The Open English Bible ( covering only the NT and part of the OT at this time) provides a modern English translation which is completely free of copyright restriction, so that you can use it however you feel appropriate. The OEB in not the most scholarly rendition, but offers those seeking inclusive Biblical texts the opportunity to change pronouns and other exclusive terms without needing to seek permission from an ‘owner’ of the text (copyright holder). Also, both US and Commonwealth spelling are available.
Questions about the sources, scholarship, and authorship are available here. I’ve asked for more information about Russell Allen, the person behind the project, and the other members of the OEB team.
Statement from the Open English Bible website:
We are committed to creating a completely free modern English translation of the Bible.
The OEB is under a Creative Commons Zero licence – that is, it is in the public domain. It available completely without cost, and completely without restrictions. It’s your Bible — you can use it in worship, print as many copies as you want (whole or part), republish it on your own website, even remix it or take it as the base for your own translation to meet your needs and the needs of your community. And you can do this without needing our permission or paying us a cent (or penny, rupee or kobo).
If you find that questions of copyright are making it harder for you to use or distribute the Bible, then why not try the OEB?
Read the current release of the OEB New Testament online.
Alternatively, use the study version which allows closer comparison with the original languages, or download a copy in US or Commonwealth spelling.
Or keep up to date with progress on our blog, or on Facebook!
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- photo by Hugh Abel
