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Christians have always been on the cutting edge of technology, using the latest developments to study the Bible and to spread the Word. In the first century, it was the shift from scrolls to book form, making quick reference and comparison of passages considerably more efficient. In the 9th to 10th century it was the development of minuscule (small-cursive-like) writing that saved both time and parchment in the copying of Bibles. In the 15th century it was Gutenberg printing the Bible on the first printing press. In the 1980s we saw the development of the Bible study programs for PCs. By the 90s Bible translators--who had long used computers to improve both speed and accuracy of translations--were using programs to generate first rough drafts for Bible translations from closely-related languages. We benefit greatly from the internet (this is the second generation of this website). Now our ministry is able to hold video conferences and collaborate on documents and reports in the cloud using Google Docs and Google Sheets. Now phone apps are so prevalent that they actually dictate revolutions in web structures.
Technology changes continuously, and so our recommendations change to keep up. We list our current recommendations of software and apps for Bible study and ministry use, and move retired recommendations to the Deprecated section at the bottom.
Android Apps
Android Apps
Available on Google Play Store or their website. The modules are also available internally within the app or from their website. Their entire focus is on high quality, orthodox, free, public domain resources. They have the Bible in more than 300 languages, including many African languages and other minority languages. Including 3 Swahili translations and 1 Kinyarwanda translation which are useful where we work. All resources are available offline--internet is not required for use.
In addition, this app is powerful, permitting multiple windows, Strong's-numbering links to the original languages (for the translations marked with a '+'), original language Greek and Hebrew texts, cross-referencing, commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. Basically, all the power available in yesterday's desktop programs, only more because of the multitude of additional languages provided! Works well on both phones and tablets. Your main limitation will be your screen size and memory.
The app and modules may be load directly on phones where access through Google Play Store is not possible. Download to laptop or a thumb drive permits offline installation.
One of the problems with having hundreds of resources available in English is choosing which are the best for the individual user. We have put together a limited set of recommended modules that are used by our ministers in Africa, and you may access these directly here (first obtain the app from Play Story or the MyBible website). We also provide our instructions for installation on a tablet and for our recommended settings.
Finally, we note that there are many Chinese translations included and additional resources in Chinese. These have been successfully installed on Chinese Android devices.
English versions include NIV, ESV, NET, and NLT, plus many more. Development is based out of the Ukraine.
This app surpasses OliveTree's Bible study app in its power, user-friendliness, and available resources. It has also replaced the YouVersion Bible reader app which does have many languages available but also requires internet connection for many of them (including Kinyarwanda), and does not have the additional study capabilities.
Google has bundled many of their apps together as an integrated business solution, permitting collaboration among team members, centralized storage of information in the cloud, and unified administration of the organization's communication and technology requirements. These apps greatly facilitate our ministry's reporting and communication.
G Suite includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Google Drive, Gmail, Photos, Sites (you're looking at one), deployment of apps, and much more.
Google for Nonprofits (and schools?) is free, and it even includes phone support.
PC Programs
PC Programs
Free Bible study software program with tremendous versatility and power. Fast searches and many free modules. Paid modules are also available. Now has more than 300 languages available. However, Swahili and Kinyarwanda are not available.
Entire program plus Bible and other study modules can be loaded on a thumb drive for use on any computer. It does NOT require installation in order to run, but simply plug and play. When you close it down, the program doesn't leave a trace.
Several English and Chinese translations are available, and we have put together two packages for easy installation (English or Chinese). Follow the links, and in Chrome from Google Drive you can do a right-click and download a zipped file of the entire package.
theWord website has a page listing additional sites that have more modules available in specific languages, such as Spanish.
Development is based in Greece.
Websites
Websites
These are useful from any computer or device. Of course, if you are just looking for the reference to a verse that is roughly stuck in your head (such as "freely you have been given, freely give"), a simple Google search may be your best friend!
The Bible in multiple languages, versions, and formats, available for searching and linked for cross-references.
Includes a few different English Bibles, such as Good News Translation. Some additional resources, such as 10,000 Sermon Illustrations from Logos.
Deprecated Recommendations
Deprecated Recommendations
Bible reader app with many versions available in many languages (including 4 Swahili versions plus Kinyarwanda). However, some of the versions (including some popular English versions and Kinyarwanda) cannot be downloaded and so require internet access. Does not provide cross-referencing or other study helps. We recommend the MyBible app instead since it provides offline use, as well as much more power and many more resources as well.
Bible software across many platforms (Android, iPhone, PC). Has several translations available for free. This app is far surpassed by MyBible on Android devices. It never had as many free resources as other many other programs, but it did have some unique free offerings.
Free Bible study software program. Numerous translations and languages. Several user communities provide additional content. Large Spanish community with many resources. This program is surpassed by theWord on PC and even by MyBible on Android devices; however, we have not evaluated the availability of all resources, such as those in Spanish.
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