Scripture engagement leads to knowing God—and lives changed forever. Now more than ever, Americans need to know God’s Word and the hope we have in its transformative message. The State of the Bible is a yearly, in-depth study, asking Americans their opinions and practices relating to the Bible, all made possible by generous supporters like you.
These Bible insights can provide critical information and give you direction for your Biblical ministry to help better serve the needs of people in your community.
Pray Around the World
Representatives of different churches are united through Taizé prayer. Pictured here is Slovenia's recent Bible marathon, titled “Your Word — Strength in Times of Distress.” Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo courtesy of Bible Society of Slovenia) Hungary Thank God for helping us through the financial crisis without any serious impact on our work. Praise him for progress with preparing the new revision…
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The Elegant King James Bible
KJV title page. (Photo courtesy of American Bible Society’s Rare Scriptures Collection) This year commemorates the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Known today for its elegance, the KJV has immeasurably shaped the rhetoric and literary expression of generations of English speakers. James I of England convened the Hampton Court Conference of…
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Tears of Joy
A woman weeps after receiving her first Bible during a visit to Shang Dang village church by China's first Bible and medical van. (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Bible Society/Dag Smemo) Mrs. Chen is one of about 300 people who benefited from the debut journey in 2010 of China's first Bible and medical van, which has been deployed in Jiangsu Province.…
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Worth the Wait
Photo courtesy of John Mathews Certain images from my ministry trip to China have imprinted themselves forever in my memory, reminding me that the Bible is indeed a precious gift. It's the sight of hundreds of Chinese people — young and old — who walked for hours to churches and waited even longer in those sacred spaces to receive their…
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By the Numbers
Photo courtesy of John Mathews About 800 million people — including 70 percent of Chinese Christians — live in rural areas of China. They have little access to personal Bibles or medical care since distribution centers and medical institutions are concentrated in cities. The program will give 150,000 people access to healthcare through the 10 to 12 new vans once…
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When Did Publishers Start Printing Red Letter Bibles?
I am doing some research on Bible translations, and I was wondering when publishers started printing “red letter” edition Bibles (Bibles with Jesus's words in red letters). Do you know when and where (and even why) this practice began? — The Rev. Peter Nafzger, Hugo, Minn., by e-mailAccording to Gerald C. Studer, the editor of Bible Editions and Versions (formerly…
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