The digital distribution of bibles exceeds paper in 2024: what challenges?
For the first time in the history of biblical distribution, the global distribution of digital bibles has exceeded that of printed copies. In 2024, 25.9 million digital bibles were internationally shared, exceeding 22.5 million printed copies. According to the 2024 report of the United Bible Societies, this turning point marks a profound change in spiritual habits on a global scale.
This evolution is explained by the rise of biblical platforms and applications such as Yvership, which facilitate the sharing, consultation and accessibility of the sacred text. The main countries concerned are the United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria, while the main printed Bible markets remain Brazil, India and China.
What differences between digital bible and printed Bible?
The digital Bible designates a complete sacred text, accessible in electronic format: it can be a file (PDF, EPUB), an online edition or a mobile application. Like the paper version, it contains all the recognized books of the biblical cannon, old and new wills, without alteration of the content. This format often includes additional features (search for words, audio listening, highlighting, reading plans), promoting interactivity and immediate access to many translations and versions, adapted to the reader, its environment or its language.
On the other hand, the printed Bible remains a physical object: connected book available in bookstores, used for meditative, personal or liturgical reading. It does not require any digital appliance or connection, and remains privileged for in -depth study and the religious ceremony. Some studies show that paper reading promotes memorization and concentration, while digital targets mobility and convenience on a daily basis.
The preference thus depends on the context and the uses: the digital version seduces by its flexibility and its tools, the paper version by its tangible and symbolic dimension.
Sources:
- Christian TODAY – DIGITAL Bible Distribution Outstrips Print Worldwide for the First Time
- Evangeliques.info – Reading the Bible has tilted paper to digital
- Adventist Magazine – Reading the Bible tilted paper to digital
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