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Society of Biblical Literature

SBL, a membership organization with over 7,000 scholars, is the oldest and largest learned society devoted to the critical investigation of the Bible from a variety of academic disciplines. Through its work, SBL supports scholarly research and fosters the public understanding of the Bible and its influence.

Annual Meeting

Co-hosted by the American Academy of Religion, the SBL Annual Meeting brings together professors and students, authors and publishers, religious leaders and interested laypersons, to its venue each year. Attendees have access to over 900 academic workshops and sessions.

International Meeting

The SBL International Meeting is held annually outside North America. It provides a unique forum for all who wish to engage more directly SBL’s international membership and scholarship. Visit the International Meeting page to learn more.

Global Virtual Meeting

The SBL Global Virtual Meeting offers experiences, opportunities, presentation formats, and accessibility that are not possible in an in-person meeting. This includes exploring new modes of participation that differ from those of past SBL meetings.

News & Publications

April 14, 2025

JBL 144.1 Is Now Available

The first issue of volume 144 of the Journal of Biblical Literature, the flagship journal for biblical studies, is now available. SBL members can read the digital edition for free.

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Bible Odyssey

SBL’s Bible Odyssey website draws the person on the street or in the classroom into the fascinating world of scholarly investigation of the Bible. This resource seeks to help the public understand the diversity of biblical interpretations.

SBL Central

SBL Central is a research platform that supports the entire interdisciplinary ecosystem of biblical, religious, and theological studies. It is a beacon of collaboration, fostering indispensable tools for research and professional development.

Make a Donation

For over one hundred and thirty-five years, SBL members have regularly given their time and money to support each other as they study the Bible, the world out of which it emerged, and the many contexts of biblical interpretation.