Why is there a copyright on modern translations of the Bible?

Although the Bible is understandably silent on translation copyrights, they are a great source of protection for the translators and for the Scripture itself.

what does the bible say?

Scripture has virtually nothing to say about the modern use of copyrights. However, as translations are put together and rendered into different versions (NKJV, NIV, ESV, etc.), copyrights protect those individuals and corporations (Tyndale, Zondervan, etc.) that produce the work. Copyrights not only protect the corporations but the translation as well. Without a copyright, known as “public domain,” different versions would be subject to free use and would likely be twisted and misquoted even more than they are already. People could alter biblical text without any consequence. Instead, copyrights ensure that translations are used and quoted as intended. Copyright usage is not the selfish corporate takeover that some accuse it to be. In most cases, authors of Christian non-fiction books only need to print a simple copyright usage page, indicating from which version the references are taken. Others, too, can contact the translations to receive permission to use their translations.

from the old testament

We are commanded not to add or subtract from God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:6).

from the new testament

We are commanded not to take away from God’s words (Revelation 22:18-19).

implications for today

New translations of the Bible are expensive and take an enormous amount of resources and time. Publishers want to protect that investment and one way to do so is by having a copyright.Critics say the Word of God should be available to everyone and that no protection is needed. Those in the King James Version Only crowd say copyrighting proves other translations are corrupt, going so far as to say they contain man’s words, not God’s. However, the KJV was copyrighted when it was first published and remains under copyright protection in the United Kingdom. A KJV Only advocate, Doug Kutliek, shows that the KJV is not copyright free in “The KJV Is A Copyrighted Translation.” Translations are developed for different reasons—to give a word-to-word translation, a phrase-to-phrase translation, to update what we know about the original languages, or to bring older translations up to date with modern language. Producing a translation takes work and financial investment. Copyrights help protect the people working on the translations and ensure that Bible publishing companies can remain in business. Placing protections on a translation does not reflect the translation’s accuracy or quality.All modern translations of the Bible allow certain amounts of text to be used in other publications such as books, Bible studies, articles, and such. Publishers are generally quite generous with their blanket permissions to use sections of the Bible they publish. Look for the “fair use” statement in the Bible from the publisher.

Recap

understand

Copyrights safeguard the work of translators and publishers, ensuring the Bible is quoted and used accurately.
Copyrights prevent unauthorized alterations and misquotations of the Bible, maintaining its integrity.
Copyrights protect the financial and resource investments made in producing translations, allowing continued high-quality Bible production.

reflect

How does understanding the purpose of copyrights affect your trust in modern Bible translations?
How can you ensure you use and quote Bible translations accurately in your study and sharing?
How do you balance the need for accessible Scripture with the understanding of translation costs and protections?

engage

Some people oppose copyrights on modern Bible translations because they believe it restricts accessibility and commercialization of God’s Word. Additionally, some think it implies these translations are less authentic or altered compared to public domain versions like the King James Version. How should we respond to people with these concerns, speaking the truth in love.
How do copyright protections align with or differ from the biblical comm and not to add or subtract from God’s Word?
What are some practical ways we can educate others about the reasons behind copyright protections for Bible translations?