A Guide for Christian Authors

For Christian authors, Scripture is often central to the message God has placed on your heart. Whether you’re writing a devotional, memoir, Bible study, or faith-based nonfiction, it’s important to understand that not all Bible translations can be quoted freely in published books. Overstepping these parameters, even unintentionally doing so, is considered to be copryight infringement.

Knowing a few basic guidelines will help you honour both God’s Word and the realities of publishing.

Public-Domain Translations: Quote Freely

Some Bible translations are in the public domain, meaning they are not protected by copyright. You may quote from these versions as much as you like, including long passages or entire chapters.

Public-domain translations include:

• King James Version (KJV)
• Douay–Rheims Bible
• Geneva Bible

If you are using the KJV, there is no legal limit on how much Scripture you may quote.

Modern Translations: Quotation Limits Apply

Most modern Bible translations are copyrighted, even though they are commonly used in churches and ministries. These include:

• New International Version (NIV)
• English Standard Version (ESV)
• New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
• New Living Translation (NLT)

These translations generally allow limited quotation without permission, as long as certain conditions are met. While exact rules vary slightly, the usual guidelines are:

• No more than 500 verses total in your book
• No more than 25% of any one biblical book
• Scripture quotations must not form the majority of the content
• The translation must be clearly credited

If you exceed these limits, you will need to request permission from the copyright holder.

A Note on The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Passion Translation (TPT) is fully copyrighted and has stricter usage limits than many other translations.

• TPT is intended primarily for personal devotion, teaching, and ministry use
• Extensive quotation in published books usually requires written permission
• Even short quotations must include clear attribution

If your book relies heavily on Scripture, TPT is not usually the best choice unless you have already secured permission or plan to quote very sparingly.

You can find their copyright permissions in the front of the hardcopy (physical Bible) or it should be stated in the online version you choose to use. (For example, New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Songs states: “No more than 200 verses from the New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Songs combined. ©2018)”. YouVersion: The Passion Translation® New Testament with Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Songs, 2020 Edition Published by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC BroadStreetPublishing.com The text from New Testament with Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Songs may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic, or audio), up to and inclusive of 250 verses or less, without written permission from the publisher, provided that the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible, nor do verses quoted account for 20 percent or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted, and the verses are not being quoted in a commentary or other biblical reference work.

Requests for permission to publish more than the stipulated quota of text needs addressed to the publisher: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

A Note on the Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Amplified Bible (AMP) is copyrighted and comes with specific quotation limits.

• Limited quotation is generally allowed without permission
• Proper attribution is required
• Because AMP includes expanded wording and explanatory brackets, it’s easy to exceed limits unintentionally

If you plan to quote AMP regularly or at length, it’s wise to check the publisher’s guidelines early or request permission.

A Note on the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) is not in the public domain and is also copyrighted.

• Limited quotation is generally allowed
• Proper attribution is required
• The text is highly expanded, so it’s easy to quote more than intended
• Extensive use may require written permission from the publisher

Requests for permission to publish more than the stipulated quota of text needs addressed to the publisher: The Lockman Foundation.

Always Credit the Translation

No matter which translation you use, proper attribution is essential. Each publisher provides specific wording for how their translation should be credited.

This isn’t only a legal requirement — it’s also a matter of honesty, respect, and integrity in Christian publishing.

What About Paraphrasing Scripture?

Paraphrasing Scripture in your own words is generally allowed, provided that:

• You do not closely copy the original wording
• You clearly acknowledge the biblical source

Many Christian authors choose to paraphrase when teaching or reflecting on Scripture, especially when writing devotionals or memoirs.

Quick Comparison for Christian Authors

Practical Guidance for Christian Authors

• If Scripture quotations are central to your book, consider using a public-domain translation like the KJV.
• If your audience expects a modern translation, review quotation limits early in the writing process.
• Be especially cautious with TPT, AMP, and AMPC, which can reach limits quickly.
• When in doubt, ask for permission before publication, not after.

Final Thoughts

God’s Word is freely given—but modern translations are stewarded by publishers under earthly law. Understanding these guidelines helps ensure that your message can be shared clearly, ethically, and without unnecessary obstacles.

Being careful now saves headaches later and allows you to focus on sharing God’s message faithfully.