A translation involves real work
The books of Scripture were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. A modern English translation is not a new Bible, but a fresh attempt to communicate those ancient writings clearly and faithfully. Nehemiah describes people reading the Law and helping the gathered people understand its sense, which shows that explaining God’s words so listeners can grasp them has deep biblical roots (Nehemiah 8:8).
Translation requires teams to compare manuscripts, study grammar and context, test English wording, and review one another’s work. Copyright recognises the particular wording and presentation produced through that labour. It does not give anyone ownership of God, or the authority to alter what Scripture teaches.
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
It protects the wording, not the gospel
Copyright is a modern legal tool, so the Bible does not set out copyright law. Still, Scripture distinguishes between God’s enduring word and the people who faithfully pass it on. God’s word remains sure, while human copies, translations, books, and teaching resources are physical works made and handled by people (Isaiah 40:8).
That means a publisher’s copyright usually covers its distinctive English phrasing, notes, maps, layout, and digital edition. The biblical message is not locked away. The same gospel has been proclaimed across languages and cultures, and Paul expected believers to share letters among churches rather than keep them private (Colossians 4:16).
Why publishers use it
A copyright can stop someone from copying a translation, changing its words carelessly, and selling the altered result under a familiar name. That matters because readers need to know what they are actually reading. It can also allow a translation committee to correct mistakes or update language responsibly instead of leaving unofficial versions to circulate unchecked.
There is a practical side too. Paul taught that those who serve in gospel work may properly receive support for their labour (1 Corinthians 9:14). That principle does not require every Bible to be sold, but it helps explain why organisations may use income from publishing to support translators, editors, printing, distribution, and new language projects.
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Can you still share it?
Usually, yes. Most modern translation publishers allow people to quote verses in sermons, church notices, articles, lessons, and personal resources, often up to a stated limit. The details differ, so check the copyright page in the Bible or the publisher’s website before reproducing large portions, creating an app, or selling material that contains extensive text.
Don’t let a copyright notice make you feel that the Bible is off limits. Read it, discuss it, memorise it, and let it shape your life. Moses wanted God’s words heard by everyone, including children and newcomers, so that the whole community could learn (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). A good translation aims to serve that same purpose.
When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.