Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek discuss how to choose a Bible by explaining differences between translations and versions, from the Septuagint (Hebrew to Greek) and St. Jerome’s Latin Vulgate to modern English options. Lavinia contrasts literal word-for-word translations with dynamic translations and paraphrases, noting dynamic versions can help beginners but preferring more literal renderings. She surveys many English Bibles, highlights the King James Version’s influence, and recommends the Revised Standard Version (especially RSV Catholic Edition) as faithful and less agenda-driven. She critiques aspects of the New American Bible’s inclusive language and certain footnotes, while acknowledging its liturgical familiarity. Recommended resources include the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch), The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, the Augustine Bible (ESV-CE), the Jerusalem Bible for poetic style, David Stern’s Jewish New Testament Commentary for Jewish context, and The Living Bible as a paraphrase.



00:00 Welcome and Topic

00:31 Translations Explained

01:29 Literal vs Dynamic

02:27 English Bible History

03:59 Survey of Versions

05:51 Choosing a Translation

08:22 Study Bible Picks

10:26 Ignatius Study Bible

12:08 Augustine Bible ESV

14:35 Devotional and Commentary

17:16 Jerusalem Bible Love

18:48 Living Bible Paraphrase

19:51 Final Recommendations

20:09 Wrap Up and Sign Off