Difference Between Catholic Bible And King James Bible

May 08, 2024

The Catholic Bible and the King James Bible are two of the most widely read and studied versions of the Bible. While both versions include the same books and stories, there are some important differences between them. This article will explain the main differences between the two versions and how they affect the way people interpret the Bible’s teachings.

1. Canon of Scripture

The first major difference between the Catholic Bible and King James Bible is the canon of scripture. The Catholic Bible includes the seven deuterocanonical books, which are not found in the King James Bible. These books are Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch. Additionally, the Catholic Bible also includes sections of Daniel and Esther that are not found in the King James Bible.

2. Translations Used in the Bible

The Catholic Bible is translated from the original Hebrew and Greek texts using the Latin Vulgate, while the King James Bible is translated using the Greek Septuagint. This means that the Catholic Bible follows a more literal translation of the original texts, while the King James Bible relies more heavily on interpretation.

3. Language Used in the Bible

The language used in the Catholic Bible is Latin, while the King James Bible is written in English. This means that there are some differences in how the same passages are translated in the two versions. For example, the Latin word for love in the Catholic Bible is “caritas,” while the English word in the King James Bible is “love.”

4. Apocryphal Books

The Catholic Bible includes a selection of books known as the Apocrypha, which are not found in the King James Bible. These books include 1 and 2 Esdras, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch. These books are not part of the Hebrew or Greek texts, but have been included in the Catholic Bible to provide additional historical and cultural context.

5. Number of Books

Because the Catholic Bible includes the seven deuterocanonical books and the Apocrypha, it has more books than the King James Bible. The Catholic Bible has 73 books, while the King James Bible has 66.

6. Order of Books

The Catholic Bible and King James Bible differ in the order of the books. In the Catholic Bible, the books are ordered according to the timeline of their events, while in the King James Bible, the books are ordered according to subject. For example, the four Gospels are grouped together in the King James Bible but are separated in the Catholic Bible.

7. Verses

The Catholic Bible and King James Bible also differ in the way they present verses. The Catholic Bible includes verses that are not found in the King James Bible, and vice versa. Additionally, the verse numbers are placed differently in the two versions, so it can be difficult to locate the same passage in both versions.

8. Footnotes and Cross-references

The Catholic Bible includes footnotes and cross-references that provide additional information about the passages. These notes provide references to other parts of the Bible, as well as historical and cultural context for the passages. The King James Bible does not include these notes.

9. Study Aids

The Catholic Bible includes study aids, such as maps, timelines, and concordances, which can help readers understand the Bible better. The King James Bible does not include these study aids.

10. Liturgical Use

The Catholic Bible is used in the liturgy of the Catholic Church. This means that it is used for readings, prayers, and other liturgical services. The King James Bible is not used in the liturgy.

11. Psalms

The Psalms are divided differently in the Catholic Bible and King James Bible. In the Catholic Bible, the Psalms are divided into 150 chapters, while in the King James Bible, they are divided into only 150 verses.

12. Proverbs

The Proverbs are also divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the Proverbs are divided into 31 chapters, while in the King James Bible, they are divided into only 22 chapters.

13. Deuteronomy

The book of Deuteronomy is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 34 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 28 chapters.

14. Isaiah

The book of Isaiah is also divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 66 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 56 chapters.

15. Jeremiah

The book of Jeremiah is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 52 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 52 verses.

16. Lamentations

The book of Lamentations is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 5 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 3 chapters.

17. Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 48 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 24 chapters.

18. Daniel

The book of Daniel is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 14 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 12 chapters.

19. Hosea

The book of Hosea is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 14 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 14 verses.

20. Jonah

The book of Jonah is divided differently in the two versions. In the Catholic Bible, the book is divided into 4 chapters, while in the King James Bible, it is divided into only 4 verses.

In conclusion, the Catholic Bible and King James Bible are two different versions of the Bible with some important differences. The Catholic Bible includes more books, uses a different translation, and includes additional study aids. Additionally, the books are divided differently in the two versions, which can affect the way readers interpret the Bible’s teachings. These differences should be taken into account when reading and interpreting the Bible.