Who Is This For?
Best For:
Traditional Catholics, those studying Catholic biblical tradition, Vulgate comparison, and readers wanting continuity with pre-Vatican II Catholicism.
Not Ideal For:
Those preferring translation from original languages, modern readers seeking accessibility, or Protestants uncomfortable with deuterocanonical books.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the DRA
- Authoritative Catholic translation with centuries of use
- Includes deuterocanonical books accepted by Catholics
- Historical importance as first Catholic English Bible
- Beautiful traditional language
- Public domain - freely available
✗ Limitations to Consider
- Translated from Latin, not Greek and Hebrew originals
- Archaic language even in revised editions
- Heavily Latinate vocabulary in original
- Annotations reflect Counter-Reformation polemics
- Superseded by modern Catholic translations (NAB, RSV-CE)
Overview
The Douay-Rheims Bible was the first complete English Catholic Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate by English Catholic scholars exiled during the Protestant Reformation. It served as the authoritative English Bible for Catholics for nearly 400 years and includes the deuterocanonical books rejected by Protestants.
Want to read the DRA Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the DRA
- First complete English Catholic Bible
- Includes deuterocanonical books (Apocrypha)
- Extensive apologetic annotations
- Influenced King James Version translators
- Based on Latin Vulgate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Douay-Rheims Bible?
The Douay-Rheims Bible was the first complete English Catholic Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate by English Catholic scholars exiled during the Protestant Reformation. It served as the authoritative English Bible for Catholics for nearly 400 years and includes the deuterocanonical books rejected by Protestants.
How can I read the DRA Bible online?
You can read and search the Douay-Rheims Bible online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the DRA translation.
When was the DRA Bible published?
The Douay-Rheims Bible was first published in 1582. It is classified as a Formal Equivalence translation with a 12th Grade reading level.
Who should use the DRA Bible?
Traditional Catholics, those studying Catholic biblical tradition, Vulgate comparison, and readers wanting continuity with pre-Vatican II Catholicism.
How does the DRA compare to other Bible translations?
The Douay-Rheims Bible (DRA) is a Formal Equivalence translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the DRA Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the DRA Translation
During the reign of Protestant Queen Elizabeth I, English Catholics faced severe persecution. Many scholars fled to the European continent, where William Allen founded the English College at Douai (spelled 'Douay' in English) in Flanders in 1568 to train priests for the English mission.
Gregory Martin, an Oxford scholar and close friend of the martyr Edmund Campion, began translating the Bible in October 1578. Working at a remarkable pace, Martin translated approximately two chapters daily while colleagues William Allen, Richard Bristow, Thomas Worthington, and William Reynolds reviewed his work. Martin died in 1582, the same year the New Testament was published at Rheims (where the college had temporarily relocated).
Funding difficulties delayed the Old Testament, which finally appeared at Douai in 1609-1610. The translation adhered strictly to the Latin Vulgate, the Catholic Church's official text affirmed at the Council of Trent. Extensive annotations defended Catholic doctrine against Protestant critiques.
Bishop Richard Challoner substantially revised the translation in 1749-1752, modernizing the archaic language while preserving its theological content. The Challoner revision became the standard English Catholic Bible until the mid-20th century.
Learn More on Wikipedia
Translators
Meet the 4 Key Translators and Contributors
Gregory Martin
Primary translator
Oxford-educated scholar, former tutor in the Duke of Norfolk's household. Translated approximately two chapters daily until his death in 1582.
William Allen
Project director and reviser
Founded the English College at Douai. Later made a Cardinal. Oversaw the project and contributed theological annotations.
Richard Bristow
Reviser
Scholar who reviewed Martin's translations and contributed many annotations defending Catholic teaching.
Richard Challoner
Major reviser (1749-1752)
Vicar Apostolic of the London District. His revision modernized the language and became the standard Catholic English Bible.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
Translated from the Latin Vulgate, following the text declared authentic by the Council of Trent (1546). The translators consulted the original Greek and Hebrew for clarification but maintained the Vulgate as their primary source.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"The Douay-Rheims was completed in 1609 and is older than the King James Version. The KJV translators specifically reference it in their preface, acknowledging its influence."
— Catholic Answers, Uncomfortable Facts About the Douay-Rheims (2016) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
The editions now in circulation are the Douay-Challoner version, extensively revised in light of Greek and Hebrew manuscripts—meaning it is not a pure Vulgate translation. Challoner's revisions borrowed heavily from the King James Version.
— Jimmy Akin, Uncomfortable Facts About the Douay-Rheims (2016) [source]
Revision History
View 4 Major Revisions and Updates
- 1582 New Testament published at Rheims.
- 1609-1610 Old Testament published at Douai in two volumes.
- 1749-1752 Bishop Challoner's major revision modernized language and became the standard text.
- 1899 American edition with further updates in vocabulary and spelling.
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