Cambridge Bibles Vs. Oxford Bibles

The Oxford and Cambridge bible publications both represent the pinnacle of scholarly effort, yet both are distinct in their goals. The value of either depends on the reader's specific needs.

History

The Oxford Bible was originally published in 1973 and used the Revised Standard Version. The Cambridge Bible was first published in 1873 and presented the King James Version as closely to the 1611 translation as possible.

Function

The Oxford Bible attempts to accurately translate the original bible texts. The Cambridge Bible attempts to correct minor errors in the King James Bible.

Features

The Oxford Bible includes annotations along the bottom of the pages. The Cambridge eschews the typical column format for the reader-friendly paragraph style with annotations along the margins.

Considerations

The latest edition of the Oxford contains secularist criticism that may be controversial to some traditionalist Christians. For example, the editors maintain that the books of Moses were likely not written by Moses.

Choices

For readers who want to understand the original words of the bible as closely as possible, the Oxford should prove invaluable. For those who are most interested in an accurate rendition of the King James translation, the Cambridge will serve best.

References

• "The New Oxford Annotated Bible;" Michael D. Coogan, Ed.; 2001
• "The New Cambridge Paragraph Bible;" David Norton, Ed.; 2005

Resources

• Cambridge Publisher Page
• Oxford Publisher Page