I’m sure there’s posts out there by different Bible software companies on why you should buy a Bible software. I do think there are many good reasons to buy Bible software. I do think there are good reasons why one might go slow with buying a Bible software. Just because there’s good reasons to buy a Bible software does not mean that there are instances where it might not be a good idea to have a Bible software, or at least not yet. It’s also wise to think about financial stewardship.
So here are some questions to think about.
- Are you reading the Bible? Focus on reading the Bible itself. Having a Bible software don’t mean you will read the Bible more. Sometimes we need to watch out for the draw to new shiny things for the sake of things itself.
- Are you studying the Bible? That is, you read the Bible but you also work through it systematically in intentionally learning more things about it.
- Are you using free online resources? I think of studylight, Blue letter Bible, Bible Gateway, e-sword, etc.
- How often do you buy and use Bible commentaries, book on theology and other resources? Some might read the above question and push back “But some of those free resources have old works and not so good books, or there’s not enough books for this book in the Bible or that book of the Bible.” That’s true. But are you already having a habit of studying with resources you already purchased?
- Is your computer able to handle the Bible software? Does it have enough memory, does it have the power to operate the Bible software?
- Can you afford buying the Bible software? Is it taking things away from your responsibilities? If you are saving, how much are you saving?
- Have you seen the software? Did you see it and how it works through a friend? Have you research on which ones works best for you? Do you know the strengths and weaknesses of each company for your purpose?
- Have you consider how it can be a crutch for some of your learning purposes and goals? For instance, when I was in seminary I did not want to rely too easily with having a software where with a mouse hovering over a Hebrew term I can know what it is; I wanted to do the hard work of trying to figure out the word from a lexicon so I can learn it. It’s so easy to parse something with a click of a mouse instead of looking at vowel pointings and forms! Also I have known people in seminary that didn’t read entire books but simply do word search. There’s places for word search on BIble softwares but simply collecting quotes for a paper does not mean one grasp contexts and knowing the whole argument.
Anything else you can add?
The Domain for Truth 
Reblogged this on clydeherrin.
That is a good list.
Thanks! This is not to say no to software but some questions to ask before that. Hope you are doing well
All is well. It has gotten cooler, just when I thought we were going to have spring. Of course, your weather has been crazy so who am I to complain?
Bible software can be useful if used judiciously. As you know I use E-Sword both on my tablet and pc, but not exclusively as my first port of call. My first port of call is my paper Bibles and maybe other references. It is important to me to get hands on with the Word before any further research.
Brother this is great to hear you studying the Bible! So refreshing!!
These are all good points. I had never considered the concept of Bible software, though I regularly us an electronic version of the NASB and NIV. On occasion, I use Bible Gateway to look up Greek or Hebrew words and expand on their meaning beyond my printed interlinear Greek Bible.
That is awesome that’s what you do. I’m always encouraged when people just read the Bible! And more so if there’s more to it with further studies!
I am a proponent and user of Logos. There is only so much time in a day and I am thankful for the tools the Lord has given us for this time. As a person who spent the last year learning Greek only to know we were going to get a lengthy overview with no form of mastery, teaching people who to use logos I think would be more beneficial. Some of the resources on BLB unfortunately are outdated and some of the interpretations have been updated. Discernment is needed in all things. The joy and burden of the Christian faith is that it is NOT cookie cutter! While Bible software is permissible to me, it may not be to someone else; therefore, both sides need to offer grace and charity to the other.
I’ve heard the most commonly used word for Logos is Indexing. Does it index a lot and does it slow down performance at all while doing so?
I have not experienced any issues with the indexing whatsoever!!!
What level do you recommend starting at?
I’ll be honest, that I don’t know. The Seminary that I went to for my masters in biblical studies, logos was part of our tuition and when we graduated it was turned over to us, so I have no clue what level would be best. I am sorry I am not more helpful with that!!! I can say I have used Logos whether on Mac/pc, iPhone, or iPad almost 8 years and it has really helped me grow in my love and devotion for the Lord. It has helped me share resources with others easily. I have spoken with the logos representatives and they are helpful, so maybe they could help you decide on a package that is most beneficial for you?
The latest version seems to have helped with this issue. I’ve owned Logos since version 4, and this was a constant headache of its indexing. It was a real hog of resources on the upper end of storage and performance on a laptop too. A lot of these issues seem to be addressed in Logos 10.
I agree we need to teach the use of Bible software use in our language classes in seminary. Also your use of logos have also blessed our youth group and also with me with excerpts from commentaries when I went through Nahum!!!
I too am big on Logos. I’ve had it since version 2 when it was all on CDs (12 of them, I think). I always made sure I added more RAM to my computer to get better processing, but it was hard to keep up. I’m up to v. 10 now. As for the level to start at, read the descriptions of each package to see what’s best for you. If you’re just doing reading and basic personal study, a base version with access to Strong’s Dictionary and a few public domain commentaries is good. If you’re a pastor or teacher (especially teaching adults), you might want a version that has a few more Greek and Hebrew resources like the one-volume Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. I teach college and love to dig into the original languages AND syntax analysis of Scripture (pretty nerdy stuff there), so I’ve kept up with the advanced language resources. I don’t like using a lot of commentaries (although I’d love to have the complete set of Word Biblical Commentaries!), because I’m confident enough in my own skills, and I want to make sure I’m articulating what I believe, and not necessarily someone else. I think seminary students should have the advanced resources as well.
The bible software I regularly use is all available free online: Bible Gateway, Bible Hub, haktuvim, Bible Mapper. I even studied Hebrew with free Aleph with Beth youtube videos. One should probably first learn to use what is freely available. I do purchase books, but that is not really software even if it might be in an ebook form.
Great free stuff that you mentioned Frank! I appreciate that, I have not heard of haktuvim before
the best “software” is a physical bible that you read, understand and study every day.
Thanks for sharing
Excellent points! I finally had to replace my Mac after 13 years. It is outstanding and I can use dark mode. I use Accordance for my Bible software but have utilized much of the free online software for years.
I like the ability of user notes, stacks, groups and papers. Having them saved with the ability to reuse again is a great benefit. The portability of many biblical texts in many languages with a search function is astounding. Maybe the Apostle Paul would have enjoyed this feature 😀:
When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13, NASB)
It is BIBLE software so it is key to be in the Word of the Living God.
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18, NASB)
We have to know the text…the way of the Master so we can discern properly.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NASB)
If it all went away, may we treasure within us and freely give to others as we have freely received.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.
16 I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Gimel. (Psalms 119:9, NASB)
Thanks for sharing! I just got Accordance on Mac and I’m trying to figure out Mac!
Congratulations!!! 🎉🎊🎈 There is a learning curve but we’ll worth it. Some people might get a mouse to use with Mac but most learn the various key swipes. I refer to it as fingers for battle. LOL
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle; (Psalms 144:1, NASB)
I definitely recommend the following page to learn the intros on Accordance.
https://www.accordancebible.com/videos/#quick
On that same page you can then use the Vimeo or YouTube link to watch videos and go in depth on the software.
There are some 😎 sessions on the Accordance eAcademy too.
Enjoy! 😀
I use Olive Tree on my iPad and iPhone.
When the pastor is speaking I can use the Bible version he is using (often ESV these days), three different sets of study notes to compare, flick to maps or even follow a link further than he wants to take it. There are five different highlighting colours available, also.
Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing
Good post with great questions. I use Bible Gateway, BLB, Mounces and Strongs Dictionary, Ligonier, various commentary, etc. With that said, I would like to share a quote from Michael J. Svigel, Dallas Theo Pro, ” Theology 101: Being a biblical scholar does not make you a faithful Christian anymore than being a lawyer makes you a law-abiding citizen.” Those who are biblical scholars should be careful to remember that the majority of those listening and reading are not and bring forth God’s Word in ways that those reading/listening can understand and not attempt to impress them with intelligence. I can remember being in a worship service one time and the minister beginning his message by reciting an entire chapter in Hebrew. Who was that for… no one understood a word? We should all gain all the knowledge and understanding that God releases to us and always share it for, God’s glory and not our own. Paul helps us with this in 1 Corinthians 2. 🙌 Again, great post!🙌
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As a quadriplegic who can no longer turn pages, I depend on my eSword software, which I use for personal devotions and study, but also for preparing blog posts.
Praise the Lord for this ability and independence. What an example of your love and desire for God’s Word! Thank you for sharing! ✝️✝️✝️
Wow That is a super good reason to have a Bible software Debbie; wow I’m glad you have that for your Bible use and study!
I’m know this post will be helpful to many. I’m an old, T-101 non-scholar fuddy duddy who uses a hard copy concordance, Bible dictionary, and one-volume commentary.
Awesome to hear that! Always glad to hear you read! How was your day?
The day was pretty quiet. Our dog is very old and coming down with dementia so would rather urinate inside than go outside. We had to get diapers for her and my new job is to keep an eye on her 24/7.
How was your day? Hey, I no longer have to think 3-hour time difference when I ask that.
🤜🏻 East Coast Rules 🤛🏻
There are times when I miss my print concordances, especially the updated Greek and Hebrew concordances. But since I commuted a lot to teach, it was always a lot of work hauling those around!
They are definitely big, heavy books.
I have a Logos library with over 10,000 resources. There is a lot of stuff that I’ll never use just because it came along with some of the packages I bought. This has caused me some reflection as to whether it has been a good investment since I won’t use half of what I own. I’ve also been a bit concerned with the direction that Faithlife has been moving toward as a company. Finally, if and when this company ever ceased to exist, it would be devastating. I still buy a lot of books because I like a physical copy.
Thanks for sharing that; I had Bible works and when the company died it made me cautious with Bible software since, with thinking of the possiblity that it can die
For myself, the questions I ask at the niche I find myself in life are “will it help me love God more and have a better quiet time each morning with the Lord? Will it give me wisdom in making choices in how to help several of my neighbors whose lives I am involved with? Will it help me write better worship songs?” Will it help my mentoring others in knowing God and obeying the holy spirits promptings in their life?”
Great additional questions!
I’ll admit right up front that I have Accordance software, and it is sometimes used as a crutch. Since I know I will never go to seminary or be able to take a Koine Greek class, this was the main reason I bought the software years ago.
I’d like to comment on this: Some might read the above question and push back “But some of those free resources have old works and not so good books…”. Though some free online works are outdated or even not all that worthwhile, there are others that are well worth searching out. Matthew Henry is one that comes to mind. And we shouldn’t forget that Internet Archive has some out-of-print works on its site. I had a commenter on my blog make me aware that Swete’s commentary on Revelation/Apocalypse was available, and I’ve sourced it recently in a blog post.
Also, some of those old commentaries—especially the technical ones—have great insights. (Amazing when one considers they didn’t have the internet or software for easy cross-reference!) And quite a way with words at times! Responding to a plea about respecting older works by the late Dr. Rodney Decker, I was moved to add the International Critical Commentary (ICC) module to my Accordance. It was far cheaper than trying to find individual books in the series! Allow me to post this pithy comment by Alfred Plummer’s ICC on Luke regarding the Pharisee’s ‘prayer’ in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-Collector:
He glances at God, but contemplates himself.
When I started teaching Bible college almost 30 years ago, the only software I knew of was Gramcord, and it was pretty bulky and expensive. I was never able to use it. When I moved to a new school 23 years ago, they gave me Logos with a lot of advanced Greek and Hebrew resources. I was going to be teaching Biblical Greek and Hermeneutics, so it was important to have access to that material.
The software is great, but as you indicate in your article, there’s no substitute for doing the noble work of studying Scripture and getting at least an intermediate grasp of the grammar and syntax of Greek and Hebrew if you’re going to tackle that, even if you don’t memorize the vocabulary. It’s one thing to know a Greek term is in dative case, but do you know why it’s dative case? Or what aspect of the dative it’s communicating? Or what the implication is for translation? Do you know why Hebrew writers use the same verb back to back in some statements? And so on.
Bible software can help you see macro patterns in a text or book. For example, if you look up all of the imperative verbs (i.e., commands or instructions) in Ephesians (looking up a particular mood of verb is difficult in print resources), you’ll find there’s only one in the first three chapters, and more than 20 beginning in 4:25 through the end of the letter. Paul tells us who we are in Christ in the first three chapters (indicative verbs), then instructs us on how to live in the last three chapters!
THanks for sharing that. I hope this post didn’t sound like its anti-software; but I’m concern for people not having right reasons to get it when they might need more basic things. How long did you teach Bible college and are you still teaching?
Ironically, when the pandemic started, the third-party online course provider sold its business and the new owner dropped the online course service. Go figure. I haven’t been formally teaching anywhere, but I do still use my Greek and Hebrew resources to do the exegetical work on a passage. Not only does that help me understand the passage, but it inevitably leads to serendipitous (= divine insight) discoveries that help me craft the message to the audience.
I’d add:
1. If you do decide to purchase a Bible software program like Logos, Accordance, BibleWorks, or whatever, then try to choose one with a large enough library and with a library with books that you want. That’s because you’re not only buying the Bible program itself, but you’re also buying into an entire ecosystem. For example, if you buy Logos, not only will you get Logos and its Bible study tools, but you also will get whatever books it is allowed to sell (e.g. I love John Frame and Logos has a several nice collections of Frame’s works). All Bible software programs have something to order in their libraries, but not every Bible software company may have the books you most want. Find out which books you want before you commit to buying a Bible software program. So, unless you’re able to buy more than Bible software program, just know you will most likely be committed to a single ecosystem of books and other tools. Pick the one that’s best for you.
2. I think some Bible software programs may have free versions available. For instance, I could be wrong, but I think Logos 9 is free to download and use, but Logos 10 is the latest version of Logos and must be purchased.
*more than one Bible software program
Man very good point about the “eco-system.” Not every software has the same books! Kinda like thinking about streaming services when one think about it…
Great analogy with steaming services! That’s perfect. 🙂
I read the true written word on paper. My Bible is KJV.
Glad you are reading the Word on paper Maw Maw!!! Praise God!!!
[…] being a pastor himself, writes Should I get a Bible Software? primarily to fellow pastors. But as more women understand the importance of personal Bible study, […]
If you’ve noticed Greek and Hebrew in my posts and articles, it’s usually copied from theWord (yes, written that way) Bible software. eSword is good, but I like this free software better. Many free modules, but people can invest in paid Bibles, commentaries, and so on. Plenty of note-taking capabilities that would impress pastors as well as reg’lar folks like me. Here is my write-up on it: https://www.biblecreation.com/p/theword-free-bible-software.html
Thanks for sharing your write up ok this software
Jim, your list contains many worthy considerations. As for me, I am pretty much committed to reading my physical Bible. I use online links to biblegateway.com for adding Scripture to my Christian poems.
Thanks for that blessings!!