The Bible is the cornerstone of faith for millions around the world, but not all Bibles are the same. Some people wonder: Is the ESV Bible Catholic approved? Others ask, What version of the Bible is best for Catholics? If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, you’re not alone.
This article is here to walk you through everything you need to know about the ESV (English Standard Version) and how it fits into the Catholic faith. Whether you’re a Catholic, Protestant, or simply curious, we’ll break it down step-by-step in easy language.
What is the ESV Bible?
The English Standard Version (ESV) is a word-for-word Bible translation first published in 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry based in the United States. It was created as an update to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and is praised for its accuracy, clarity, and literary beauty.
Key Features of the ESV Bible:
Formal equivalence translation (more literal)
Easy to read while staying faithful to the original texts
Used widely among Protestant churches
Available in various formats: print, digital, audio
What Religion Uses the ESV Bible Most?
The ESV Bible is most popular among Evangelical Protestants and Reformed churches. Many pastors, theologians, and Bible study groups across the Protestant world rely on it for daily devotionals and teaching.
While Protestants are the primary users, the translation itself is not inherently “anti-Catholic”—it simply wasn’t originally prepared with Catholic doctrine in mind.
Is the ESV Bible Okay for Catholics?
This is a common question: Is the ESV Bible okay for Catholics? The short answer is yes, but with an important condition—it depends on which edition of the ESV you are using.
The original ESV Bible is not officially Catholic Church-approved because it lacks the full canon of Scripture that the Catholic Church recognizes.
Catholics Use 73 Books, Not 66
The Catholic Bible contains 73 books, including the Deuterocanonical books like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and Maccabees. These are often left out in Protestant versions like the original ESV, which includes only 66 books.
What is the ESV Catholic Edition (ESV-CE)?
In 2018, the ESV Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) was published in response to the need for a version approved for Catholic use. This version includes all 73 books of the Catholic canon and follows the guidelines of the Catholic Church.
Who Approved It?
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) approved the ESV Catholic Edition, and it is currently in use in Catholic liturgy in some regions, especially India and parts of Africa.
ESV vs. ESV Catholic Edition
| Feature | ESV (Original) | ESV Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Books | 66 | 73 (includes Deuterocanonicals) |
| Target Audience | Protestant readers | Catholic readers |
| Approved for Mass? | ❌ Not approved | ✅ Approved in some Catholic regions |
| Publisher | Crossway | Asian Trading Corporation (India) |
| Available Formats | Print, digital | Print, digital (PDF, ebook, online) |
Can Catholics Read the ESV Bible?
Absolutely! But here’s the key:
For personal study: The standard ESV is fine for understanding Scripture and learning the Word.
For Church use, prayer, and Mass: Catholics should stick with approved versions, like the ESV Catholic Edition, the New American Bible (NABRE), or the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE).
What Bible Does the Catholic Church Recommend?
The Catholic Church recommends Bibles that have been approved by bishops’ conferences, and which include the entire canon.
Commonly Recommended Catholic Bibles:
New American Bible (NABRE) – USA
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jerusalem Bible
ESV Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) – Approved in India, Uganda, Philippines
Is the ESV Better Than the NIV for Catholics?
Let’s compare.
The NIV (New International Version) is another popular Protestant translation, but it leans more on dynamic equivalence, meaning it’s more interpretative and readable than literal. It also does not include the full Catholic canon.
The ESV, especially the Catholic Edition, is a better fit for Catholics because it:
Stays closer to original texts (more literal)
Has an officially approved Catholic edition
Is used in some Catholic liturgies
So if you’re asking “Is the NIV or ESV better for Catholics?” — the ESV Catholic Edition wins.
Is There an ESV Catholic Edition PDF or eBook?
Yes! Many Catholic publishers and bookstores now offer:
ESV Catholic Edition PDF
ESV Catholic Edition Online versions
ESV Catholic Edition eBooks for Kindle or other readers
You can easily find these on Catholic publishing websites or platforms like Amazon, Verbum, and Bible Gateway.
Why Was the ESV Catholic Edition Created?
There was a real need for a modern, accurate, and readable Catholic Bible that could be used in liturgy, education, and personal devotion.
The ESV-CE fills that gap, offering:
High accuracy for scholars
Easy flow for readers
Respect for Catholic tradition
How Do I Know If a Bible is Catholic Approved?
Look for these things:
✅ Imprimatur: A stamp showing it’s free from doctrinal error
✅ Nihil Obstat: Approval by a theologian
✅ Full Canon: 73 books, including Deuterocanonicals
✅ Publisher Info: Look for Catholic publishers or diocesan approval
The ESV Catholic Edition has all of the above.
Conclusion: Is the ESV Bible Catholic Approved?
The original ESV Bible is not officially Catholic-approved, but the ESV Catholic Edition (ESV-CE) is approved and used in Catholic liturgy in some parts of the world.
So, if you’re Catholic and want to use the ESV:
✔ Use the ESV Catholic Edition for full doctrinal harmony
❌ Avoid the standard ESV for Mass or formal Catholic teaching
✅ Use either version for basic study or comparative reading
The tide is turning in Bible publishing, and now Catholics have more translation choices than ever.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to the faith or have been Catholic for years, choosing the right Bible matters. The ESV Catholic Edition bridges the gap between modern language and ancient tradition. It brings clarity, accuracy, and completeness — all wrapped into one beautiful edition.
Reverend James, a seasoned and knowledgeable author, excels in presenting profound biblical teachings with clarity and simplicity, making Scripture accessible and engaging for all
