Tomorrow brings not only the start of Lent but also the publication of the New American Bible (NAB), revised edition, or NABRE. The publication marks the first major update of the NAB in 20 years and includes the first revision of the Old Testament since 1970 and a complete revision of Psalms. It retains the 1986 translation of the New Testament.
The Hebrew word ‘almah is more accurately translated as “young woman.” That translation has been used in Catholic Bibles for over 50 years. The equivalent word (“joven”) is given in the Spanish translation of Isaiah 7 posted on the Vatican website. The translation as “virgin” stems from the Greek text of the Septuagint, dating to the 4th century BC. This text translated ‘almah as “parthenos” which does typically specify a virgin.
The text of Matthew 1:23 retains the use of “virgin” as the evangelist was quoting the Greek text. (The Gospel of Matthew was written in Greek.) In addition, the virgin birth of Jesus is attested in Luke 1:34 in Mary’s response to Gabriel’s announcement of her selection to be the mother of the Son of God.
It's worth adding that Mary's virginity is likewise still affirmed in both the Apostles' and Nicene Creed as an unchanging article of the Catholic faith.
Sperry can be heard having a longer discussion on the issue in a segment on National Public Radio's Weekend Edition. The USCCB has also produced a series of articles looking at the significance of the new translation, the Old Testament and the Bible in general.
All of it makes for great reading as the Church celebrates this milestone in Scripture scholarship and understanding.