The Catholic Bible is the collection of sacred books that the Catholic Church recognizes as inspired by God and authoritative for Christian faith and life. It contains 73 books: 46 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.
One of the most common questions about the Catholic Bible is: “Why does the Catholic Bible have more books than some Protestant Bibles?” The main difference is that Catholic Bibles include seven additional Old Testament books, commonly called the Deuterocanonical books, along with additions to Esther and Daniel.
The Catholic Bible is more than a collection of ancient writings. Catholics believe that Sacred Scripture is the Word of God written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and that it should be read within the living faith and Tradition of the Church.
This guide explains what the Catholic Bible is, how many books it contains, which books are included, how it differs from Protestant Bibles, which Catholic Bible translations are commonly used, and how Catholics can begin reading Scripture.
What Is the Catholic Bible?
The Catholic Bible is the Bible accepted by the Catholic Church as Sacred Scripture.
It contains two major sections:
- Old Testament — 46 books
- New Testament — 27 books
Together, these make 73 books.
The Old Testament tells the story of God’s covenant with His people before the coming of Jesus Christ. The New Testament focuses on Jesus, His life, death, resurrection, the early Church, and the Christian faith.
Catholics believe that the Bible is inspired by God. At the same time, Catholic teaching does not view the Bible as something intended to be interpreted completely apart from the Church’s apostolic faith and Tradition.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition as closely united sources through which the Church receives God’s revelation.
How Many Books Are in the Catholic Bible?
The Catholic Bible contains 73 books.
Old Testament: 46 books
New Testament: 27 books
Total: 73 books
The 46-book Old Testament includes seven books that are not found in most Protestant Old Testaments:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Wisdom
- Sirach
- Baruch
- 1 Maccabees
- 2 Maccabees
Catholic Bibles also contain additional sections in Esther and Daniel.
These books and passages are commonly called the Deuterocanonical books or Deuterocanon in Catholic tradition.
Why Does the Catholic Bible Have 73 Books?
The difference comes largely from different Christian traditions concerning the Old Testament canon.
The early Church used the Scriptures available to Christians in the ancient world, including the Greek Septuagint, which contained books that became part of the Catholic Old Testament.
The New Testament itself contains numerous quotations and allusions to the Greek Old Testament.
Over the centuries, the Catholic Church continued to recognize these additional Old Testament books as Scripture.
The Council of Trent formally defined the Catholic biblical canon in the sixteenth century, reaffirming the 73-book canon in response to controversies surrounding the Reformation.
It is important to understand that Catholics do not believe they simply added seven books to an originally fixed Protestant Bible. Rather, Catholics and Protestants inherited different traditions concerning which Old Testament writings belong to the biblical canon.
What Are the Deuterocanonical Books?
The term Deuterocanonical means “second canon” and refers to books accepted as canonical Scripture by the Catholic Church and several other Christian traditions.
The seven principal Deuterocanonical books are:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Wisdom
- Sirach
- Baruch
- 1 Maccabees
- 2 Maccabees
Catholic Bibles also include additions to Esther and Daniel.
The term does not mean that Catholics consider these books less inspired.
They are fully part of the Catholic Old Testament.
Complete List of the 73 Books of the Catholic Bible
Here is the complete Catholic biblical canon.
Old Testament
Pentateuch
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
Historical Books
- Joshua
- Judges
- Ruth
- 1 Samuel
- 2 Samuel
- 1 Kings
- 2 Kings
- 1 Chronicles
- 2 Chronicles
- Ezra
- Nehemiah
- Tobit
- Judith
- Esther
- 1 Maccabees
- 2 Maccabees
Wisdom and Poetic Books
- Job
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Songs
- Wisdom
- Sirach
Prophetic Books
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Lamentations
- Baruch
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
New Testament
Gospels
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
Acts
- Acts of the Apostles
Pauline Letters
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
Other New Testament Letters
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
Apocalyptic Book
- Revelation
Catholic Bible vs. Protestant Bible: What Is the Difference?
The most noticeable difference is the number of Old Testament books.
| Catholic Bible | Most Protestant Bibles |
|---|---|
| 73 books | 66 books |
| 46 Old Testament books | 39 Old Testament books |
| 27 New Testament books | 27 New Testament books |
| Includes Deuterocanonical books | Generally does not include them as canonical |
The New Testament is the same 27 books in Catholic and Protestant Bibles.
The major difference is therefore in the Old Testament.
Catholic Bibles contain seven additional books and additional passages in Esther and Daniel.
Are the Catholic and Protestant Bibles Completely Different?
No.
Catholics and Protestants share the vast majority of biblical books.
Both traditions recognize:
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Psalms
- Isaiah
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
- Romans
- Revelation
and many other books.
The major difference concerns the Old Testament canon.
It is therefore inaccurate to say that Catholics and Protestants have completely different Bibles.
A better explanation is that they share the New Testament and most of the Old Testament but differ over the canon of certain Old Testament books.
Why Do Protestant Bibles Have 66 Books?
During the Protestant Reformation, major Protestant traditions adopted an Old Testament canon corresponding to the Hebrew Bible while generally treating the additional books as noncanonical or useful for reading rather than as Scripture.
The Reformers did not reject the New Testament books recognized by the Catholic Church.
The difference was primarily over the Old Testament.
Many Protestant Bibles continued to print the additional books in a separate section called the Apocrypha, while others eventually omitted them entirely.
Catholic Bible vs. King James Bible
The King James Version (KJV) is a Protestant English translation originally published in 1611.
The KJV was not originally limited to the 66-book arrangement familiar from many modern Protestant Bibles. Early editions included the Apocrypha between the Old and New Testaments.
However, modern KJV editions commonly available today generally contain the 66 books of the Protestant canon.
A Catholic Bible, by contrast, contains the 73-book Catholic canon.
Therefore, if you are comparing a modern Catholic Bible with a standard 66-book KJV, the most obvious difference is the seven Deuterocanonical books.
What Are the Catholic Bible Translations?
There is not just one Catholic Bible translation.
The Catholic Church recognizes the biblical canon, while different Catholic publishers and scholars have produced various translations into English and other languages.
Common English Catholic Bible translations include:
New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)
The NABRE is widely used in the United States, including in Catholic liturgical contexts.
New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE)
The NRSV-CE is a Catholic edition of the NRSV and is widely used for study and academic purposes.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
The New Jerusalem Bible is known for its readable literary style and extensive notes.
Jerusalem Bible (JB)
An earlier translation that has been influential in Catholic English-language biblical study.
Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)
The RSV-CE has long been appreciated for its formal style and is used by many Catholics for study and devotional reading.
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Douay-Rheims is an older English Catholic translation based on the Latin Vulgate tradition. It is valued by many Catholics for its historical importance and traditional language.
Which Catholic Bible Should I Read?
There is no single Catholic translation that every Catholic must use for personal reading.
Your choice can depend on what you want from the Bible.
For modern, accessible English
Consider a contemporary Catholic translation such as the NABRE.
For serious study
The NRSV-CE can be a useful choice because of its scholarly reputation and extensive availability in study editions.
For traditional language
The Douay-Rheims may appeal to readers who appreciate older Catholic English.
For literary style
The New Jerusalem Bible is another option worth considering.
If you are new to Catholic Scripture, choose a translation that you can understand and read consistently.
Is the Catholic Bible the Same as the Christian Bible?
Yes, Catholics consider the Catholic Bible to be the Christian Bible.
However, Christianity includes several major traditions, and those traditions do not all have identical biblical canons.
Catholics recognize 73 books.
Eastern Orthodox Churches generally have a somewhat different Old Testament collection.
Most Protestant traditions recognize 66 books.
All of these traditions recognize the central Christian writings of the New Testament.
Does the Catholic Bible Change the Meaning of the Bible?
No.
Catholic translations may differ in wording from Protestant translations, just as different translations within Protestant Christianity can differ from one another.
For example, the same biblical verse may have slightly different wording in:
- NABRE
- NRSV-CE
- RSV-CE
- NIV
- ESV
- KJV
Translation differences do not automatically mean that the underlying biblical message is different.
When studying Scripture, it can sometimes be useful to compare several reputable translations.
Why Is Tobit in the Catholic Bible?
Tobit is one of the Deuterocanonical books.
It tells the story of Tobit, his son Tobiah, and the angel Raphael.
The book emphasizes themes such as:
- Faithfulness
- Prayer
- Family
- Charity
- Marriage
- God’s providence
- Perseverance
Tobit is particularly valuable for Catholics interested in biblical teaching about family life, prayer, and God’s care for His people.
Why Is Judith in the Catholic Bible?
Judith tells the story of a courageous woman who trusts God and acts to protect her people.
The book emphasizes:
- Courage
- Faith
- Prayer
- God’s deliverance
- Trust in divine providence
It is part of the Catholic Old Testament.
Why Is Wisdom in the Catholic Bible?
The Book of Wisdom, also called the Wisdom of Solomon, reflects deeply on:
- Wisdom
- Righteousness
- Immortality
- God’s justice
- The destiny of the righteous
- The contrast between good and evil
It is one of the books that distinguish the Catholic Old Testament from the standard Protestant canon.
Why Is Sirach in the Catholic Bible?
Sirach, also called Ecclesiasticus, contains practical wisdom about daily Christian-like living, including:
- Speech
- Friendship
- Family
- Humility
- Discipline
- Wealth
- Prayer
- Wisdom
- Respect for God
It is particularly useful for devotional reading because many passages offer practical guidance for everyday life.
Why Is 2 Maccabees Important to Catholics?
2 Maccabees describes Jewish persecution and faithfulness during a difficult period.
It contains passages that have particular significance in Catholic theology, including themes related to:
- Prayer for the dead
- Resurrection
- Sacrifice
- Faithfulness under persecution
- God’s justice
For example, 2 Maccabees 12:45–46 is traditionally important in Catholic teaching concerning prayer for the dead.
Does the Catholic Bible Support Praying for the Dead?
Catholic teaching supports prayer for the dead.
One passage frequently discussed in this context is 2 Maccabees 12:45–46, which describes making atonement for the dead.
Catholics understand this passage alongside the broader biblical and theological tradition concerning death, judgment, resurrection, and communion between the faithful.
This is one reason the Deuterocanonical books are particularly important in Catholic biblical tradition.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About the Bible?
Catholics believe that Scripture is genuinely inspired by God.
The Bible is therefore not merely a historical collection or religious literature.
Catholic teaching also emphasizes that Scripture should be interpreted within the living Tradition of the Church and under the Church’s teaching authority.
This does not mean Catholics disregard the Bible.
Quite the opposite.
The Catholic Church places Scripture at the heart of Christian worship, theology, preaching, prayer, and spiritual life.
Bible and Tradition in Catholic Christianity
One important distinction between Catholic and many Protestant approaches concerns the relationship between Scripture and Tradition.
Catholics believe that God’s revelation comes to the Church through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which are closely connected.
The Church’s teaching authority, often called the Magisterium, serves the Word of God rather than standing above it.
This means Catholics do not see Scripture and Tradition as competing sources of unrelated information.
Instead, they understand them as belonging together within the apostolic faith of the Church.
How Do Catholics Read the Bible?
Catholics can read the Bible privately, but Scripture also has an important place in Catholic worship.
During Mass, Catholics hear readings from:
- The Old Testament
- A Psalm
- The New Testament
- One of the Gospels
The Gospel receives particular prominence in the liturgy.
Catholics may also practice Lectio Divina, an ancient prayerful approach to Scripture involving reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
What Is Lectio Divina?
Lectio Divina means “divine reading.”
It is a traditional Christian practice of prayerfully reading Scripture.
A simple approach is:
1. Read
Read a short passage slowly.
2. Meditate
Ask what the passage is saying.
3. Pray
Speak to God about what you have read.
4. Contemplate
Remain quietly attentive to God’s presence.
5. Act
Consider how you can live the message of Scripture.
The goal is not simply to finish chapters.
The goal is to allow God’s Word to shape your life.
Where Should Catholics Start Reading the Bible?
If you are new to the Bible, you do not necessarily need to start at Genesis and read straight through to Revelation.
A more approachable plan is:
Start with the Gospel of Luke
Luke gives a detailed account of Jesus’ life and ministry.
Then read Acts
Acts continues the story after Jesus’ resurrection and shows the growth of the early Church.
Read John
John offers a profound meditation on Jesus’ identity, love, death, and resurrection.
Read Psalms
The Psalms are excellent for prayer.
Read Proverbs
Proverbs provides practical wisdom for daily life.
Read Sirach
Sirach offers extensive practical wisdom within the Catholic Old Testament.
Then explore the rest of Scripture
Once you become comfortable with the Bible, you can gradually read the other books.
How Long Does It Take to Read the Catholic Bible?
The answer depends on your reading speed and daily schedule.
If you read a few chapters each day, you can complete the Bible over several months.
You do not need to rush.
For spiritual growth, consistent reading is often more valuable than simply finishing quickly.
Even reading one chapter and reflecting carefully can be fruitful.
Is the Catholic Bible Good for Prayer?
Absolutely.
Catholics have a long tradition of praying with Scripture.
You can use the Bible to pray:
- Psalms
- Gospel passages
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Biblical hymns
- Wisdom literature
- Stories of Jesus
- Paul’s letters
- Biblical promises
- Passages about God’s mercy
For example, Psalm 23 can become a prayer of trust:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Likewise, Philippians 4:6–7 can become a prayer when you are anxious.
Catholic Bible vs. Protestant Bible: The Bottom Line
The biggest difference is the Old Testament canon.
Catholic Bible
73 books
- 46 Old Testament
- 27 New Testament
Most Protestant Bibles
66 books
- 39 Old Testament
- 27 New Testament
The seven additional Catholic Old Testament books are:
Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees.
Catholic Bibles also contain additional portions of Esther and Daniel.
The New Testament contains the same 27 books in both traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Catholic Bible
How many books are in the Catholic Bible?
The Catholic Bible contains 73 books: 46 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Why does the Catholic Bible have 73 books?
Catholic biblical tradition recognizes seven Deuterocanonical Old Testament books, as well as additional portions of Esther and Daniel, that are not part of the standard Protestant Old Testament canon.
What are the seven extra books in the Catholic Bible?
They are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees.
Does the Catholic Bible have the same New Testament as Protestant Bibles?
Yes. Catholic and Protestant Bibles both contain the same 27 New Testament books.
Is the King James Bible a Catholic Bible?
The King James Version is a historic Protestant English translation. Modern KJV editions usually follow the 66-book Protestant canon.
What is the oldest Catholic Bible?
There is no single simple answer because biblical manuscripts and collections developed over centuries. The Latin Vulgate became enormously important in Western Catholic Christianity, but the biblical books themselves existed in older Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek forms.
What is the best Catholic Bible?
There is no single best translation for everyone. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize readability, traditional language, study resources, or literary style.
Can Catholics read Protestant Bibles?
Catholics can certainly read biblical translations produced in other Christian traditions. However, Catholics should remember that a standard Protestant Bible may not contain all 73 books recognized by the Catholic Church.
Why are the extra Catholic books called Deuterocanonical?
“Deuterocanonical” means “second canon.” The term refers to books whose canonical status was historically disputed in some Christian communities but which the Catholic Church recognizes as inspired Scripture.
Is the Catholic Bible the Word of God?
Yes. Catholics believe that Sacred Scripture is inspired by God and faithfully communicates what God wished to reveal for our salvation.
Should Catholics read the Bible every day?
Daily Bible reading is strongly encouraged as a way of growing in knowledge of God and deepening one’s prayer life.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Catholic Bible?
So, what is the Catholic Bible?
It is the 73-book collection of Sacred Scripture recognized by the Catholic Church, consisting of 46 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.
Its additional Old Testament books—Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees—are known as the Deuterocanonical books. Catholic Bibles also contain additional portions of Esther and Daniel.
But the Catholic Bible is not simply defined by the number of books it contains.
For Catholics, Scripture is a central means through which God speaks to His people. The Bible is proclaimed at Mass, studied in Catholic teaching, prayed through practices such as Lectio Divina, and used to guide Christians toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you are beginning your journey with Scripture, start simply. Read a Gospel. Pray with a Psalm. Reflect on a passage from Sirach or Proverbs. Ask God for wisdom before you read.
The goal is not merely to finish the Bible. The goal is to allow God’s Word to transform your life.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Amen.
