You might know J.R.R. Tolkien as the author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but did you know that this literary giant also contributed to a Catholic Bible translation?
In 1966, Tolkien played a key role in the creation of the Jerusalem Bible, a groundbreaking English translation inspired by Pope Pius XII’s call for scriptural renewal.
Tolkien was approached to lend his linguistic expertise. Known for his deep knowledge of languages, Tolkien was tasked with translating the Book of Jonah. Despite his busy schedule, Tolkien completed the draft, calling it a “short book” but one with profound theological significance.
While the published Jerusalem Bible heavily edited Tolkien’s work, his influence remains.
He valued precision, noting in a letter that Jonah’s “big fish”—not a whale—symbolized God’s mercy and justice. His approach highlighted the story’s spiritual depth rather than popular misconceptions.
For fans of Tolkien, the Jerusalem Bible is a glimpse into the faith of a master storyteller whose Catholic worldview shaped everything he wrote.
Next time you open its pages, remember the quiet hand of Tolkien, elevating God’s Word through the beauty of language!
Wondering what Bible to use? Here’s a list of approved Catholic translations!
Photo credit: German Vizulis / Shutterstock.com
