SBL

The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) is an international scholarly association dedicated to the critical study of the Bible and related ancient texts. Founded in 1880 in the United States, SBL serves biblical scholars, theologians, archaeologists, linguists, and students. The organization promotes rigorous biblical scholarship, interdisciplinary research, and the dissemination of knowledge through publications, meetings, and professional development.

Membership includes individual scholars, students, and affiliated institutions. The SBL hosts an annual meeting, one of the largest gatherings for biblical studies, featuring academic sessions, lectures, and networking opportunities across divisions such as Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, New Testament, Early Judaism, Early Christianity, Biblical Languages, and Jewish and Christian Texts. The society also supports regional chapters and special interest groups.

Publications and resources: SBL publishes scholarly journals, including the Journal of Biblical Literature, and administers SBL Press, which publishes monographs, reference works, and the SBL Handbook of Style, a widely used guide for manuscript preparation in the field. It also curates digital resources, bibliographies, and educational materials for researchers and students.

Purpose and impact: SBL aims to advance biblical studies through peer-reviewed scholarship, standards for research, and professional ethics. It sponsors awards, grants, and fellowships to recognize achievement and support ongoing research. The organization maintains committees on ethics, publishing, governance, and inclusivity to guide policy.

See also: Journal of Biblical Literature; SBL Handbook of Style; SBL Press.