Most Christians do it. We quote Bible verses. It might be a Facebook post or a note of encouragement. Many articles and books on Christian themes include Bible verses. Sometimes, they quote whole passages or chapters. Did you know that how we use Bible verses in written form has legal issues? Most Bible versions are under copyright law.
First off, what’s a copyright? It has to do with using intellectual property, like books. It gives the author of a book or other original written work the legal right to say who can use it and how. You can’t copy word-for-word without the permission of the copyright owner.
A book, article, or other written work isn’t automatically copyrighted. The author has to apply for a copyright, pay a small fee, and follow the process.
A copyright only lasts for a certain period. How long? That depends on what country you’re in. There is no international copyright law. The laws that exist vary from country to country.
In the United States, for works copyrighted in 1978 or after, the copyright lasts for the author’s lifetime plus seventy more years. What about books published before 1978? That gets complicated. The general rule is 95 years from the original date of publication. However, most books written before 1923 have no copyright. They are in the “public domain.” You can legally quote from these books without getting permission.
The Bible has no copyrights.
The Bible itself – that is, the original books written by Moses, Matthew, Paul, and other Biblical writers – has no copyrights. In fact, they were only the scribes. God is the author.
- “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (1 Peter 1:20-21, NASB)
- “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB).
So, the Bible itself, as originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, has no copyrights.
Yet, some Bible translations, especially the more recent ones, do have copyrights! Let’s check out a few commonly-used translations that have copyrights. You must follow their guidelines when using these translations.
Who owns the copyright to the King James Bible?
The King James Bible has no copyright laws if you are in the USA or any country other than Great Britain. The last update was in 1769, and the King James Bible entered public doman in the USA after the Revolutionary War. You can publish verses or long passages to your heart’s content. Anyone can republish the KJV outside of the United Kingdom.
As a common courtesy, if you’re writing a book with verses or passages from the KJV, you should note that on your copyright page. In an article, it’s polite (and required for copyrighted versions) to note the version used. You can use its initials in parentheses immediately after the verse or in an endnote. Many readers like to know which version you’re using.
The King James Bible was first translated in England under King James’ authorization. Today, in the United Kingdom, the translation is “eternally” owned by the “crown.” No, not King Charles III himself, exactly. The “crown” means the highest power of the state: the king (or queen) plus ministers plus parliament. In the United Kingdom, only Cambridge University Press is allowed to publish the KJV. Also, in the United Kingdom, restrictions apply for its use. For instance, you can’t use more than 500 verses, and Bible verses from the KJV can’t make up more than 25% of your book or article.
Other Bible versions now in the public domain include the Revised Standard Version (but not the NRSV), the Duoay-Rheims version, Young’s Literal Translation, and the Darby Bible.
Let’s check out some of the newer versions that are under copyright. What guidelines are we required to follow?
Who owns the copyright to the NKJV?
Thomas Nelson Publishers commissioned the New King James Bible translation in 1975. It was revised in 1982, so it is still under copyright law. Thomas Nelson Publishers also owns rights to several other versions: NCV, ICB, NET, The Voice, and The Expanded Bible. The same rules apply to all these versions (with slight variations).
You don’t need to ask for written permission (but you do need to cite it properly) if:
- You don’t quote more than 500 verses in total.
- The verses or passages aren’t more than 25% of your article, book, or other written work.
- You don’t quote an entire book of the Bible.
- Your book isn’t a commentary or other Bible reference work.
If you use more than 500 verses or the verses are more than 25% of your written work, you must write to Thomas Nelson, ask and receive permission, and state that on your copyright page.
You cannot use a scripture verse in the NKJV on items you sell, like crafts, jewelry, notecards, etc.
Thomas Nelson allows churches to use small sections of the NKJV in bulletins, sermons, newsletters, and screens in the sanctuary or classrooms without written permission. This includes stand-alone Bible quotes.
Who owns the copyright to the ESV?
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. owns the copyright to the English Standard Version. Their rules are similar to those of Thomas Nelson.
- You should put (ESV) at the end of any quotations.
- You can quote up to 500 verses without written permission as long as they aren’t at least one-half of a Bible book.
- Verses from the ESV can’t make up more than 25% of your work.
- If you use more Bible verses or your book is a commentary, you must write for permission and include that on your copyright page.
Who owns the copyright to the NIV?
HarperCollins owns the New International Version, but Zondervan Publishing holds the commercial rights. Zondervan also has rights to the Amplified Bible.
Zondervan’s rules for the NIV and Amplified Bible are similar to the above.
- No more than 500 verses in total or 25% of your total text. If you use more, you need to get written permission from Zondervan.
- You can’t quote an entire book of the Bible.
- Without written permission, you can’t use the NIV in a commentary or other reference work.
- You have to properly cite any verses you use.
Who owns the copyright to the NASB?
The Lockman Foundation owns the New American Standard Bible (NASB) copyright. The guidelines for using verses from the NASB without written permission are:
- No more than 1,000 verses
- No entire book of the Bible
- The verses can’t exceed 50% of the book, article, or other work.
- You should put (NASB) after any verses quoted. This includes social media posts, blogs, or email.
Otherwise, you must request and receive written permission and include it on your copyright page.
What’s the best translation?
That depends on several factors:
- Why are you using it? In-depth Bible study? Reading through the Bible in a year? Reading as a new Christian?
- What is your reading level?
- How long have you been a Christian? How much Bible knowledge do you already have?
Some versions translate “Word-for-word” (more accurate) versus “thought-for-thought” (easier to read but more dependent on translators’ theology and personal opinion).
Here’s how the above versions rank on accuracy, with the top being the more “word-for-word” and the lower ones being more “thought-for-thought.”
NASB
NKJV
ESV
KJV
NIV
Here’s the reading level of the above translations:
KJV: 12th grade
NASB: 11th grade
ESV: 10th grade
NIV: 10th grade
NKJV: 7th grade
The easier-to-read translations are suitable for children, young teens, new believers, folks for whom English is a 2nd language, those with a lower reading level, and those wanting to read through a lot of the Bible at once.
If you have good reading skills, are a more mature Christian, and are interested in really digging into scripture passages, you’ll love one of the more accurate translations.
Most of all, you want to find a version you want to read daily.
- “I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11, NASB)
- “How I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)
You can check out all these versions and more for free at the Bible Hub or Bible Gateway websites:
Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/
Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/
Start reading the Word today!
- “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)
To really know God and live for Him, we must read, study, and obey the Bible daily. Reading God’s Word helps us understand:
- what God wants us to know about Himself,
- right and wrong,
- all the treasures we have in Christ,
- what will happen at the end of the world,
- and so much more!
It helps us avoid false teachers and sin. It encourages us and infuses us with confidence and hope. If you want to grow closer to God, jump into His Word today!
