Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner Revision)
The Douay-Rheims Bible is the foundational English Catholic Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate by scholars of the English College in Rheims (NT, 1582) and Douai (OT, 1609–10). The Challoner revision (1749–1752) by Bishop Richard Challoner substantially modernized the language and is the version in common use today. For over 300 years it was the standard English Bible of Roman Catholicism.
History & Background
Gregory Martin, a scholar at the English College in Exile, produced the primary translation from the Latin Vulgate. The NT was published at Rheims in 1582; the OT at Douai in 1609–10. Bishop Richard Challoner's extensive revision (1749–1777) is what most people mean today when they reference the 'Douay-Rheims.' Heavily influenced by the KJV in its Challoner form, the DR was the Catholic counterpart to the KJV for centuries and directly influenced the Confraternity Bible and the NAB.
Canon Proximity Rating
Full Catholic canon (73 books) from the Latin Vulgate. Historically essential; 300+ years the standard Catholic English Bible. Challoner revision is the widely used text.