The PuritanBoard - View Single Post - Questions concerning the copyright of the KJV

larryjf · #10 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

(1) Is it correct to assert that the KJV is public domain in the U.S. and the rest of the world, except for the United Kingdom?

Yes, it is public domain except in the UK.

Quote:

(2) Does this mean that those who produce updated KJVs (not including the NKJV) do so freely and can then copyright their updated version? I am thinking here of the Modern KJV, 21st Century KJV, etc.

Yes, one can freely use the KJV as a base text to update and then copyright the work. However, it would probably have to be different enough from the updates that you mention.

Quote:

(3) I am assuming one would use a generic citation for the KJV when citing it in a paper or book. Does one need to include information regarding editions (1762, 1769, 1873, etc.)? Or will a generic All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. suffice?

The generic would suffice.

Quote:

(4) If one adapts the language marginally (like change "threescore furlongs" to "about 7 miles" in Luke 24:13 and putting the adaptations in brackets), how would one cite numerous adaptations in a paper or book? Would this suffice: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible with adaptations by the author in brackets.

The last sentence would suffice.
I would suggest staying away from brackets as some versions use them to inform the reader that the text is questionable. Perhaps use something that isn't already used by other versions like...
purloiner {thief}