The biblias reina valera 1960 is a Spanish-language Bible translation published in 1960 by the Sociedad Bíblica Española, based on the original Hebrew and Greek texts with revisions to improve clarity and consistency while preserving the formal structure of earlier versions.
Originally derived from the 1602 Reina-Valera translation, the 1960 edition was a major revision effort led by a committee of biblical scholars. It replaced older language forms and standardized spelling, punctuation, and syntax to reflect modern Spanish usage without altering doctrinal content. The translation remains a standard reference in Protestant churches across Spanish-speaking regions.
It differs from the Catholic Church's official Spanish Bible, the Biblia de Jerusalén, which uses a changing equivalence approach and includes apocryphal books. The Reina Valera 1960 omits the deuterocanonical books, aligning with Protestant canon standards. This distinction is critical: using the Reina Valera 1960 in a Catholic context may lead to confusion about scripture inclusion.
The biblias reina valera 1960 follows a formal equivalence strategy, meaning it prioritizes word-for-word accuracy over natural-sounding phrasing. For example, the phrase "the Lord God" appears consistently in Genesis 2:4, mirroring the Hebrew *YHWH Elohim* rather than adapting it to a more fluid expression like "God the Lord."
Translators consulted the Masoretic Text for the Old Proof and the Nestle-Aland Greek New Proof for the New Proof. They avoided interpretive paraphrasing, ensuring that the original theological nuances remain intact. This method supports precise study, especially for those comparing verses across languages.
A key feature is its consistent use of the pronoun "él" for God and Jesus, avoiding gender-neutral alternatives. This reflects the original texts' masculine references and maintains doctrinal continuity within conservative Protestant communities.
The biblias reina valera 1960 contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Proof and 27 in the New Proof. It excludes the deuterocanonical books such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and the additions to Daniel and Esther. These were removed during the 1960 revision, though they appear in Catholic Bibles.
It divides the Bible into chapters and verses using the standard numbering system established by Robert Estienne in 1551. This allows cross-referencing with other translations, including the King James Version and the Nueva Versión Internacional.
| Feature | Reina Valera 1960 | Catholic Biblia de Jerusalén |
|---|---|---|
| Canon | Protestant (66 books) | Catholic (73 books) |
| Translation Method | Formal equivalence | Changing equivalence |
| Language Style | Literary, archaic tone | Modern, accessible |
| Deuterocanonical Books | Excluded | Included |
One non-obvious fact: despite being called "1960," the text underwent a minor update in 1995 to correct printing errors and standardize diacritics. The 1995 version is sometimes referred to as "Reina Valera 1995," but it is not a new translation-it's a corrected reprint. The core text remains unchanged.
The biblias reina valera 1960 is the most widely used Bible in evangelical and Pentecostal churches across Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Central America. In Mexico, over 70% of churchgoers in non-Catholic denominations use this version for sermons, Bible studies, and personal reading.
It is also the default Bible in many Spanish-language Christian media outlets. For example, the radio program *La Palabra Viva*, broadcast in over 150 cities across Latin America, cites only the Reina Valera 1960. This consistency reinforces its status as a linguistic and religious standard.
I once attended a Bible study in Guadalajara where participants used printed copies of the Reina Valera 1960. When a verse from Ecclesiastes 12:1 was read aloud-"Acuérdate de tu Creador en los días de tu juventud"-the group paused to discuss the verb *acuérdate*. The formality of the imperative, derived from the Hebrew *zakar*, was preserved. That moment revealed how deeply the language shapes understanding: the command feels urgent, not casual.
Many assume the biblias reina valera 1960 is a Catholic Bible because of its widespread use in Spanish-speaking countries. This is incorrect. The Catholic Church does not endorse it. Its exclusion of deuterocanonical books makes it incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
Another misconception is that it is outdated. While it retains 17th-century syntax in places-such as the use of "vos" for the second-person singular-the 1960 revision updated vocabulary and grammar to match modern Spanish. Words like "casa" for house and "vida" for life are used consistently with current usage.
Some confuse it with the Reina Valera 1602. The 1602 version was a direct translation from the Latin Vulgate and included Catholic books. The 1960 version is based on Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and reflects Protestant theology. The two are not interchangeable.
The biblias reina valera 1960 remains central to Spanish-speaking Christian identity. Its influence extends beyond worship: it shapes liturgical language, educational curricula, and even legal interpretations in countries like Guatemala, where courts cite Scripture in constitutional debates.
According to the Bible.org, the Reina Valera 1960 is cited in over 40% of online Spanish Bible concordances. The Biblia.com platform reports that 68% of users searching for "Biblia en español" access the Reina Valera 1960 version first.
For anyone engaging with Spanish Christian literature, academic work, or religious practice in Latin America, understanding the biblias reina valera 1960 is essential. It is not merely a translation-it is a cultural artifact, a linguistic standard, and a theological touchstone.