This summary provides a consolidated overview of essential resources currently unavailable in Logos/Verbum. It sets forth organized recommendations, each accompanied by a reasoned rationale, to inform future actions and optimize resource accessibility.
Update Priorities
- ESV 2025: The English Standard Version (ESV) maintains a reputation for striking a balance between readability and fidelity to the text, serving both academic and religious audiences. Its importance is affirmed through endorsements from multiple denominations. Although accessible via the ESV website, ESV Bible App, and STEP Bible platform, the 2025 revision published by Crossway has yet to be introduced in Logos.
- Recommendation: Expedite integration of the ESV 2025 text changes into Logos and update all related resources to provide users with access to the latest version.
- NABRE 2025/6: The New American Bible Revised Edition, a significant Catholic translation, is scheduled for an update that will include a revised New Testament, the Abbey Psalms, and possible rebranding.
- Recommendation: Designate a representative to facilitate communication between the copyright holder and the Verbum team, ensuring that the revised translation is available to Verbum users upon its release.
Recommended Additions
- Revised New Jerusalem Bible (RNJB) & RNJB Study Edition: This contemporary translation features explanatory notes, benefiting both researchers and practitioners in pastoral ministry.
- Recommendation: Incorporate the RNJB and its Study Edition into the Verbum catalog to support the diverse needs of users.
- CTS New Catholic Bible (NCB): Recognized for clarity and accessibility, the NCB fulfills both study and devotional requirements for Catholic readership.
- Recommendation: Add the NCB to the Verbum catalog to improve access for those seeking a modern Catholic translation.
- English Koren Tanakh: This fresh and contemporary English translation of the Hebrew Bible enhances interfaith dialogue and academic engagement with Jewish texts.
- Recommendation: Introduce the English Koren Tanakh to Logos to expand its offerings in Jewish studies.
- Steinsaltz Tanakh: Featuring a contemporary Jewish translation and commentary, this edition supports scholarly analysis and comparative study.
- Recommendation: Add the Steinsaltz Tanakh to Logos for users pursuing advanced Jewish scholarship.
- Green’s Literal Translation (LITV/KJ3): As a strict formal-equivalence translation, it is particularly valuable for linguistic comparison among King James tradition versions.
- Recommendation: Include Green’s Literal Translation in Logos to facilitate comparative and linguistic research.
- Samaritan Pentateuch (Florentin & Tal): Available via Open Book Publishers, this new SP English translation complements the Tsedaka translation already present in the Logos Store, thereby enhancing critical access to Samaritan textual tradition.
- Recommendation: Incorporate the Florentin & Tal Samaritan Pentateuch into the Logos catalog to broaden opportunities in textual criticism and biblical studies.
- The Douay-Rheims, 1752 Challoner Revision (DRC1752): It is a historical Catholic resource that enriches scholarly research. It would serve as a complement to the 1899 American Edition (DRA) offered in the Verbum catalog. Although the DRC is out of copyright, it is maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society. While the description of the DRA states that it is an edition of the DRC, I am uncertain about whether any significant changes have been made. DRC1752 would be a welcome addition for citation and comparison purposes.
- Recommendation: Add the 1752 Challoner Revision to the Verbum catalog to strengthen historical Catholic study options.
Standalone Study Notes
- NET2 Notes: These notes are recommended as a standalone “Study Bible” resource, aligning with the treatment accorded to the First Edition.
- Recommendation: Provide NET2 Notes independently in Logos to be able to compare NET2 Notes with other Study Bibles’ Notes.
- RNJB Notes: Proposed for separate inclusion as a “Study Bible” resource to augment contextual understanding for users.
- Recommendation: Add RNJB and RNJB Notes to the Verbum catalog to enhance comprehension and study depth.
Pre-Publication Releases
- The Revised JPS Tanakh (RJPS): It reflects advancements in Jewish scholarship, providing critical updates and expanding comparative study possibilities. While accessible through the Sefaria website, this significant update is currently in the pre-publication phase in Logos.
- Recommendation: Prioritize RJPS for publication and adjust its price to match comparable English Bible translations in Logos, as most similar titles are priced at $9.99 or less.
