This translation, published by the World Catholic Press in 1987, is a literal translation, based on the word-for-word principle and undertaken by fifty translators. Unlike previous Catholic Bibles, the New American Bible, or NAB, is based not on the Latin Vulgate, but on original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts representing the most recent textual scholarship. Although the NAB is intended for official use in the Catholic Mass, its authors collaborated with scholars outside of Catholic circles in an attempt to make the translation more suitable for use by all Christians. Extensive footnotes are a significant part of this work.

This version contains the deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament and (for Palm, Pocket PC, and Symbian UIQ) the complete publisher notes that expand on translation context and meaning.

Please note: Nokia Symbian devices do not support publisher notes at this time.

Text samples

Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,