Commendations on the Bible, the translator, and the work of translation

I am delighted at the republication of Mgr Ronald Knox's translation of the Bible. It was my father's favourite translation and I can remember the trouble he went to in order to replace a lost edition of the New Testament. Mgr Knox was a distinguished priest of the Diocese of Westminster and such a gifted preacher and giver of retreats. His memorable phrases are still quoted. He brought that same skill, together with considerable scholarship, to the immense task of Biblical translation. Many will welcome this new publication of his achievement.

Mgr. Knox's version continues to merit attention, and I welcome the publication of this new edition, as his remarkable work is likely to continue to be of interest for many years to come. I sincerely hope that many will read and profit from this new edition.

Ronald Knox's translation of the Bible remains an exceptional achievement both of scholarship and of literary dedication. Again and again it successfully avoids conventional options and gives the scriptural text a fresh flavour, often with a brilliantly idiosyncratic turn of phrase. It most certainly deserves republication, study and use.

The English Bible tradition, which this translation by Mgr Ronald Knox so aptly embodies, is an important part of western culture. It continues to shape the English language and literary tradition, not just in Britain but in the United States, Australia and elsewhere. This handsome edition of the Knox Bible is a worthy book for private study and devotion, sure to bring about a deeper reverence and love of Sacred Scripture.

Msgr. Knox had a profound love for Sacred Scripture, a passion was to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible … In the Knox translation, clarity is paramount.

A praiseworthy achievement … a monument of many years of patient study and toil.

… the outstanding feature of Msgr. Knox's biblical translation is the way he maintained the Hebrew alphabetic acrostic of parts of the Old Testament over into an English alphabetic acrostic.

At Ronald's death the Roman Catholic Church in every English-speaking country lamented the loss of a rich ornament.

Ronald Knox was the most original and eloquent writer of the century.

Knox was a bright star whose work was unflaggingly wise, urbane, witty and all done in the purest prose imaginable.

He had used the weapon of laughter in addressing himself to people who could no longer laugh, and the weapon of reason in talking to people who could no longer think and the weapon of knowledge in informing people who were indifferent to fact.