Founded in 1880, the Society of Biblical Literature is the oldest and largest learned society devoted to the critical investigation of the Bible from a variety of academic disciplines. As an international organization, the Society offers its members opportunities for mutual support, intellectual growth, and professional development.

The Society publishes books and journals, including the Journal of Biblical Literature, through SBL Press. The Press focuses on the needs of biblical scholars and students by creating resources for classrooms and research. SBL Press is a member of the Association of American University Presses.

SBL promotes cooperation across global boundaries by holding yearly meetings outside the borders of North America with sister societies in the host country. The International Cooperation Initiative, which fosters engagement and collaboration with members around the world, was started in 2007. SBL holds joint meetings with other learned societies in North America. SBL has been a member of the American Council of Learned Societies since 1929. Long-standing regional groups organize meetings with SBL members and a variety of sister societies.

SBL creates resources for diverse audiences and uses, such as the Bible Odyssey website for the public and the SBL Hebrew and Greek fonts for publishers and scholars.

Searching the Scriptures: A History of the Society of Biblical Literature, 1880-1980  Ernest W. Saunders 
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