Oxford Annotated Bible

The Oxford Annotated Bible (OAB), later published as the New Oxford Annotated Bible (NOAB), is a study Bible published by the Oxford University Press. The notes and study material feature in-depth academic research with a focus on the most recent advances in historical criticism with contributions from Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and non-religious scholars.

The 1973 edition of The New Oxford Annotated Bible, with the RSV text.

Editions and Biblical versions

In 1962, the first edition of the OAB, edited by Rev. Dr. Herbert G. May and Dr. Bruce M. Metzger was published which used the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible.^[1][2][3]

In 1965, the OAB was re-published with the Apocrypha^[2] because some of the Apocrypha is used by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. That same year, the OAB received an official imprimatur of Cardinal Richard Cushing for use by Catholics as a Study Bible.^[4][3][5] Later, the OAB was welcomed by Orthodox leaders as well.^[6]

In 1973, the second edition of the OAB now called the New Oxford Annotated Bible (NOAB) was published which also used the RSV text.^[2][3]

In 1977, the NOAB was re-published with the Apocrypha.^[7] This edition is still in print.

In 2001, a third edition was published which used the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. It is considered to be more ecumenical in approach. For example, it calls the Old Testament the "Hebrew Bible" out of consideration for Jewish readers.^[8]

In 2010, a fourth edition was published which contained new color maps along with updated essays and commentaries.

In 2018, a fifth edition was published with similar improvements.^[9]