Open English Translation (OET) Frequently Asked Question -- WHY?

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This page tries to answer the question: Why is the OET even needed?

See the introduction page for information about the OET translation philosophy and the various OET versions.

See the FAQs page for other frequently asked questions.

Why is the OET even needed?

Since this is such an important question (especially for potential prayer and financial supporters), the answer is placed here on this separate page.

I'll try to put what I think are the main reasons first:

  1. Need in non-English-speaking countries: There are many parts of the world now where English is spoken as a lingua franca or language of wider communication. Sometimes English skills become helpful to gain employment or even just to show increased status. Sometimes when different groups meet (even at a church meeting), English can become their common language for worship or preaching. In some cases, translators of a local language will wish to publish a diglot -- two languages side-by-side in a printed version. In that case, it's not unusual for people to even learn English by comparing the Bible text in their language with the English translation beside it. A freely available English translation would make all of the above scenarios possible without being dependent on the whims of the copyright owner of the English translation.
  2. Need in English-speaking countries: If you look inside a typical major-language Bible, you will find a copyright notice along with permission given to quote a limited number of verses. This would normally allow you to copy a few verses into your church bulletin, but would not normally allow you to publish a Bible-study with the full Bible text conveniently included. The OET would allow churches and other groups to freely publish Bible studies, Scriptural songs, and other similar materials without having to try to first obtain written permission.
  3. To be continued...

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See the FAQs page for other frequently asked questions.

See the introduction page for information about the OET translation philosophy and the various OET versions.