Contribute openly-licensed Bible content to accelerate translation

Aquifer’s mission is to provide freely available, openly-licensed Bible content for translators and church communities worldwide. While we've made significant strides in expanding the Aquifer digital library, critical resource gaps remain. We urgently need more content partners with unrestricted, open-access Bible translation tools. Helping provide openly-licensed Biblical resources through an open-source platform like the Aquifer, helps ensure that the global church has access to resources it needs to translate Bible materials for every nation, in every language.

There is a great urgency to provide Scripture to all people, nations and languages. Why? It is our great commission from Christ. Yet, obstacles remain. The Aquifer exists to help solve these issues with freely shared, openly-licensed Bible translation resources in gateway languages available online through an innovative, open-source digital library.

We are sure you have questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive. If you have open source Bible translation resources to contribute, please contact us at email@biblionexus.org.

Empower global Bible translation in gateway languages

What kinds of Biblical content are needed for the Aquifer?

We are looking for openly-licensed, freely available Bible resources in the following categories:

  • Greek and Hebrew Grammars: Essential for understanding and analyzing the original Biblical texts.

  • Greek and Hebrew Lexicons / Dictionaries: Critical tools for accurate translation and interpretation.

  • Exegetical Commentaries: Provide in-depth analysis of Biblical passages for translators.

  • Single-volume Commentaries: Offer concise overviews of Scripture for broader application.

  • French, Spanish, Portuguese, Tok Pisin, and Bislama Bible Translations: Key reference texts for translators working in these languages.

  • Multi-media Resources: Provide visual insights into the Biblical text, helping translators get a better sense of the Biblical world. Translators and teachers tell us that these multimedia resources often help them grasp the full meaning of Scripture.

Are there criteria for the Biblical resources used in the Aquifer?

We are looking for high-quality resources that meet the following criteria:

  • Quality and Trustworthiness: Resources should be professionally published, reliable, and thoroughly vetted to ensure accuracy and dependability.

  • Theological Alignment: Materials should reflect a generally Evangelical perspective, demonstrating a commitment to the authority of Scripture and core doctrines.

  • Range of Depth: While we welcome resources at both basic and advanced levels, we urgently need foundational and introductory materials accessible to less experienced translators and communities.

  • Primary Focus on Bible Translation: Resources should prioritize the needs of Bible translators, while also being beneficial for Bible study and theological formation.

What are the licensing requirements for content used in the Aquifer?

Aquifer’s goal is to make freely available Bible resources as accessible and adaptable as possible, around the world. To that end, we accept materials under these licenses:

  • CC0 / Public Domain: Allows contributors to waive all copyright, dedicating their work to the public domain, so it can be used freely without attribution.

  • CC BY (Attribution): Permits others to share, remix, and adapt the material for any purpose, including commercially, provided that proper credit is given to the original creator.

  • CC BY SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Builds on CC BY by requiring that any adapted works be distributed under the same license, ensuring that derivative works remain open and freely shareable.

Why does the Aquifer limit content to these three types of licensing?

There are many other types of Creative Commons licenses, as well as “All Rights Reserved” licenses, but only the three license types selected for the Aquifer provide free usage without restrictions.  For users, this provides a clear conscience.  For the Bible translation movement, it accelerates progress by eliminating time-consuming, and sometimes expensive, licensing negotiations.

There is a great need to leverage technology, AI and open source innovation to reach the world with the Word. If you feel called to make Biblical content freely available for translation and discipleship, please contact us to discuss options. Thank you!

Aquifer content partners light the way to the Gospel

If your organization would like to contribute openly licensed Bible resources to help fill the Aquifer for the global church, join our content partners who are changing the lives of millions of people.