The Catholic Bible is a sacred text for Catholic Christians. It stands out for containing 73 books, including several books not found in Protestant versions — such as Tobit, Judith and the Maccabees. This larger canon is a key point of difference when comparing the versions of the Bible.
The Catholic Bible is made up of the Old Testament — which includes the Hebrew texts and the deuterocanonical books — together with the New Testament, which recounts the life of Jesus Christ and the beginnings of the Christian Church.
Unlike Protestant versions, which contain only 66 books, the Catholic Bible includes 73. These 7 additional books, called “deuterocanonical,” are: Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) and Baruch.
The Protestant Bible contains 66 books, because it excludes the deuterocanonical books. Protestants regard them as apocryphal, whereas the Catholic Church includes them in its canon of Scripture.
All versions share a common core, but some include or exclude certain books. A few pointers:
The Catholic Bible stands out for its additional books, but whichever version you choose, the Bible remains a foundational text of the Christian faith. Whether you are Catholic, Protestant or simply curious, each version offers a unique perspective on this founding text. Start reading the Bible online, or learn more about the best Bible version to read.
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