Holy Bible English Translation DRB (Douay-Rheims Bible)

The Douay-Rheims Bible (DRC): The Classic English Catholic Translation

The Douay-Rheims Bible (DRC) is a milestone in English biblical history, serving for centuries as the standard translation for English-speaking Catholics. The original version was translated from the Latin Vulgate by scholars at the English College in Douai, France (New Testament in 1582 and Old Testament in 1609). However, the version most commonly used today, and the one provided here, is the Challoner Revision, edited by Bishop Richard Challoner between 1749 and 1752.

Challoner’s primary goal was to modernize the archaic language of the original Douay-Rheims, making it more accessible to the faithful while maintaining its solemnity and its faithful adherence to the Latin Vulgate—the official Bible of the Council of Trent. The DRC is cherished for its traditional, majestic prose and its historical significance as a bridge between the ancient Latin text and the English language. It remains a vital resource for those who value a translation deeply rooted in the liturgical and theological heritage of the Church.

As a historic work published in the 18th century, the Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision is entirely in the Public Domain. It is free from copyright restrictions, allowing worldopenbible.com to offer this monumental translation as a reliable tool for spiritual study and historical research. It continues to inspire readers with its unique phrasing and its unwavering commitment to the traditional biblical record.