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The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV) issued in 1977 is a rather unique modern translation of the Bible. It is unique because it was authorized for use by Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and Roman Catholic churches. It includes the books common to all of these denominations as well as the books unique to any one of them. The RSV was initially published in 1952. Many changes were included in editions published after the initial publication.

The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) was completed and copyrighted in 1989. It was produced because of significant new material and all the changes already included in editions of the RSV. A few pages titled “TO THE READER” at the beginning of the NRSV explains the development of this translation of the Bible from the original King James Version of 1611. The Committee charged with the revision contains Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Jewish members. At one time it included Canadian and English members.

A significant feature of the NRSV is the attempt to fix a major weakness of the English language, the non-existence of a third person singular pronoun that is not gender specific. This is particularly noticeable to people familiar with previous translations. Where it is obvious that both men and women are included, the NRSV uses inclusive language. There are three editions of the NRSV, the American version, an “English” version, and a Roman Catholic verion.