What If I Want to Train AI With a Copyright Bible?

As AI (Artifical Intelligence) and large language model (LLM) development grows, a common question is whether Bible content accessed through API.Bible can be used for AI training.

In general, it cannot be used for AI training without explicit written permission from both API.Bible and the relevant intellectual property (IP) holder.

This applies broadly to content accessed through the API.

1. What the Terms Say

API.Bible’s Acceptable Use Agreement restricts the use of content accessed through the platform for training, fine-tuning, or improving generative AI models or large language models without prior written consent.

This restriction applies to:

• Copyrighted translations (Standard License and Unique License)
• Creative Commons–licensed translations
• All content accessed via API.Bible, regardless of plan type

For complete details, see the Acceptable Use section of the Terms and Conditions.

2. Why This Restriction Exists

Bible translations represent the work of scholars, translators, and publishers, and are licensed for specific use cases—primarily displaying Scripture in applications and websites.

AI training is not included in those permitted uses.

Using Bible content to train a model may:

• Exceed the scope of the granted license
• Create derivative uses not approved by the IP holder
• Conflict with agreements between API.Bible and publishers

3. Can I Get Permission?

In some cases, yes.

If you have a legitimate AI training use case, you must obtain written consent from both:

1. API.Bible
2. The relevant IP holder

To begin:

• Contact support@api.bible with details about your use case
• The team will guide you on next steps and how to approach the appropriate IP holder

Approval from only one party is not sufficient.

4. What About Public Domain Bibles?

Public Domain translations (such as the King James Version) are not subject to copyright restrictions in the same way as modern translations.

However, API.Bible platform terms still apply to content accessed through the API.

If you plan to use Public Domain content for AI training via API.Bible, contact support@api.bible to confirm your use case is permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to Creative Commons Bibles too?

Yes. This restriction applies to Creative Commons–licensed content as well.

Creative Commons licenses define how content may be shared or adapted, but they do not automatically permit AI training under API.Bible’s Terms.

What if I only use a small portion of a translation for training?

The restriction applies regardless of the amount of content used. There is no minimum threshold for AI training use.

What counts as "AI training"?

AI training includes any use of content to:

• Train a model
• Fine-tune a model
• Improve model performance

If your use case involves incorporating Bible content into a model’s learning process, it likely falls under this restriction.

Can I use Bible content to build a Bible search or reference tool powered by AI?

It depends on how AI is used:

• If your app displays Scripture using API.Bible without training a model, it may be permitted.
• If your app trains or fine-tunes a model using Bible content, the restriction applies.

If you are unsure, contact support@api.bible before proceeding.

Important Notice

Using API.Bible content for AI training without the required permissions may violate the Acceptable Use Agreement and could result in suspension or termination of access.

For further help, contact support@api.bible