New Jerusalem Bible

The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) is a 1985 update to the 1966 Jerusalem Bible, both of which are liberal translations of the Bible by Catholics in England without any adherence to Protestant doctrine. "Gender inclusive" language rather than fidelity to the original text is one flaw. There are also copious annotations of dubious validity. This translation is rejected by conservatives. However, the writing style in the New Jerusalem Bible tends to be superior (with fewer awkward terms and phrases) than its American counterpart, the New American Bible.

In the Jerusalem Bible, Luke 1:28 departs the familiar translation of the Annunciation to Mary with this wording:

"Rejoice, so highly favored! The Lord is with you."

The traditional translation is:

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women."

The Jerusalem Bible then omitted the final phrase of the Vulgate ("full of grace"), and does not even mention it in a footnote.

There are online comparisons of the New Jerusalem Bible and the Jerusalem Bible, and criticisms of both.

Though the NJB can be faulted for avoiding use of the word "grace", it does provide a more practical translation of the birth of Jesus in John 1:16 in which the NJB refers to "gift", as in the modern practice of gift-giving:

Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received - one gift replacing another.

Sources

• Jerusalem Bible
• New Jerusalem Bible