Bahrdt next served as general superintendent at Dürkheim-on-the-Hardt at the invitation of the count of Leiningen-Dagsburg. He also attempted to establish a new school at Heidesheim. His luckless translation of the Bible followed him, however, and a 1778 decision of the Court Council of the Empire prohibited him from holding any professorial office, lecturing in any capacity, or publishing any work on theology. He again fled from his creditors and was imprisoned for a short period in Dienheim.
Bahrdt next served as general superintendent at Dürkheim-on-the-Hardt at the invitation of the count of Leiningen-Dagsburg. He also attempted to establish a new school at Heidesheim. His luckless translation of the Bible followed him, however and a 1778 decision of the Court Council of the Empire prohibited him from holding any professorial office, lecturing in any capacity, or publishing any work on theology. He again fled from his creditors and was imprisoned for a short period in Dienheim.