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Around Easter and Christmas, a lot of handmade products pop up with Bible verses on them. But, are they trademarked? Protected under copyright laws? Today, let’s take a look at the using Bible verses on products made with your Silhouette, Cricut, or other methods.
Are Bible Verses Copyrighted or Trademarked?
I feel like I have good news about using Bible verses in crafting: In cases of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible, along with the King James Version (not to be mistaken with the New King James Version) you can freely use verses in your handmade products because they are public domain.
As with anything, there’s some exceptions. You’ll want to steer clear of any recent translations which may be copywritten to the translator/publisher. For example: A quoted verse from a Thomas Nelson or Zondervan Bible publication is copyrighted. If you’d like to use one of those – head to this link for more information.
For other copyright and trademark information previously seen on Cutting for Business, follow this link.
Help another crafter, save the image below to Pinterest!
DreaD70
Thursday 3rd of June 2021
Thanks for all the helpful links! Cut down a grip of time for me trying to navigate through all this legal stuff. Just an FYI: Per the Zondervan website: https://www.zondervan.com/about-us/permissions/#permissionquoteNIV ...Zondervan is granting permission for the latest edition of the NIV text only (currently 2011.) We are not granting permission for use of the earlier editions or version of the NIV text. For more information, please visit https://www.thenivbible.com/about-the-niv/about-the-2011-edition/.
Works not Covered by Gratis Use Scripture on a product in which the verse stands alone such as artwork, notecards, crafts, novelty products, jewelry. Use of charts, maps, illustrations, footnotes, study notes, reference material, and the like. Use of scripture in lyrics and musical compositions
Theresa
Monday 29th of March 2021
Thank you for this article! I was happy to find out the ASV is public domain. However, some of the verses in the ASV are written the same as in some copyrighted versions. Are these still okay to use or does the copyright of the other translation trump the public domain? For example, 2 Timothy 4:17 is almost identical in both the ASV and ESV.
A
Saturday 13th of March 2021
What about other scriptures? For example, are verses from the Koran or the Book of Mormon are copyright protected?
Christine, Cutting for Business
Tuesday 23rd of March 2021
The Book of Mormon is not public domain; the Koran is public domain. Hope that helps!
Kristal
Friday 29th of March 2019
Thank You Christine for doing the research. I appreciate it so much considering majority of my stationery is Biblical based. Even though God Almighty Himself gives us the permission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth regardless of what it will cost us, it is good to know the legalities to keep believers within their earthly rights without legal consequences. Rejoice in the Good News that is Jesus Christ the Messiah who washes away our sins, conquered sin and death and makes us holy and blameless before God the Creator of heaven and earth.
Christine, Cutting for Business
Saturday 18th of May 2019
Happy to help!
Rebecca
Thursday 1st of February 2018
What would be considered "Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible"? I do not care for using the King James Version and want to consider my legal options.
Christine
Thursday 1st of February 2018
These are different translations of the Bible.