American Bible Society Rights and Permissions

The following Bible translations have copyrights managed by American Bible Society:

Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Good News Translation (GNT) (formerly Today’s English Version (TEV))
Reina Valera1960 (RVR60) Spanish translation

Summary of Fair Use Policy (All conditions must apply):

No more than 500 verses in total may be reproduced without permission
Scripture/Verses may not make up more than 25% of the new work
Verses quoted do not amount to 50% of a complete book of the Bible
All Scripture must be properly cited with the appropriate copyright notice (see below)
The book or product must be available for non-commercial use.

When Permission is NOT required - Bible Text - Fair Use Policy:

Text from the Contemporary English Version (CEV), Good News Translation (GNT) (formerly Today’s English Version (TEV), and the Reina Valera 1960 (RVR60) Spanish Bible translation may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without written permission, providing the verses quoted do not amount to 50% of a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses account for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted and the work is available for non-commercial use. This permission is contingent upon an appropriate copyright acknowledgment – (see below).

Formal written permission is not needed for churches requesting to use a small selection of material for church bulletins, sermons or classroom use that falls within our Fair Use Policy. Churches may also use stand-alone quotations/scripture in: sermons, bulletins, newsletters, or to be shown on a screen (PowerPoint or overhead projector) without requesting permission, provided the source is accurately cited with the appropriate copyright notice (see below).

When Permission IS required - Works not covered by Fair Use Policy:

American Bible Society requires permission if you are writing a book or developing a product that uses Bible Scripture/Verses beyond the scope of the Fair Use Policy or if your project is for commercial use.

Please complete the Permission Request Form and email to: licensing@americanbible.org

Reproduction of any scripture where the verse stands alone such as: artwork, jewelry, gift product, etc. is not permitted without requesting formal permission (permission fees or royalties may apply).
Scripture that does not include appropriate copyright notice (see below).
Use of charts, maps, illustrations, photographs, or cover images is not permitted without requesting formal permission (permission fees or royalties may apply).
Mobile Phone Applications, other New Media Platforms (websites, etc.) or Gift Products. Written permission is required.
Books or other products which are produced for sale. Written permission is required.

Read some Frequently Asked Questions here

Bible Text Copyright Notices:

Contemporary English Version:
Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

Good News Translation:

Reina-Valera 1960:

American Bible Society also manages the following artwork and Bible resources:

Artwork:

Good News Translation Line Drawing Illustrations by Annie Vallotton
CEV Artwork by Lynn Adams
Other Original Artwork (from the CEV Learning Bible and the Jubilee African American Bible)
Lear Illustrations

Scholarly Editions:

Greek/English Lexicon of the New Testament, Louw & Nida
Translator’s Handbooks: 35 volumes, 47 books
Synopsis of the Four Gospels
Bible and New Testament Index
KJV Concordance

ABS Video Translations (in Contemporary Setting):

Out of the Tombs
Father and Two Sons
The Visit
Resurrection
Nativity
The Neighbor

Bible Atlas/Bible Maps:

Geographical, Holy Land maps with photos and annotations
CEV and Good News Bible Maps (Old Testament and New Testament)

Audio/Spoken Word Scripture:

La Palabra Eterna, Reina-Valera 1960 New Testament recording by ABS

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Rights & Permissions Guidelines
American Bible Society
licensing@americanbible.org

1. Policy for use of the Contemporary English Version (CEV):

General Statement.
The CEV text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without written permission, providing the verses quoted do not amount to 50% of a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses account for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted. This permission is contingent upon an appropriate copyright acknowledgment (see below).
Use of the CEV beyond above limits requires written permission.
1. Commercial Use: Commercial use means use in any product offered for sale, lease, rental or barter on any level. Rights and permissions requests for the CEV in media intended for commercial use should be emailed to licensing@americanbible.org. Request shall contain the following information: (1) exact portions to be quoted, (2) the medium in which those portions will be quoted, (3) estimated percentage of the total text of the work made up of the CEV text, (4) any additional material to be included in the work, such as additional text, illustrations, photos, etc., (5) the purpose, number of copies or reproductions, and distribution of the use in which the CEV is quoted, and (6) the sale or lease price of the work, or other income to be received. For commercial use outside of North America, please send your requests as detailed above to the American Bible Society. If the CEV is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission prior to production of the same.
2. Non-Commercial use (Ministry, Church, educational, etc.): Non-commercial use is any use other than commercial use as defined above and generally means free provision of the medium in which the CEV is quoted. Most usages by local churches would fall into this category. Rights and Permissions requests for the CEV in media intended for non-commercial use should be emailed to licensing@americanbible.org and the request should contain the above requested information. If the CEV text is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission from the American Bible Society prior to the production of the same.

2. Acknowledgment and copyright notice

Any quotation from the CEV text must include copyright notice and acknowledgement. The form the acknowledgment takes will depend, in part, upon the medium in which the quotation is used.

Written use: Use whichever of the following notices is most appropriate:
1. The following notice for the CEV may be used on each page where material quoted from the CEV appears:
  Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
2. When the CEV is identified at the end of each Scripture quotation from the CEV, the following notice may be used on the title page or verse thereof of each copy:
  Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
3. If appropriate, the following notice may be used on the title page or verso thereof of each copy:
  All scripture quotations in this publication are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Visual and electronic use: “Visual” use includes videos, films, slides and overhead transparencies. “Electronic” use denotes the use of an interactive computer. Quotations from the CEV text in visual and electronic media must include the appropriate copyright notice from section II-A on (1) the product (medium itself), and (2) the product’s wrapper or packing, and (3) in an acknowledgment section, if one exists.
Audio Use: This category includes cassettes, compact discs, and similar media. Quotations from the CEV in audio form must include the appropriate copyright notice from section on (1) the product (the medium itself), and (2) the product’s wrapper or packaging. If the CEV is used as the lyrics for song, you must obtain permission from the American Bible Society prior to production of the same.
Church use: Any use of the CEV by a local church in or on non-commercial media such as bulletins, orders of service, bulletin boards, posters, overhead transparencies, recordings of worship services (for which a small fee may be charged), or similar materials used in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly requires the following notice at the end of each quotation: (CEV) may include (CEV) acknowledgement of label only. Contacting ABS for permission noted herein is not required.

3. Additional Information about CEV rights and Permissions

For rights and permissions not expressly granted or referred to in this document, or for an explanation of any provision of this document, please send an email to licensing@americanbible.org.

Persons requesting rights and permissions not expressly granted in this document should contact: Licensing Department at licensing@americanbible.org.

Since its beginnings in 1816, the purpose of the American Bible Society has been to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. This purpose, undertaken without profit, is a cause which all Christians and all churches are urged to support.

For more information about the ministries of the American Bible Society or if you wish to receive our free catalogue of Scriptures Resources, please write to the address provided above or call 800 32-BIBLE (or 800-322-4253).

Good News Translation (GNT) (formerly Today’s English Version (TEV))

Rights & Permissions Guidelines
American Bible Society
licensing@americanbible.org

1. Policy for use of the Good News Translation (GNT)

General Statement
The GNT text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without written permission, providing the verses quoted do not amount to 50% of a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses account for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted. This permission is contingent upon an appropriate copyright acknowledgment – (see below).
Use of the GNT beyond above limits requires written permission.
1. Commercial Use: Commercial use means use in any product offered for sale, lease, rental or barter on any level. Rights and permissions requests for the GNT in media intended for commercial use should be emailed to licensing@americanbible.org. Request shall contain the following information: (1) exact portions to be quoted, (2) the medium in which those portions will be quoted, (3) estimated percentage of the total text of the work made up of the GNT text, (4) any additional material to be included in the work, such as additional text, illustrations, photos, etc., (5) the purpose, number of copies or reproductions, and distribution of the use in which the GNT is quoted, and (6) the sale or lease price of the work, or other income to be received. For commercial use outside of North America, please send your requests as detailed above to the American Bible Society. If the GNT is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission prior to production of the same.
2. Non-Commercial use (Ministry, Church, educational, etc.): Non-commercial use is any use other than commercial use as defined above and generally means free provision of the medium in which the GNT is quoted. Most usages by local churches would fall into this category. Rights and Permissions requests for the GNT in media intended for non-commercial use should be emailed to licensing@americanbible.org and the request should contain the above requested information. If the GNT text is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission from the American Bible Society prior to the production of the same.

2. Acknowledgement and copyright notice

Any quotation from the GNT text must include copyright notice and acknowledgement. The form the acknowledgment takes will depend, in part, upon the medium in which the quotation is used.

Written use: Use whichever of the following notices is most appropriate:
1. The following notice for the GNT may be used on each page where material quoted from the GNT appears:
  Scripture taken from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
2. When the GNT is identified at the end of each Scripture quotation from the GNT, the following notice may be used on the title page or verso thereof of each copy:
  Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
3. If appropriate, the following notice may be used on the title page or verso thereof of each copy:
  All scripture quotations in this publication are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
4. If appropriate, Licensee shall also reproduce the trademark logo on the copyright page of each copy:
  Please contact American Bible Society or email: licensing@americanbible.org to receive the image file for this logo.
Visual and electronic use: “Visual” use includes videos, films, slides and overhead transparencies. “Electronic” use denotes the use of an interactive computer. Quotations from the GNT text in visual and electronic media must include the appropriate copyright notice from section II-A on (1) the product (medium itself), and (2) the product’s wrapper or packing, and (3) in an acknowledgement section, if one exists.
Audio Use: This category includes cassettes, compact discs, and similar media. Quotations from the GNT in audio form must include the appropriate copyright notice from section on (1) the product (the medium itself), and (2) the product’s wrapper or packaging. If the GNT is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission from the American Bible Society prior to production of the same.
Church use: Any use of the GNT by a local church in or on non-commercial media such as bulletins, orders of service, bulletin boards, posters, overhead transparencies, recordings of worship services (for which a small fee may be charged), or similar materials used in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly requires the following notices at the end of each quotation: (GNT) Audiocassettes may include (GNT) acknowledgement on label only. Contacting ABS for permission noted herein is not required.

3. Additional Information about GNT rights and Permissions

For rights and permissions not expressly granted or referred to in this document, or for an explanation of any provision of this document, please send an email to: licensing@americanbible.org.

Persons requesting rights and permissions not expressly granted in this document should contact: Licensing Department email licensing@americanbible.org.

A Little Information about American Bible Society:
The Mission of The American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message.

For more information about the ministries of American Bible Society or if you wish to receive our free catalogue of Scriptures Resources, please write to the address provided above or call 1-800-32-BIBLE or 1-800-322-4253 or visit our website: www.americanbible.org

Reina Valera1960 (RVR60) Spanish translation

Rights & Permissions Guidelines
American Bible Society
licensing@americanbible.org

1. Policy for use of the RVR1960

General Statement: The RVR 1960 text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without written permission, providing the verses quoted do not amount to 50% of a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses account for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted. This permission is contingent upon an appropriate copyright acknowledgement – (see below).
Use of the RVR 1960 beyond above limits requires written permission.
1. Commercial Use: Commercial use means use in any product offered for sale, lease, rental or barter on any level. Rights and permissions requests for the RVR 1960 in media intended for commercial use should be emailed to licensing@americanbible.org. Request shall contain the following information: (1) exact portions to be quoted, (2) the medium in which those portions will be quoted, (3) estimated percentage of the total text of the work made up of the RVR 1960 text, (4) any additional material to be included in the work, such as additional text, illustrations, photos, etc., (5) the purpose, number of copies or reproductions, and distribution of the use in which the RVR 1960 is quoted, and (6) the sale or lease price of the work, or other income to be received. For commercial use outside of North America, please send your requests as detailed above to the American Bible Society. If the RVR 1960 is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission prior to production of the same.
2. Non-Commercial use (Ministry, Church, educational, etc.): Non-commercial use is any use other than commercial use as defined above and generally means free provision of the medium in which the RVR 1960 is quoted. Most usages by local churches would fall into this category. Rights and Permissions requests for the RVR 1960 in media intended for non-commercial use should be emailed to licensing@americanbible.org and the request should contain the above requested information. If the RVR 1960 text is used as the lyrics for a song, you must obtain permission from the American Bible Society prior to the production of the same.

2. Acknowledgement and copyright notice

Any quotation from the RVR 1960 text must include copyright notice and acknowledgement. The form the acknowledgment takes will depend, in part, upon the medium in which the quotation is used.

Written use: Use whichever of the following notices is most appropriate:
1. The following notices for the RVR 1960 may be used on each page where material quoted from the RVR 1960 appears:
  Citas bíblicas tomadas de la Reina-Valera 1960.
2. When the RVR 1960 is identified at the end of each Scripture quotation from the RVR 1960, the following notice may be used on the title page or verso thereof of each copy:
  El texto bíblico ha sido tomado de la versión Reina-Valera © 1960 Sociedades Bíblicas en América Latina; © renovado 1988 Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas. Utilizado con permiso.
3. If appropriate, the following notice may be used on the title page or verso thereof of each copy:
  Todas las citas bíblicas de esta publicación han sido tomadas de la Reina-Valera 1960. Utilizado con permiso.
4. Licensee shall reproduce the trademark logo and notice on the copyright page of each copy:
  Reina-Valera 1960® es una marca registrada de Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas, y se puede usar solamente bajo licencia.
  
  Please contact American Bible Society or email licensing@americanbible.org to receive the image file for this logo.
Visual and electronic use: “Visual” use includes videos, films, slides and overhead transparencies. “Electronic” use denotes the use of an interactive computer. Quotations from the RVR 1960 text in visual and electronic media must include the appropriate copyright notice from section II-A on (1) the product (medium itself), and (2) the product’s wrapper or packing, and (3) in an acknowledgement section, if one exists.
Audio Use: This category includes cassettes, compact discs, and similar media. Quotations from the RVR 1960 in audio form must include the appropriate copyright notice from section on (1) the product (the medium itself), and (2) the product’s wrapper or packaging. If the RVR 1960 is used as the lyrics for song, you must obtain permission from the American Bible Society prior to production of the same.
Church use: Any use of the RVR 1960 by a local church in or on non-commercial media such as bulletins, orders of service, bulletin boards, posters, overhead transparencies, recordings of worship services (for which a small fee may be charged), or similar materials used in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly requires the following notices at the end of each quotation: (RVR 1960) Audiocassettes may include (RVR 1960) acknowledgement on the label only. Contacting ABS for permission noted herein is not required.

3. Additional Information about RVR 1960 rights and Permissions

For rights and permissions not expressly granted or referred to in this document, or for an explanation of any provision of this document, please send an email to: licensing@americanbible.org

Persons requesting rights and permissions not expressly granted in this document should contact: Licensing Department email licensing@americanbible.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What Bible translations are available from American Bible Society?

American Bible Society manages rights and permissions for the Contemporary English Version (CEV), Good News Translation (GNT) – formerly Today’s English Version (TEV) – and the Reina-Valera1960 (RVR60) Spanish Bible translation. The rights and permissions for other Bible translations are managed by their respective publisher or copyright holder. You may purchase print versions of these Bibles and many other versions/translations through our website www.bibles.com or via telephone at 1-800-32-BIBLE (1-800-322-4253).

- How do I submit a permission request?

Please complete an electronic permission request form here. You may also download a copy of the permission request form and email it to: licensing@americanbible.org.

- Do I need to include any kind of copyright statement if I quote a few verses of the GNT/CEV/RVR60 in my publication?

Yes you do! Please see the rights and permissions guidelines—which also has the copyright statement—for the Contemporary English Version (CEV), Good News Translation (GNT) – formerly Today’s English Version (TEV) – and the Reina-Valera1960 (RVR60) Spanish Bible translation.

- How much does it cost to license an entire translation?

Each request for permission beyond the scope of the rights and permissions guidelines is reviewed individually. If you would like to license the entire translation, please complete a permission request form so that we can review the intended use in your publication. Although we license our translations to both non-profit as well as other commercial organizations, our mission always remains to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. Careful consideration is therefore always given to the ministry value of each request.

- Do I need to pay American Bible Society if I quote from the GNT/CEV/RVR60 in my publication and remain within the Fair Use Policy?

If your usage of the GNT/CEV/RVR60 falls within our Fair Use Policy, no royalties or fees are required. You are encouraged to make any donation to support the mission of American Bible Society at donate.americanbible.org.

- Can I quote the GNT/CEV/RVR60 in my church bulletin?

Yes, for a limited amount of material. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright acknowledgement statement and not quote more than 500 verses, do not quote more than half of a book of the CEV, and that the quotation does not make up more than one quarter of the total bulletin.

- I am writing a children’s book and would like to use Psalm 23 in its entirety in the book. Can I use the GNT/CEV/RVR60?

Any usage of the Bible translations beyond the Fair Use Policy will require written permission from American Bible Society and might include a more formal agreement with royalties, royalty advance, or other usage fees. Submit a permission request form if you would like to license any of American Bible Society’s translations for this use. Further questions can be addressed to licensing@americanbible.org.

- I am developing a Bible Study application for mobile phones and would like to include the GNT/CEV/RVR60. Do I need written permission?

- Why is there a copyright on the Word of God?

The copyright is for the protection of the translation. There are many other translations available in the public domain that are available without copyright restriction and may be reprinted freely. Free access to read all translations of American Bible Society is available online at biblesearch.americanbible.org

- Where can I buy Bibles?

You may purchase Bibles in many translations along with other Scripture resources through our website www.bibles.com or via telephone at 1-800-32-BIBLE (1-800-322-4253).

- I want to print Bible verses on T-shirts and sell them. Do I need permission since this is far less than 500 verses?

Yes, you will need written permission or a licensing agreement which might include a more formal agreement with royalties, royalty advance, or other usage fees. Submit a permission request form if you would like to license any of American Bible Society’s translations for this use. Further questions can be addressed to licensing@americanbible.org.

- My GNT Bible has these wonderful line drawings. Can I photocopy them for use in my church bulletin?

No. The line drawings in the GNT Bible by Swiss artist and storyteller Annie Vallotton may not be used for this purpose. Please notify us at licensing@americanbible.org if you notice any unauthorized usage of these illustrations as American Bible Society manages these copyrighted illustrations.

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American Bible Society Rights and Permissions

The following Bible translations have copyrights managed by American Bible Society:

Summary of Fair Use Policy (All conditions must apply):

When Permission is NOT required - Bible Text - Fair Use Policy:

When Permission IS required - Works not covered by Fair Use Policy:

Bible Text Copyright Notices:

American Bible Society also manages the following artwork and Bible resources:

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Good News Translation (GNT) (formerly Today’s English Version (TEV))

Reina Valera1960 (RVR60) Spanish translation

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing

Customer service

Services