The World English Bible (WEB)
Scripture on this site is quoted from the World English Bible (WEB), a modern English translation that is in the public domain. The WEB is based on the Hebrew Masoretic Text for the Old Testament and the Greek Majority Text for the New Testament. It was created by updating the American Standard Version (1901) into clear, contemporary English while staying close to the original languages.
What the WEB is good for
The World English Bible is well suited for:
- Personal reading and devotionals
- Bible studies and teaching materials
- Quoting Scripture in articles, lessons, and reflections
- Making the Bible freely accessible without copyright restrictions
Because it is public domain, we are able to host the full text of Scripture directly on this site and make it available to everyone without limitations.
What the WEB is not intended for
While the WEB is a faithful and readable translation, it is not designed to be a primary source for:
- Advanced academic or textual criticism
- Detailed comparison of manuscript variants
- Seminary-level language analysis
Some wording and verse renderings may differ slightly from other modern translations that are based on critical Greek texts. These differences do not affect core Christian doctrine, but readers may notice variations when comparing translations.
The King James Version (KJV)
We also provide the King James Version, first published in 1611. The KJV is the most widely recognized English Bible in history — its language shaped centuries of theology, literature, hymns, and culture. It remains beloved for its poetic beauty and its deep influence on the English-speaking church.
The KJV is fully in the public domain. While its language can feel archaic to modern readers, many find its phrasing powerful and memorable. We include it as an alternative view so readers can compare how the same passage reads across different eras of English.
A Note on Using Multiple Translations
No single English translation captures every nuance of the original Hebrew and Greek. For deeper study, readers may benefit from comparing the WEB with other translations such as the ESV, NASB, NIV, or NRSV.
Our goal in using the World English Bible is clarity, faithfulness, and accessibility — making Scripture available freely while encouraging thoughtful and careful study.
We may add additional translations in the future via official Bible APIs from publishers who offer them.
Why Public Domain Matters
Many popular modern translations — including the NIV, ESV, NLT, and NASB — are copyrighted by their publishers. Using them on a website typically requires formal licensing agreements and is limited to quotation thresholds (often 500 verses or less).
We believe Scripture should be as accessible as possible. By using public domain translations, we can:
- Host the full text of every book, chapter, and verse
- Quote freely in our studies, devotionals, and articles
- Let readers browse and read without any restrictions
- Share content without worrying about quotation limits
This isn't a statement against copyrighted translations — many are excellent scholarly works. It's simply our commitment to making the Bible available to everyone who visits FaithAmp, without barriers.