Many Christian books include at least one Scripture quote or reference. Authors may include Bible verses in devotionals, Bible studies, nonfiction books, memoirs, fiction, journals, and other faith-based publications.
Because the Bible is so ingrained in the Christian experience, it’s natural to work these passages into your writing. Unfortunately, authors should be cautious, as even the Word of God may be subject to copyright laws.
Many modern Bible translations are copyrighted, and their publishers or rights holders establish their own rules for quoting the text. Those rules can vary considerably depending on the
Overview
The first step is determining exactly what Scripture text you are using.
The underlying biblical texts are ancient, but a modern English translation results from a separate process that requires the dedicated work of a team or individual. While translators typically try to stay as true to the original text as possible, each translation reflects the choices its translators make. The wording of a contemporary translation may therefore be protected by copyright, even though the original passage itself is centuries old.
Before using Scripture in your book, identify:
- The exact Bible translation
- The edition or publication year, when applicable
- The passages and number of verses you plan to quote
- How much of the overall manuscript consists of Scripture quotations
- Whether the quotations will appear in print, digital, audio, or another format
- Whether the book will be sold commercially
- Whether you are also reproducing study notes, maps, artwork, or other copyrighted material
Different translations have different permission policies. For example, both the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) allow certain uses of up to 500 verses without formal permission. The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) and New American Standard Bible (NASB) have different thresholds.
The best way to determine the use policies for a particular translation is to review the current guidelines published by its rights holder and contact them directly if you have questions.
Copyright Law Basics
Copyright law protects original creative expression.
For authors, it is important to understand the distinction between copyright-protected material and the underlying biblical passage. A contemporary translation may contain original expressive choices that are protected by copyright, but biblical ideas and ancient source texts are not.
U.S. copyright law also includes a fair use doctrine that can permit limited use of copyrighted material without permission in certain circumstances. Fair use is determined by the circumstances of a particular use rather than by a single number of words or verses that is automatically permitted.
Many Bible publishers also establish relatively generous permissions policies that allow certain uses without a formal permission request. These policies are often more specific than the general principles of copyright law. The 500-verse guideline used by both the ESV and NLT is one example.
However, staying within a particular number does not automatically determine whether your use is lawful. Both the ESV and NLT reproduction policies are subject to other conditions. Plus, if your project involves substantial reproduction, unusual distribution, multiple copyrighted sources, or complicated commercial arrangements, you’ll want to consult the rights holder for permission. If necessary, you might also find an attorney familiar with copyright law.
Permission policies can also vary by territory. A translation may have different rights holders or restrictions in different countries, so authors publishing internationally should verify the applicable rules for each territory.
Bible Translation Policies
No single permission policy applies to every English Bible translation. The rights holder for a specific translation may limit the number of verses that can be quoted without written permission, the percentage of the finished work that can consist of Scripture, whether an entire biblical book can be quoted, and which formats are covered.
For example:
- ESV: Crossway’s current standard guidelines allow up to 500 verses without formal permission when additional conditions are met, including limits on the percentage of the work and the amount taken from an individual biblical book.
- NLT: Tyndale permits up to 500 verses in certain print and eBook uses without express written permission, provided the quotations do not exceed 25 percent of the work and do not constitute a complete book of the Bible.
- CSB: The current CSB copyright language permits up to 1,000 verses without written permission, provided the quotations do not exceed 50 percent of the work and do not constitute a complete book of the Bible.
- NASB: The Lockman Foundation permits up to 1,000 verses without express written permission, subject to additional restrictions including a 50-percent limit and a prohibition on quoting a complete biblical book.
These policies can change, so always verify the current requirements before submitting your final manuscript. Authors should also be aware of any trademark requirements for using a translation’s name in your references.
Gratis Use Guidelines
Many translation publishers provide limited-use guidelines that allow authors to quote Scripture without submitting a formal permission request or paying a licensing fee.
Those guidelines may include requirements involving:
- Maximum number of verses
- Maximum percentage of the finished work
- Restrictions on quoting an entire biblical book
- Restrictions on commentaries or reference works
- Required copyright notices
- Requirements to reproduce the translation exactly
The word “gratis” can be useful for describing permission granted without a fee, but do not assume that a gratis-use policy means the material is public domain. The copyright may still belong to the translation’s rights holder, and the author may still be required to provide a specific copyright notice.
Gratis use also generally applies only to the Scripture text itself. Any commentary or other references may be excluded from gratis allowances.
Written Permission Requirements
If your use exceeds a translation’s standard guidelines, you may need written permission or a formal license to use a particular translation in your manuscript.
A permission request will generally require information such as:
- Your name and contact information
- Book title and author
- Bible translation and edition
- Specific passages or verses being quoted
- Approximate number of verses
- Percentage of the manuscript represented by Scripture
- Intended format or formats
- Expected publication date
- Publisher
- Estimated print run or distribution
- Whether the book will be sold commercially
- Where and how the book will be distributed
- Manuscript excerpts or mockups
For example, Crossway’s current permission forms ask applicants for the title, author, target audience, percentage of the work represented by ESV text, individual verse count, passages used, publication plans, publisher, print quantity, and distribution formats.
Gather this information before submitting your request. The more specific your application is, the easier it will be for the rights holder to determine what permission is needed.
Public Domain And Older Translations
Some Bible translations are in the public domain in the United States, meaning their text can generally be reproduced without permission from a copyright holder.
The King James Version (KJV) is a common example. The American Bible Society currently identifies the original KJV as public domain in the United States.
However, authors should distinguish between the public domain text and any modern editions, such as the New King James Version (NKJV). In addition, a publisher’s typesetting, study notes, introductions, maps, annotations, or other additions may have separate copyrights.
Public domain status can also differ by country. For example, the United Kingdom administers the rights surrounding the Authorized King James Version differently.
If you choose a public domain translation, identify the specific edition you are using and verify its status in the territories where you plan to publish.
Even when permission is not required, proper attribution is good publishing practice. Identify the translation you are using and avoid implying that your edition or formatting originated with a different publisher.
Study Notes and Study Bible Content
A study Bible contains much more than biblical text. Its study notes, introductions, articles, maps, charts, illustrations, and other resources may have separate copyright protection.
Do not assume that because you have permission to quote a Bible translation, you automatically have permission to reproduce related material from a study Bible.
For example, Crossway’s current policy specifically addresses ESV Study Bible content separately from the ESV biblical text. Its policy permits up to 400 words of study content without permission when properly cited, while larger quotations, copies, and images require formal permission.
When using study notes or other reference material, identify the copyright holder and check that resource’s own permissions policy.
Formatting Copyright Notices and Credits
When a translation’s permission policy requires a copyright notice, reproduce the notice exactly as specified by the rights holder.
The notice will generally identify:
- The translation
- The copyright holder
- Relevant copyright years
- The fact that the material is used by permission, when applicable
- Any required trademark language
If you use more than one translation, make it clear which quotations come from which version. Some publishers provide specific language for situations involving multiple translations.
For example, Crossway requires the ESV copyright notice to identify quotations as ESV when multiple translations are used:
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Many Christian books also feature multiple translations. Those passages should be identified with the appropriate translation initials in text, and every translation should be listed on the book’s copyright page. For example:
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In some cases, the edition year may also matter to your notations. Lockman’s current NASB policy specifically instructs authors to use the copyright year corresponding to the edition actually quoted.
Use Cases: Print, Digital, Audio, Merchandise
Permission requirements can change depending on how you use Scripture.
A traditional print book may fall within a translation’s standard quotation guidelines, but authors must still follow the required verse, percentage, and attribution rules. If the quotations exceed those guidelines, request permission before publication.
Digital
Ebooks, websites, downloadable studies, apps, and other digital products may have different requirements from printed books. Do not assume that permission to use Scripture in a print book automatically covers an app, website, or downloadable resource. Check the rights holder’s policy for each format.
Audio and Podcasts
Reading a copyrighted translation of Scripture aloud in an audiobook, podcast, video, or other recording may be subject to separate policies. For example, Crossway’s ESV policy specifically addresses audio use, while Tyndale provides separate guidelines for certain online uses of the NLT.
If your book will also be released as an audiobook, verify that your permission covers the audio edition rather than assuming the print permission automatically extends to it.
Merchandise
Using Scripture on T-shirts, artwork, posters, greeting cards, journals, stationery, or other merchandise can involve different licensing requirements.
Tyndale, for example, requires its NLT permissions questionnaire for certain artwork and merchandise uses.
A verse that can be quoted in a book under a translation’s standard guidelines may require a separate license when used as the primary text on a commercial product.
Apps, APIs, AI Use
Apps and other software products can create additional rights considerations because they may store, display, search, retrieve, or distribute Scripture text.
Some translation rights holders offer APIs or specific licenses for these uses. Crossway, for example, provides an ESV API for certain uses and separately addresses digital permission requests.
AI-related uses require particular care. Permission to quote Scripture in a published book does not automatically authorize copying an entire translation into a database, using it to train a model, or redistributing the translation through an application. Rights holders may establish separate rules for these activities.
For example, the Lockman Foundation currently distinguishes between permitted quotations generated in response to individual AI queries and prohibited bulk downloading, scraping, redistribution, or use of its Bible translations to train or improve AI models without prior permission.
If your project involves an app, API, database, or AI system, contact the rights holder directly rather than relying on the permissions language for an ordinary book.
Images, Maps, and Supplementary Material
Scripture permissions do not automatically cover visual and supplementary materials found in a Bible.
Maps, photographs, illustrations, charts, timelines, family trees, icons, and other materials may have their own copyright owners.
Before reproducing any of these materials, identify their source and determine whether permission is required. If you downloaded an image from a website, finding it online does not mean that it is free to reproduce.
Keep a record of permissions for every third-party element used in the book. Your documentation should identify the material, copyright holder, date permission was granted, permitted uses, and any required credit.
Fees, Timelines, and Licensing
Some Scripture quotations can be used under a translation’s standard guidelines without a licensing fee. Other uses require written permission, a paid license, or additional negotiation.
Costs can vary based on the translation, amount of material, format, print quantity, commercial nature of the project, and distribution. Some payments are based on royalties earned from the sale of your book, while others use flat-fee structures.
Do not wait until your manuscript is ready to go to press before investigating permission requirements. Rights holders may need time to review requests, ask for additional information, or negotiate terms.
If permission is granted, read the approval carefully. Make sure it covers every format and every way you actually intend to publish.
Keep the written permission with your publishing records. If your book is later released in a new format, translated, substantially revised, or distributed in a new territory, check whether the original permission still applies.
Church, Classroom, and Nonprofit Use
Authors sometimes assume Scripture can be reproduced freely because a church, classroom, or nonprofit organization is using a book, study, or resource.
That assumption can be risky.
A nonprofit purpose does not automatically make copyrighted material public domain or eliminate all permission requirements. The applicable rules depend on copyright law, fair use principles, and the rights holder’s specific policies.
Some translation publishers provide special guidelines for non-saleable church or educational materials. For example, Crossway allows certain ESV quotations in non-saleable media under specific conditions, while Tyndale provides separate guidelines for certain NLT uses such as church bulletins and online Bible teaching.
If you are preparing a church curriculum, classroom resource, nonprofit publication, or ministry website, check the specific translation’s policy rather than assuming the project’s nonprofit status provides an exemption.
How to Submit a Permission Request
Once you determine that written permission is required for using your selected Scripture in your book, go directly to the translation’s rights holder or its designated permissions department.
Start with the official permissions page for the translation. Avoid relying on an old permission notice found in another book because policies and copyright years can change.
Your request should clearly identify:
- The translation and specific edition
- The passages you want to quote
- The total number of verses
- The approximate percentage of your work represented by Scripture
- Your book’s title and author
- The type of publication
- Whether the work will be sold
- The expected print run or distribution
- Digital, audio, or other formats
- Your publisher and anticipated publication date
- The countries or territories where the work will be distributed
- Any other relevant use, including merchandise or online publication
Be precise. If you are asking to reproduce an entire chapter, a lengthy passage, or a large number of verses, say so rather than describing the use generally.
When available, use the publisher’s online permissions form and attach sample pages or screenshots to the request. Save the approval, license, or permission letter with your publishing records and follow any attribution requirements exactly.
Taking a little time to handle Scripture permissions correctly can prevent much bigger problems later. It also lets you focus on what matters most: helping readers encounter God’s Word through your book.
FAQ And Troubleshooting
Do I always need permission to quote the Bible?
No. Some translations allow limited quotations without formal written permission if you follow their specific guidelines. Others may require permission for particular uses. Check the current policy for the translation you are quoting.
Is the Bible copyrighted?
The original biblical writings are ancient, but modern translations may be copyrighted. The copyright generally applies to the translator’s particular expression of the biblical text, not to the underlying biblical ideas or ancient source material.
Can I use any Bible translation if I only quote a few verses?
Not necessarily. Some translations permit limited quotations without formal permission, but the requirements vary. You may still need to provide a copyright notice or follow other attribution rules.
Is there a universal 500-verse or 25-percent rule?
No. Those numbers appear in the permission policies of some translation publishers, but they are not universal copyright-law thresholds. For example, ESV and NLT have 500-verse guidelines, while CSB and NASB use different thresholds.
Can I use Scripture in a Bible study without permission?
Possibly, depending on the translation, amount quoted, format, and whether the study is sold. Some publishers specifically address Bible studies in their permissions policies, while others may require permission for commercial Bible-reference works. Check the applicable translation policy.
What if my request to quote a certain translation is denied?
If your request to use a certain translation in your book is denied, you may need to revise or remove those passages, use a different translation, or choose a public domain translation. If you believe your intended use may qualify for an exception such as fair use, consider consulting a copyright attorney for guidance.
Can I use a verse on a T-shirt or other merchandise?
Permission to quote a verse in a book may not also cover merchandise. Translation publishers may have separate requirements for artwork and commercial products.
Can I quote a study Bible because the biblical text itself is permitted?
Not automatically. Study notes, introductions, maps, illustrations, and other material may have separate copyrights. Check the study Bible publisher’s permissions policy.
What if I am not sure whether I need permission?
Start with the translation’s current official permissions policy. If your planned use does not clearly fit within those guidelines, submit a permission request. For complicated or high-value uses, consider consulting a copyright attorney.