Bible Translations We Use and Why

Effective date: 27 September 2026

Last updated: 27 September 2026

Every Bible verse gift we make uses one of four public-domain translations, and the translation is named on each product page. You'll always know exactly which words your recipient will read.

At a glance: We use the King James Version (KJV), the American Standard Version (ASV), the World English Bible (WEB), and the Douay-Rheims Bible. All four are in the public domain, so we can reproduce any verse in full, exactly as written. We don't offer copyrighted translations such as the NIV or ESV.

Our four translations

King James Version (KJV), 1611. The most widely recognized English Bible, with its familiar "thee" and "thou." If you aren't sure which translation your recipient reads, the KJV is the one most likely to feel familiar.

American Standard Version (ASV), 1901. A revision of the KJV that keeps its traditional style while updating some wording. It uses "Jehovah" where most translations say "the LORD," which matters for verses that name God.

World English Bible (WEB). A modern-English update of the ASV that reads naturally today. It uses "Yahweh" where most translations say "the LORD." Its translators dedicated it to the public domain.

Douay-Rheims Bible. The traditional English Catholic translation, first published in 1582 and 1609–1610 and read today in Bishop Challoner's 18th-century revision. It includes books such as Tobit and Sirach that are part of Catholic Bibles.

The same verse, four ways

The same verse can be read quite differently from one translation to the next. Before you choose, read the wording on the product page and in the live preview. That's exactly what will appear on the piece.

Choosing a translation for your recipient

📖 If you're not sure, choose the KJV. Its wording is the most widely recognized.

📖 For a Catholic recipient who loves traditional wording, the Douay-Rheims is a natural choice.

📖 For plain, modern English, choose the WEB, keeping in mind that it names God as "Yahweh."

Book names and verse numbers

The Douay-Rheims numbers most Psalms one lower than other translations. It also uses some different book names; for example, the book other Bibles call 1 Samuel is 1 Kings in the Douay-Rheims. Each product page gives the reference as that translation writes it, so the reference on your piece will match the wording.

Why we use public-domain translations

These translations were published long ago or released freely by their translators, so anyone may reproduce them without permission. That lets us engrave and print verses in full, exactly as written.

Most modern translations, including the NIV, ESV, NLT, and NKJV, are copyrighted. Their publishers require permission to reproduce verses on products, so we don't offer them. If you type your own verse, please use the wording from one of our four translations. Our Personalization Policy explains how to enter it.

More translations in the future

If we add a translation, it will be listed here first.

Questions

Not sure which translation suits your recipient? Write to us before you order, and we'll help.

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