Why are there so many Bibles in the world?

Why are there so many Bibles in the world?

In 1456, in Mainz, Germany, Johann Gutenberg printed the first Bible using movable type. It was a beautiful, artistic folio-size Latin Vulgate. Since that time, various individuals and agencies have translated, produced and distributed the Bible around the world. From Gutenberg to the early nineteenth century, the number of Bibles printed and distributed is not known, as records were not kept. Fairly accurate estimates are available, however, beginning with the early 1800s.

The Bible Society of the United Kingdom calculates that the number of Bibles printed between 1816 and 1975 was 2,458,000,000. By 1992 the estimated number rose to nearly six billion. Furthermore, worldwide sales of the Bible number more than a staggering 100 million each year, far outpacing any other book in history. Without a doubt, the Bible is the best selling book of all time.

This means that as of the year 2007, approximately 7.5 billion Bibles have been distributed throughout world—with the vast majority still available for use! And these figures do not include the various digital versions of the Bible being used today by millions on computers, Blackberries—and now iPhones.

Currently, the complete Bible has been published in over 450 languages. The New Testament alone has been published in nearly 1,400 languages, with the Gospel of Mark in over 2,370 languages. Although these figures represent less than half of the languages and dialects presently in use in the world, they nonetheless include the primary vehicles of communication of well over 90% of the world’s population.

Consider what this means. With the world’s population approaching six billion, there is approximately one Bible for every living person on Earth! There is, however, an uneven distribution of Bibles among the nations of the world. Some countries have very few Bibles compared to their overall populations, such as the Asian nations, the Middle East and the countries of the former Soviet Union where religious freedom—specifically "Christianity"—is not tolerated or, at best, is greatly restricted. On the other hand, countries in the Western World may have more Bibles than people, such as in the United States. The Harper San Francisco book catalog recently published some interesting statistics. It states that the annual expenditure for Bibles in America is currently $425 million and that the average American household contains four Bibles (Harper San Francisco Book Catalog, May-August, 2007, p. 15).

These statistics reflect the fact that the United States, since its inception, has been a Bible-reading and Bible-believing nation. This is evident in such founding documents as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Also, the preamble of nearly every state constitution invokes the name "Almighty God." Until recent times, the Bible traditionally was used for teaching the basic standards of private and public moral conduct. It has been the "foundation" of our laws and judicial system, as well as the moral standard for federal and state governments.

Because of our adherence to the Bible and its principles, the United States has been blessed beyond measure—making it the wealthiest and most generous nation in the world. Principally, the people of America contribute billions of dollars annually to churches and private charities. As well, the US government contributes billions of taxpayer dollars in assistance to many of the downtrodden nations of the world.

In the twentieth century, America has been on the "forefront" when it comes to fighting wars in the name of God to rid the world of evil despotism. Furthermore, for over one hundred years, all denominations of Christian churches in United States have been the primary leaders in preaching the Gospel to the world. Finally, the Bible Societies of America and Britain are responsible for translating and printing the Bible in hundreds of languages—and distributing them around the globe in a combined effort to bring the Gospel to as many people as possible.

Yet, these stark facts and figures chronicle a story far greater than numbers alone suggest. In reality, they document the awesome fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s prophecy that "assuredly" in the end times the Gospel—which is contained in the whole Bible—would be preached and published throughout the entire world before the end!

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come…. And [before the end comes] the gospel must first be published among all nations" (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10).

Moreover, Jesus said,

"The heaven and the earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away" (Mark 13:31).

In addition to any direct preaching or proclaiming of the Gospel, it is evident that God has caused to be published and distributed into all the world more than 7.5 billion printed and digital "witnesses" in the form of the Holy Bible—a personal written message from God, readily available to 90% of the world’s population. And there is no plausible justification for not reading the Bible. For those who have a Bible but fail to read it, those individuals have still received a written testimony from God! God has accomplished His part by causing it to be easily accessible, just as Jesus prophesied.

Since the end of this age and the return of Jesus Christ appear to be in the not-too-distant future, we need to ask some pertinent questions concerning the Word of God: How many more Bibles will be published between now and Christ’s return? Will a "saturation point" be reached, with 100% of the nations having access to the Word of God before the end comes? Time will tell. But, truly, we can expect Jesus’ prophecies to be fulfilled exactly as He said.

This is why there are so many Bibles in the world today. All those who love God the Father and believe in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, should read and study the Word of God daily. It is God’s personal instruction book for you, so that in steadfast certainty you can live in this present age with godly faith, hope and love—all in preparation for eternal life and the triumphant return of Jesus Christ to rule this world as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Written By:  Christian Biblical Church of God