The problem
Most 20th- and 21st-century Bible translations in the Netherlands are protected by copyright — NBG-51, HSV, NBV21, BGT, Het Boek. That means:
- You may quote no more than 100–500 verses without permission
- You may not freely distribute, copy, or reuse the text
- Commercial or large-scale use always requires permission and often payment
- Even digital uses are subject to strict restrictions
Matthew 10:8 “You received this gift freely, so give it freely.”
It is understandable that Bible societies need income for their work. But part of the copyright revenue goes to unbiblical causes.
We believe that God's Word does not belong behind a copyright. The Word of God is for everyone — free and unhindered.
Who holds the copyright?
- Dutch-Flemish Bible Society (NBG): NBG-51, NBV, NBV21, BGT
- Catholic Bible Foundation (KBS): Willibrord Translation
- Foundation for the Revised Statenvertaling: HSV
- Biblica, Inc.: Het Boek
Only historical translations are in the public domain: Statenvertaling (1637), Leiden Translation (1899), Petrus Canisius Translation (1929).
The same applies to church hymns
Many church hymns are also protected by copyright. Congregations must purchase licences to project or copy songs. This applies to collections such as the Liedboek, Opwekking, and others.
We believe that spiritual songs should also be freely available to the church of Christ.
What do we do?
- Open Translation: a literal Bible translation in the public domain (CC0)
- Open Source Hymnal: a freely available hymnal for the church
- Awareness: raising this issue with churches and believers
- Advocacy: campaigning for the release of Bible translations
Biblical foundation
Isaiah 55:1 “Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Revelation 22:17 “He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
2 Corinthians 2:17 “For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God.”
God's Word is not merchandise. It is living water, freely available to everyone who thirsts.