Last Update May 2008.
Doug A., magicref@lycos.com.
1. A General Overview of Bible Software
2. Evaluation Criteria Used (Detail of features considered during these software reviews)
3. Christian Links to other resources
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Manufacturer: Program (Click in this column for a Review or Overview; not all programs currently have pages) |
Version/Date of last update |
Description/News |
Website (Click in this column to leave this website and go to the manufacturer's site) |
| AGES Software: Master Christian Library | Various | AGES produces a variety of Christian publications in PDF format on CD-ROM, and include downloadable libraries. Well done and a wealth of history and knowledge is available. | www.ageslibrary.com |
| AV Bible: AV Bible Version 2007 | AV-2007 Apr 2007 |
Search and desktop publishing for the Authorized Version of the Bible. Free. Windows Vista/XP | www.avbible.net site down May 2008 |
| Bible
Companion: Bible
Companion Software Read an article: Bible Companion History |
N/A no longer available | The company that produced Bible Companion has gone out of business some time ago. However, Gramcord (see below) is still currently using the BCS engine and I believe they have a version that operates with Windows XP. You will have to purchase a version of Gramcord to get it as they don't offer BCS alone, but if you have a large collection of old BCS titles, this may be a worthwhile direction. | N/A |
| Bible Database: Bible Database | V4.0.4 Nov 2002 V5.1.16 Jul 2005 |
Bible reader software with KJV and quite a few other English and foreign language modules available, as well as Easton's dictionary, Matthew Henry's Commentary, and some others. Free. | bibledatabase.net |
| Bible Ocean: BiblePro | V12 | Commercial software by Ian Vink (Canada). All-In-One package. Free downloadable version or CD available for the cost of shipping ($8.95). Download version contains some nag and advertising screens to donate; search does not allow for "whole word" searches. | www.bibleocean.com |
| Bible Research Systems, Inc.: Bible Study Pak with Verse Search | Unknown | All-In-One Package comes in several modules. Rather expensive at $99.95 with only a single Bible version, additional versions and study aids cost $49.95 or $59.95 each. They do offer a 60-day money back guarantee (minus shipping), however. No demo available. | www.brs-inc.com/bible |
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V5 New April 2007 |
Biblesoft's PC Study Bible has been a successful commercial program for many years that has achieved a good following. Third party packages are available. One of the main advantages to this system is the ability to author your own modules. Costs are from about $50 - $900 depending on library choices. |
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V7 current |
BibleWorks is a popular commercial program that specializes in orignal language tools and has had many good reviews. List price for BibleWorks 7 is $349 |
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| BibleWorkshop Ltd.: BibleWorkshop by Troyer Information Systems, FN | V4.4 build 335 | Commercial Bible Study software from Germany for Windows, MAC, and PocketPC. Demo PC version and free PocketPC version available for download. Primarily German and French language, but now some English support as well. | www.bibleworkshop.net |
| Brinkman, Rudy: Bible Toolbox | V1.0 Build 6 | Quick and simple Bible reader with KJV, Dutch Bible, and internal notes editor. Look under "Software" tab on website. Freeware | http://bijbelaktueel.org/ |
| Broadman and Holman: Bible Navigator | Unknown | All-In-One commercial package features the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Seems to be a special edition of Bible Explorer / WordSearch and is Cross-format compatible. Also features the New American Commentary. Prices range from about $20 to $300. See also Bible Explorer and WordSearch 7. | Available at Lifeway (www.lifeway.com)
and info with video demos (no download) at www.biblenavigator.com |
| Contact Plus: Bible Plus | V1.0 July 1994 | Bible Plus is an older, free, simple KJV Bible program with notes ability. Originally for Windows 3.1, but still works on XP! Nice & small application. | www.contactplus.com /products/freestuff/bibleplus.htm |
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V1.510 |
CrossWire is an Open Source project to develop Bible software on multiple platforms. Currently MAC, UNIX, Windows, and JAVA versions are available. Several tools are provided for converting other format modules to the CrossWire format (such as from the Online Bible format). Also, see BibleDesktop, which is a JAVA front-end for the Bible modules. Cost is Free (downloadable or order a CD) |
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| Device Computing (Korea): BibleLink | V3.2 Current April 2007 | BibleLink features a small toolbar to allow for looking up Bible references from your other applications. Has versions for Pocket PC, Palm, Windows PC, and features a USB device version as well. Windows desktop version is free (you must register). Other prices range from $9.95 - $39.95, with Holman Christian Standard Bible available, and several hardware options (USB, Memory Cards, etc.). | www.biblelink.us |
| DNR Christian Bible Scholar III | No Version # Dated Aug 2006 |
This free program provides a nice KJV interface with quite a few reference tools and a unique Autodef tool that can automatically pop up related information to any word over which the mouse in held. Worth a look! DNR also makes a free ThML viewer, which is great for all the ThML files on the Christian Classics Etheral Library (CCEL) site at: http://www.ccel.org | www.cscholar.com |
| Due Dilegence Software: The Workman's Study Bible | V1.3 Oct 2006 | The Workman's Study Bible supports Online-Bible modules in almost any format. You can even keep OLB installed and access its modules from within Workman's. Features multiple windows, strong search capabilities, and hover windows to provide related information at a glance. $34.95 for a Family License. Downloadable. | www.workmanstudybible.com |
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V6.0 released in 2002 |
Bible Library is a decent, all-in-one package that has been around for some time but also doesn't seem to have been updated in some time, either. You can often find versions available on the discount racks, but watch version numbers as they are often not the latest! Also available is a PDA (Palm/PocketPC) version. Cost is Free for the Basic Library (S&H charge, no download) to $100 for the Ultra collection |
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| EveningDew: EveningDew Bible System | V3.2 Apr 2008 |
EveningDew is a free advanced Bible reader with multiple Bible versions, Commentaries, Strong's lookup, and more. Nice interface, quick operation. Donations accepted. Version 3 is a major update. | www.eveningdew.com |
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Quickverse 2008 |
Findex's QuickVerse has a long history, and the company has changed hands through the years with varying results. They seem to have been revitalized with Quickverse 2006 now being updated to 2007. Quickverse supports Windows, MAC, Palm and PocketPC. QuickVerse uses the STEP format and lots of modules are available. Prices for the Windows version range from $60 to $800. |
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V2.4CX Nov 2002 |
GRAMCORD is another competitor in the "original languages" based products. It uses the Bible Companion (2.x) engine and adds extensive Original Language Tools and features STEP libraries. GRAMCORD also publishes the Accordance software for Macintosh, and a GRAMCORD Lite version for Palm/PockePC. Doesn't seem to have gone through any recent updates (if it ain't broke, don't fix it!) |
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V2.2 Beta March 2004 |
Lightning Study Bible is an expandable All-In-One package; simply meaning that the available modules are all from Heavenword and as far as I know no third party modules are available. It's claim-to-fame is the encoding used within modules to make them highly cross-referencable. Cost ranges from a free download of the basic engine plus a limited set of modules, to a $15 starter set, or a $25 "Preacher's Partner" set. Hasn't been updated in some time. |
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| Hurt, John: HTML Bible | Various | John Hurt provides Free and Shareware versions of the Bible in HTML and Microsoft Help format.Also available on CD with a spoken version for a modest cost. | www.htmlbible.com |
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V3.1.6 Still Current Nov 2006 |
Theophilos was developed by Ivan Jurik, and in 2007 the company transferred to Theophilos Bible Software LLC. Theophilos is a well done program that has a good following. With the transition to the new company also came the availability of the NIV (Non-Inspired Version <grin>). A free version is available with limited resources but still quite usable. Provides an authoring capability. Prices range from about $20 to $70 (don't include all modules). Download all modules for $130. Also, several 3rd party packages support Theophilos. |
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| Lakes Software: eBible | V2.0.0 last updated 2/25/2002 | A simple, functional shareware reader. I'm not sure why you'd want to pay for this with many freeware alternatives available, though. $12 | www.lakessoftware.com |
| LA SofStuf (Lynn Allan): BerBible | V2.40 Mar 2008 |
BerBible is likely the only
freeware program that features the NKJV Bible! Also available are
the ESV, KJV, NET and other modules. It was designed to be easy to use,
small, and unobtrusive. Valuable for your desktop for quick verse
searches! There is also now
available Pocket-PC and Palm versions. Free |
www.berbible.org |
| LocketteFamily Software: Bible Seeker | V2.03 Dec 2007 |
Bible Seeker is an advanced Bible reader program. Uses Borland database format for the Bibles, and HTML files for commentaries and so forth. The Windows interface provides coordinated linking to these files. Search is a simple AND/OR with up to four words. Bible Seeker is a decent reader, though not as powerful as the full-fledged programs. Has JFB Commentary, Matthew Henry, WEB & KJV Bibles, among others. Free | www.lockettefamily.com |
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V2.0 Current Jan 2006 |
The Lockman New American Standard (NAS) Bible is available under the Libronix engine, featuring, of course, mostly NAS related modules. Prices are $15 Spanish; $20 Amplified Bible; $40 NAS w/Amplified. Lockman also provides the NASB for many other engines including e-Sword, Online Bible, BibleWorks, and more. |
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V3 |
LOGOS features the Libronix DLS engine and is highly popular, with a multitude of modules available under this format. Many third party modules support this format. It has fully replaced the older Logos Library System (LLS) series (though support for LLS is still available). You can still find discounted products in the older LLS format, and these can also be read by the newer Libronix. List prices range from $150 to $1,380, with many modules to choose from. |
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V7.9.8 Feb 2008 |
Rick Meyers' E-Sword is a well-done freeware program with a wide variety of modules available and some third party support. This program is a very good product and is definitely worth checking out. A CD can also be obtained for a modest donation. |
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| MoNoon: MoNoon Bible Reader | V1.2 Dec 2002 |
Bible Reader software. Uses verse-by-line formatted Bibles, includes search features, save as HTML, and print capabilities. Only a couple of modules are available. Free, but donations are accepted. | |
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V5.4 |
The Power Bible by Phil Linder is a commercial All-In-One package available at a low cost. A demo of an older version (3.9) can be downloaded from the website. About $20 |
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| Optasia Electronics, Inc.: Verse Master | V2.0 Date Unknown |
All-In-One package. Verse Master appears to be an HTML based interface. Web page takes you to author's e-Bay site where you can purchase the programs (scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for "store" information). $5.95 - $19.95 | www.godrules.net http://stores.ebay.com/ Electronics-Music- Items-and-More |
| Rainbow Studies: Rainbow Study Bible | V4 April 2003 (as of Oct 2007, the website no longer lists the software; only the physical Bible seems to be available) |
The Rainbow Study Bible software uses an expandable STEP based engine. The unique feature of the Rainbow Bible is the use of color coding for passage types. About $60 NIV, $20 KJV or RVR. You can download a PDF of John so you can see what the color coding looks like. | www.rainbowstudies.com |
| Received Bible Society (RBS; XCELSOFT): BibleOne | 6.0 Oct 2007 |
All-in-One package features the Received Bible with some ancient Hebrew language features. $50 or $60 in DVD version with additional content. Website is well done, and offers online video demos and many screen shots, though no downloadable demo is available | www.bibleone.org |
| Richmond, Craig: Holy Bible | V8.0 | Craig recently updated this KJV based program to include Strong's definitions. It has been on the "free Bible Program" lists for a long time! Freeware. | http://ca.geocities.com/ holybible@rogers.com/ |
| RM Laboratories: Deluxe Bible | Version 3 current April 2003 | RM Lab's Deluxe Bible is another program that was designed for Windows 3.1 but still works on current Windows versions (somewhat; a note on the website states that you can't print Maps in NT/2K/XP!). It is an All-In-One Package featuring either the KJV or the Catholic NAB for about $40 each. A sharware KJV NT Only can be downloaded from the site. I'm not sure why you would buy this software with the many other choices available. | www.rmlabs.com |
| Scripture4All: Andre de Mol's Interlinear Scripture Analyzer (ISA) | V2.0 RC5 Feb 2008 |
Interlinear and Concordance Search Bible program designed to close the gap between translations and the original Bible text. Uses a transparent organized database structure to make sure all other renderings of a Greek word are instantly visible. Based on Westcott-Hort NT and features the Condordant Old and New Testaments. Compatible with older Online Bible modules. Well done. Free software, donations accepted | http://www.scripture4all.org |
| Silver
Mountain: Bibloi (formerly BibleWindows); Also Workplace Pack |
v8.0 still current Nov 2006 | Bibloi is an All-In-One Package that specializes in some Greek/Hebrew language tools such as the Analytical Greek New Testament. The home page does not provide many details or screen shots of the program. $195. Workplace Pack provides a front end interface for the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (TLG) Greek and Latin CD-ROMs. | www.silvermnt.com |
| Stergiou, Costas: In the Beginning Was The Word | V2.0 May 2006 Beta V3.0.0.620 April 2007 |
The Word is a well done Bible Reader program, with specific emphasis on displaying Greek Texts (it is from Greece!). Bible texts in English, Greek, German, Dutch, Spanish, and French are available. Well worth a look and completely free. A newer V3 Beta version is available. The site also features an active forum for asking questions. | |
| V5.2 Released Oct 2007 |
Akamai has now become Studylamp Software. Their SwordSearcher product has been around for a long time as shareware and is a well-done All-In-One package that is powerful but not bloated. The program is regularly updated and new modules are slowly being added. Swordsearcher is based on the KJV text, and it is my program of choice for general Bible study. A free module editor is also available. Highly recommended. $49.95 | ||
| TES Bible Scholar. | Version Unknown | Hebrew (Old Testament only) Bible program with a Linear Hebrew/English translation, Hebrew Rashi Commentary, and more. $89.95 | http://www.jewishsoftware.com |
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Libronix DLS Engine; see Logos for latest version |
Nelson's eBible packages use the Libronix DLS engine, and typically are priced a bit lower than the Logos counterparts. They also now have eBible for Palm and PocketPC. You can download a demo of eBible with 6 resources from the website. (look under "References"). A few packages are: $49.95; $79.95; and $179.95 |
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V2.10.09 |
The Online Bible is available for free download, or a commercial CD-ROM can be purchased with licensed Bible Versions. Online Bible has been around since the days of MS-DOS and has a wide following. It was my primary software for some time until I switched to SwordSearcher. Highly Recommended. Free/Commercial. PocketPC version also available. |
www.onlinebible.org (European site) www.onlinebible.net (USA site) |
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| Tyndale House: Ilumina | 2.6 | Tyndale's Ilumina Gold Premium is a unique interactive/multimedia Bible program featuring the New Living Translation and the Life Application Bible. It has many animations to provide visual adaptations of Bible passages. Personally, I would use such visuals with caution, as the interpretations could be adding nuances that don't exist in the original Word. Gold Premium Edition $90 | www.ilumina.com |
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V4 Current Nov 2006 |
WordSearch has joined teams with Bible Explorer to support the "Cross" format (see also Bible Navigator). Bible-Explorer is a less-feature rich version of WordSearch, and is available as a free download with limited modules or in boxed packages with more resources. My last review of V3 showed Bible Explorer sporting one of the most configurable windowing interfaces I have seen. Bible Explorer is a commercial, All-In-One package that has developed quite nicely. Free; or Standard is $19.95, Deluxe is $39.95 |
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V8 2008 |
WordSearch joined forces with Bible Explorer and now supports the CROSS format and no longer supports STEP. Upgrade packages are available if you own an older version of WordSearch. WordSearch 7 is an advanced version of Bible Explorer with more features and available in larger packages (more modules). A Vista update has been released. |
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V6.0 |
Zondervan Reverence Software utilizes the Pradis
format (no longer STEP). The Bible Study Library focuses on the NIV
version of the Bible and has a wide variety of additional modules.
Also, software for MAC and Palm is available. Prices range from $20 to
$350. Zondervan now provides the basic software for free download. |
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| Miklos Zsido: Bible Discovery | 2.1 Oct 2007 |
Freeware/Shareware
Bible Study tool with multiple versions and several Greek/Hebrew Study
tools. Shareware plugin provides cross-referece capability for $29.
Requires Java Runtime Environment (included in download) |
www.bible-discovery.com |