When speaking about Spanish versions of the Sacred Scriptures, it is impossible to mention all the Bibles translated into our language. Therefore, we indicate some which, because of their importance or diffusion, are worth commenting on.
All of them, unless otherwise indicated, are translated directly from the original languages and include introductions and notes.
Versions from 1944 to 1960
Nácar-Colunga (1944). The first Catholic translation of the complete Bible made from the original languages, thus marking a new stage. It is considered to have great neatness, clarity, and purity of style. Published by the Biblioteca de Autores Cristianos in 1944, it continues to be available today in practically all Catholic bookstores. The notes have gradually been reduced and, in the latest editions, are not particularly easy to use because they have been placed at the end of the book. This version has had wide circulation.
Bover-Cantera (1947). A more elaborate work. It has a doctrinal criterion in the background: to join the strictest orthodoxy with sound modernity. It sets forth its main literary criteria for translation, which may be summarized as seeking the utmost fidelity, literality, transparency, and Spanish character. Everything is done out of respect for the author, the original language, the reader, and the Castilian language. It is a study Bible. Published by the BAC in 1947. It has been revised.
Straubinger (1944-51). The “first American Catholic version made from the primitive texts,” as the translator himself calls it; he was German by nationality but settled in Argentina. Translation and commentary by a single author. Without excluding scientific and technical notes, it is interested in practical comments that help one discover the unity of all Scripture. This annotated Bible is of great value, especially as regards notes on Catholic doctrine. It has currently been reissued by Librería Beityala (www.beityala.com) in Mexico.
Versions from 1960 to the present
Jerusalem Bible (1st Spanish edition, 1967). The original French translation was carried out under the direction of L’École Biblique de Jérusalem; it was first published in fascicles and later as a whole. It is a Bible that, in French and in various languages, has been deeply accepted because of its introductions, the parallels it offers, and so forth. It becomes an indispensable instrument for the scientific study of the Scriptures. It was revised in 1973. The Spanish edition translated the texts from the original languages according to textual criticism and the interpretation of the French original. The titles, subtitles, appendices, and notes were translated from French. A Bible with profound notes on translation, although with regard to the Old Testament most of them deal with grammar, linguistics, and translation. It is considered a “Bible for specialists,” but the fidelity of the text makes it very practical and useful for anyone.
Latin American Bible (1972). It is a popular-style Bible, with vocabulary within everyone’s reach. The authors intended to relate the Word to the social reality lived in Latin America. The comments, translation, and notes follow this line. It uses different typefaces (even in the biblical text) to present, for example, the various traditions of the Pentateuch. It has had wide circulation and over time has been revised.
Dios habla hoy. A translation by the United Bible Societies, with CELAM approval for use by Catholics. It has two types of edition, with or without the deuterocanonical books, for use by Catholics and Protestants respectively. The translation is a “popular version” in simple language. It presents brief introductions to the different books. It divides the text into sections and subtitles, shows parallels, similarities and quotations, and also has footnotes.
Nueva Biblia Española (1975). This translation systematically applies the principles of modern linguistics and the new stylistics, thus marking a revolution in the field of translations. It has a modern literary expression, poetically beautiful, and preserves fidelity to the text without losing the contemporary character that every version requires.
Cantera-Iglesia (1975). A revision of Bover-Cantera after its 6th edition, with the same kind of fundamental criteria. Above all, the translation of the NT was redone. It is good for comparison, especially in the OT, with the text in its original language. It contains an apparatus of textual criticism.
Sagrada Biblia (Ed. Paulinas, Mexico, 1978) by Fr. Agustín Magaña, a Mexican from the diocese of Zamora. A great connoisseur of the Castilian and Greek languages. The translator’s intention was to present the people with “a text that is easy to read, clear and precise, and worthy of the saving Word.” He translated everything from the Greek, comparing it with other translations. A more rigorous criterion for the selection of the text was lacking. Its language is popular and beautiful; the NT is better. It has almost no notes. The introductions are taken from a Spanish edition of the Holy Bible by the Centro de Ed. Paulinas. A new edition is in press with introductions and notes prepared by the team of biblical scholars of the Pontifical University of Mexico. The NT of this edition has already appeared.
La Biblia (1992) by Casa de la Biblia (Spain). Under the direction of Santiago Guijarro and Miguel Salvador, a team presents a completely revised translation with extensive introductions and notes. The Bible has a unified set of general introductions, introductions to blocks of books, and introductions to each book. In addition, at the foot of the biblical text there are timely explanatory notes. There is also a selection of parallel passages, as well as an extensive biblical chronology and numerous maps.
Biblia del Peregrino (1993). Directed by Luis Alonso Schökel, it presents a revision of the translation of the Nueva Biblia Española. Although it recognizes the primary importance of translation, it contains comments and parallels. Exegetical notes are offered in a separate fascicle.
Biblia de América (1994). This is the edition for our continent of La Biblia (1992).
Sagrada Biblia or Biblia de Navarra (University of Navarra). This careful translation represents more than 25 years of work that has not yet been completed. The New Testament, the Pentateuch, and the Historical Books have been presented; these have already been published and can be purchased in separate volumes. As progress is made in the translation and in the preparation of the notes, they are published. The Navarre Bible is an extraordinary effort to provide a version with a careful translation, but also with a remarkable collection of explanatory notes. These notes, as well as the introductions to each book, are at the same time profound and accessible. It is a very successful version that makes it possible not only to understand correctly the content of the Divine Word, but also provides complete information about the relationship of the text to Christian life today. Some consider it one of the best versions in Castilian currently available.
Source: Encuentra.com
