Catholic Bible vs. King James Bible — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 19, 2023
The Catholic Bible includes several books not found in the King James Bible, which is a Protestant translation from 1611. Both have unique translations and historical origins.
Difference Between Catholic Bible and King James Bible
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The Catholic Bible and the King James Bible are both Christian scriptures but differ in content, translation, and origin. The Catholic Bible encompasses all the books recognized by the Catholic Church as canonical. In contrast, the King James Bible is a specific translation commissioned by King James I of England in 1604 and was completed in 1611.
One of the most prominent differences between the Catholic Bible and the King James Bible lies in the Old Testament. The Catholic Bible incorporates seven additional books, known as the "Deuterocanonical" books, which are not included in the King James Bible. These books are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and First and Second Maccabees.
In terms of translation, the Catholic Bible has various versions, like the New American Bible (NAB) and the Douay-Rheims Bible. These versions draw from ancient Hebrew, Greek, and sometimes Latin texts. The King James Bible, on the other hand, was translated from Hebrew and Greek texts available during the early 17th century and is known for its poetic and archaic English.
Origin-wise, the Catholic Bible has its roots in the early Christian Church and its traditions. Its canon was confirmed at councils like the Council of Hippo and the Council of Carthage in the 4th century. The King James Bible, alternatively, emerged in the context of the Protestant Reformation and was meant to be a standardized Bible for English-speaking Protestants.
Readers often appreciate the Catholic Bible for its comprehensive inclusion of scriptures recognized by the Catholic Church. Simultaneously, the King James Bible is esteemed for its majestic prose and has greatly influenced English literature and language.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Books Included
Contains Deuterocanonical books
Excludes Deuterocanonical books
Origin
Rooted in early Christian Church traditions
Commissioned by King James I in 1604
Primary Audience
Catholics
English-speaking Protestants
Language Style
Varies; some versions use modern language
Poetic, archaic English
Translation Source
Ancient Hebrew, Greek, and sometimes Latin
Hebrew and Greek texts from the early 17th century
Compare with Definitions
Catholic Bible
The Catholic Bible is the scripture recognized and used by the Roman Catholic Church.
She read from the Catholic Bible during the Mass.
King James Bible
King James I of England commissioned the King James Bible.
Wanting a standard English Bible, King James I initiated the creation of the King James Bible.
Catholic Bible
The Catholic Bible includes seven Deuterocanonical books not found in Protestant Bibles.
Tobit is a book exclusive to the Catholic Bible among Christian scriptures.
King James Bible
The King James Bible is esteemed for its majestic and archaic prose.
The Lord is my shepherd is a famous line from the King James Bible.
Catholic Bible
Various versions of the Catholic Bible exist, translated from ancient texts.
The New American Bible is a modern translation of the Catholic Bible.
King James Bible
The King James Bible has greatly influenced English literature and language.
Many idiomatic expressions in English can trace their origins to the King James Bible.
Catholic Bible
The Catholic Bible's content was ratified in early church councils like Hippo and Carthage.
The canon of the Catholic Bible has ancient origins rooted in church traditions.
King James Bible
The King James Bible was meant to be a unified translation for English-speaking Protestants.
The King James Bible was read widely in Protestant churches across England.
Catholic Bible
The Catholic Bible serves as a foundational text for Catholic theology and teachings.
The teachings of the church are often referenced from the Catholic Bible.
King James Bible
The King James Bible is a Protestant English translation from 1611.
The King James Bible is known for its poetic verses like Psalm 23.
Common Curiosities
Who commissioned the King James Bible?
The King James Bible was commissioned by King James I of England.
What is the Catholic Bible?
The Catholic Bible is the scripture recognized and used by the Roman Catholic Church.
Which books are exclusive to the Catholic Bible?
The Catholic Bible includes seven Deuterocanonical books not found in the King James Bible.
Why is the King James Bible significant in literature?
The King James Bible, with its poetic prose, has greatly influenced English literature and language.
What language is the King James Bible written in?
The King James Bible is written in archaic English.
Which Bible is older, the Catholic or the King James?
The Catholic Bible's canon was confirmed centuries earlier, making it older in terms of content. The King James Bible's translation dates to 1611.
How does the King James Bible differ from the Catholic Bible?
The King James Bible is a Protestant translation from 1611 and excludes some books found in the Catholic Bible.
Can I find the Book of Wisdom in the King James Bible?
No, the Book of Wisdom is a Deuterocanonical book exclusive to the Catholic Bible.
Are there multiple versions of the Catholic Bible?
Yes, there are various versions of the Catholic Bible, such as the New American Bible and Douay-Rheims Bible.
Is the King James Bible still popular today?
Yes, the King James Bible remains popular and is cherished for its literary value.
Is the New Testament the same in both Bibles?
Yes, the New Testament is essentially the same in both the Catholic Bible and the King James Bible.
Is the Catholic Bible's content universally accepted among Christians?
No, while the Catholic Church accepts it, some books are not recognized as canonical by Protestant denominations.
What's the audience for the King James Bible?
It was intended for English-speaking Protestants.
Who translated the King James Bible?
A committee of scholars and theologians translated the King James Bible under King James I's direction.
Are there study versions of both the Catholic Bible and the King James Bible?
Yes, there are study versions available for both the Catholic Bible and the King James Bible, providing commentary and context.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Journalism vs. Mass Communication
Next Comparison
Primary Minerals vs. Secondary MineralsAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
