Paul connects the earlier Scriptures with Christian instruction, endurance, and hope.
This demonstrates how early Christians understood the Old Testament as relevant to their faith.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet.”
Psalm 119 presents God’s word as guidance for faithful living.
For Catholics and other Christians, passages such as this support the practice of reading Scripture for spiritual formation.
What Is the Difference Between a Catholic Bible and a Protestant Bible?
The most noticeable difference is the number of books in the Old Testament.
| Catholic Bible | Protestant Bible |
|---|---|
| 73 books | Usually 66 books |
| 46 Old Testament books | 39 Old Testament books |
| 27 New Testament books | 27 New Testament books |
| Includes Deuterocanonical books | Generally does not include them as canonical |
| Additional sections of Esther and Daniel | Usually different editions or arrangements |
The difference should not be exaggerated, however.
Catholics and Protestants share the vast majority of biblical books and share the entire New Testament canon.
Both traditions center Christian faith on Jesus Christ and the New Testament witness about his life, death, and resurrection.
Is the Catholic Bible Different From the King James Bible?
Yes, although the differences involve both canon and translation.
The King James Version (KJV) was produced within the English Protestant tradition. Its standard form contains 66 books.
Catholic Bibles contain 73 canonical books.
There are also significant differences in translation philosophy, vocabulary, historical context, and textual traditions.
A Catholic Bible is therefore not simply a different edition of the King James Bible.
Which Bible Do Catholics Use?
Catholics do not all use exactly the same English Bible.
Different Catholic communities and countries use different translations.
Some English-language Catholic readers use:
- New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)
- New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
- Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)
- Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE)
- Douay-Rheims Bible
- New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE)
The availability and liturgical approval of translations can vary by country and bishops’ conference.
Therefore, when someone asks, “What is the Catholic Bible called?” it is useful to ask whether they mean the canon or a specific translation.
What Is the Catholic Bible Called in the Catholic Church?
In ordinary Catholic language, it can simply be called the Holy Bible, Sacred Scripture, or the Catholic Bible.
Catholic teaching understands Scripture as the inspired word of God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Sacred Scripture as having an important role within the life and faith of the Church.
Catholic theology also emphasizes that Scripture is read within the living tradition of the Church and interpreted with attention to literary forms, historical context, and the unity of Scripture.
How Does Catholic Tradition Understand Scripture?
Catholic Christianity places Scripture within a broader framework involving Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church.
This does not mean that Scripture is unimportant or secondary. Rather, Catholic theology understands these elements as closely connected in transmitting and interpreting the Christian faith.
Scripture and Tradition
The New Testament itself emphasizes the importance of faithfully preserving apostolic teaching.
Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:15:
“Stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us.”
The immediate context concerns apostolic teaching received by the Thessalonian Christians.
Catholic theology sees such passages as relevant to the relationship between written Scripture and apostolic tradition.
Does the Catholic Bible Have the Same New Testament?
Yes.
Catholic and Protestant Bibles both contain 27 New Testament books.
These include:
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
- Acts
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
- Revelation
Therefore, when comparing Catholic and Protestant Bibles, the primary canonical difference is in the Old Testament rather than the New Testament.
What Can Catholics Learn From the Deuterocanonical Books?
The Deuterocanonical books contain themes that fit naturally within the broader biblical story.
They discuss:
- Faith during suffering
- God’s justice
- Wisdom
- Prayer
- Repentance
- Courage
- Family relationships
- Perseverance
- Resurrection hope
- Faithfulness during persecution
For example, 2 Maccabees 7 presents a powerful account of martyrdom and hope in resurrection.
Its historical setting helps readers understand Jewish faith and persecution during the period before Christ.
These books can therefore contribute to a richer understanding of the religious environment surrounding the New Testament era.
Bible Reading as a Catholic Spiritual Practice
For Catholics, Bible reading can become part of prayer and spiritual formation.
A person does not have to read dozens of chapters every day to begin engaging with Scripture.
A simple practice might involve:
- Choosing a short passage.
- Reading it slowly.
- Identifying what the passage says about God.
- Considering what it teaches about human life.
- Asking how it points toward faithful living.
- Responding to God through prayer.
- Writing down one practical lesson.
This approach can turn Bible reading from a purely academic activity into an opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth.
A Simple Catholic Bible Study Method
Try this four-step approach when reading Scripture.
Read
Begin with the actual biblical passage rather than relying only on quotations taken out of context.
Understand
Consider who wrote the passage, its historical setting, its audience, and its literary genre.
Reflect
Ask what the passage reveals about God, humanity, sin, grace, faith, wisdom, or salvation.
Apply
Consider one practical way the biblical teaching can shape your decisions, relationships, prayer, or Christian life.
This method is useful whether you are reading a Gospel, a Psalm, a prophetic book, or one of the Deuterocanonical writings.
Common Misconceptions About the Catholic Bible
“There is only one Catholic Bible.”
Not exactly. There are multiple Catholic-approved translations. The defining feature is primarily the Catholic canon, not one universal English translation.
“Catholics have a completely different Bible.”
This is misleading. Catholics and Protestants share the 27 books of the New Testament and most of the Old Testament.
“The Deuterocanonical books were added recently.”
The history of the biblical canon is much older and more complicated than this claim suggests. These books were part of longstanding Christian scriptural traditions, although their canonical status was disputed during different periods and among different communities.
“Catholic Bibles are simply longer versions of Protestant Bibles.”
The difference is more significant than page count. It reflects different canonical traditions and historical approaches to Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Catholic Bible officially called?
It is commonly called the Catholic Bible, Holy Bible, or Sacred Scripture. There is no single universal translation called “the Catholic Bible.”
2. How many books are in a Catholic Bible?
A Catholic Bible normally contains 73 books: 46 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
3. What are the seven extra Catholic Bible books?
They are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees. Catholic tradition calls these the Deuterocanonical books.
4. Is the Catholic Bible the same as the Christian Bible?
The Catholic Bible is Christian Scripture, but Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions do not all have exactly the same biblical canon.
5. Do Catholics use the King James Bible?
Catholics can read the KJV for historical or comparative purposes, but it is a Protestant translation and does not contain the complete Catholic canon in its standard form.
6. What is the most common Catholic Bible?
There is no single worldwide Catholic Bible. The commonly used translation varies according to language, country, and purpose. English-speaking Catholics may encounter several approved Catholic editions.
7. Why does the Catholic Bible have 73 books?
The Catholic Church recognizes 73 books as canonical: 46 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. The additional Old Testament books are traditionally called Deuterocanonical.
8. Are the Deuterocanonical books inspired?
Yes. Catholic teaching accepts the Deuterocanonical books as inspired Scripture and part of the biblical canon.
9. Does the Catholic Bible contain Revelation?
Yes. Revelation is one of the 27 books of the Catholic New Testament.
10. What Bible should a Catholic beginner read?
A beginner may choose a Catholic-approved translation that is clear and readable in their language. It can also be helpful to follow a structured reading plan or study Bible with introductions and notes.
Final Encouragement
So, what is the Catholic Bible called? The straightforward answer is the Catholic Bible, but that phrase describes a biblical tradition rather than one single translation. Catholic Bibles contain 73 books, including the seven Deuterocanonical books that are not generally part of Protestant biblical canons.
Understanding this distinction makes it easier to appreciate why different Christian Bibles can look slightly different while still sharing the central story of God’s work in Scripture and the witness to Jesus Christ.
Whether you are beginning your first Bible study or comparing Catholic and Protestant traditions, approach Scripture patiently and thoughtfully. Read passages in context, explore their historical setting, and allow the larger biblical story to shape your understanding.
The Bible is more than a collection of isolated verses. It tells a sweeping story of creation, covenant, sin, redemption, hope, and God’s relationship with humanity. For Christians, that story reaches its central point in Jesus Christ.
Studying the Catholic Bible can therefore become more than an attempt to identify how many books it contains. It can become an invitation to understand Scripture more deeply, appreciate Christian history, and grow in faith, wisdom, prayer, and love.
