Knox Translation

Ronald Knox was requested in 1936 by the hierarchy of England and Wales to undertake a completely new translation of the New Testament. This he produced single-handed in 1945. The Old Testamant was completed in 1955. The translation is from the Vulgate “in light of” the originals and with many textual notes. It has a style all of its own, perhaps more discussed than any other modern version. (New Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 2. Page 466.)

This translation passed rapidly into common use worldwide in the Catholic community. It has been commended for its freshness of approach, for its lively language, and for the ease with which it may be read. Its style has succeeded in giving meaning to passages which in earlier versions have been difficult to understand.

The purpose in preparing this translation was to give readers a greater knowledge and understanding of inspired Sacred Scripture. Prayer and the sacraments are a lay apostle’s strength, the Bible, his armor. A knowledge of Holy Scripture is a valuable element in his participation in the Church’s liturgy. The translation by Monsignor Knox was presented to meet the need of having in every home a Bible that is easy to read and a joy to handle.

Genesis 1: 1, 2
God, at the beginning of time, created heaven and earth. Earth was still an empty waste, and darkness hung over the deep; but already, over its waters, stirred the breath of God.

Wisdom 1: 1
LISTEN, all you who are judges here on earth. Learn to love justice; learn to think high thoughts of what God is, and with sincere hearts aspire to him.

John 1: 1 – 3
At the beginning of time the Word already was; and God had the Word abiding with him, and the Word was God. He abode, at the beginning of time, with God. It was through him that all things came into being, and without him came nothing that has come to be.

The following comparative studies include this version:

1. Bishops, Overseers, Presbyters, and Elders
2. Burden and Yoke to Be Removed
3. From Eternity or From Ancient Times?
4. Falsifying Scribes
5. Fringe on the Borders of a Garment
6. God So Loved the World
7. Horses from Egypt and Kue
8. Jude’s Advice About Saving People
9. Lord Is My Shepherd: An Anthology
10. Lord’s Day in the Book of Revelation
11. Miracle at Cana
12. Name of Our Heavenly Father
13. Offering Sacrifices to the He-Goat
14. Reference to the Trinity
15. Scripture Inspired by God
16. Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9
17. Sides of the Court of the Tabernacle
18. Speech Problem of Moses
19. That Which Will Happen Before the End
20. Those Who Work Iniquity
21. Time of Peleg
22. Tragedy at Beth-Shemesh
23. Words with Heathen Origins in the Scriptures