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April 11, 2008

The List: Bible Software

The top five computer helps for Bible research.

Collin Hansen

The Resurgence Greek Project
Free
Look no further if you need only to scan the Greek text, double-check parsing, or look up a quick definition. Zack Hubert’s program has only recently been linked up with Mark Driscoll’s Resurgence movement, and exposes this Internet-only resource to church planters and lay leaders who might not otherwise have the time to learn the biblical languages. (More at Zhubert.com)

Logos Bible Software 3
$629.95 for Scholar’s Library
This standard package puts an entire library at your fingertips. The passage and exegetical guides employ a host of resources to dissect Bible verses and help you discern the meaning of original-language texts. Charts and graphs help visual learners. Entire commentary sets can be added for additional cost. (More at Logos.com/scholars)

BibleWorks 7
$349
The popular BibleWorks program focuses more tightly on powerful exegesis tools. New to this version, a three-window interface fills the computer screen with a bounty of information. Sentence diagrams for the Greek New Testament will help advanced users visualize an author’s inspired intent. (More at BibleWorks.com)

Zondervan’s Greek & Hebrew Library 6.0
$149.99
If you want digital access to many indispensable Zondervan resources, you'll want to stick with this software. This publisher has not made some resources available to Logos and Bibleworks. This library doesn’t boast all the powerful tools featured in other programs, but that makes it easier to master in less time. (More at Zondervan.com/software)

Accordance
$249 for Scholar’s Collection
Mac users swear by this program, available for Windows only with an emulator. Accordance runs quickly and presents a clear interface. Offered for separate purchase, customizable 3-D Bible maps take you into Scripture’s stories. (More at AccordanceBible.com)

posted by Susan Wunderink | Comments (9)

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I have found Wordsearch to be invaluable with the combination of the most user-friendly features and wealth of resources. www.wordsearchbible.com.

Posted By: Daniel Darling | April 11, 2008 10:03 AM

For what it's worth, I do not work for Logos, but would HIGHLY recommend it's software over the others. There are cheaper/comparable starter packages to the other two, and the scope of resources available is mind-blowing. Search capability in Logos is as advanced as Bibleworks, with much more available as add-on modules.

Posted By: robert austell | April 11, 2008 10:46 AM

Personally, I FAR prefer Bibleworks to Logos. But that's not why I am commenting...

I have Dan Wallace's Greek Grammar both in Bibleworks and Logos. The Logos format is available from Galaxie softaware (www.galaxie.com). No, I don't work for them either!

FWIW

Regards,
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Posted By: Donald Johnson | April 11, 2008 12:23 PM

Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics is actually available in a number of programs - including Logos.

Posted By: mike | April 11, 2008 12:51 PM

Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics is actually available in a number of programs - including Logos.

Posted By: mike | April 11, 2008 3:47 PM

I've used Logos, but I prefer a free software program called esword. It's available at e-sword.net

Posted By: Richard McNeeley | April 12, 2008 12:10 AM

There are a growing number of god quality free and open source (FOSS) Bible software products available on the Internet. Check out the following:

CrossWire Bible Society offers a number of free and open source Bible software products. See http://www.crosswire.org/index.jsp

Go Bible is a Free Bible viewer application for Java mobile phones
http://gobible.jolon.org/

Bible Desktop is a free Bible Study tool
http://www.crosswire.org/bibledesktop/

BerBible is simplified Bible freeware that includes the complete English Standard Version and the New King James Version
http://www.berbible.org/

Posted By: Peter Groen | April 13, 2008 9:20 AM

E-Sword is great -- it has a ton of free resources (not open source, I don't think). The main downside is that most (but not all) of them resources are old (and thus probably public domain). But it has a lot of different language translations.

One thing I like about e-Sword is the KJV + Strong's numbers translation. KJV is not my preferred translation, but this translation embeds the Strong's number in the English text, so you can peek through to the original word(s). Of course, KJV is based on a different manuscript than that which is used by modern translations. So, really, ESV or NASB + a peek-through feature like this would be better. But still, I get to play amateur scholar... sounds dangerous, eh?

Posted By: Joel | April 18, 2008 5:50 PM

We are blessed being able to use all these means! It is also a chance to attract to the BIble people who are getting scared when they see printed version of it.

http://www.thefaithdebate.com
http://www.thefaithdebate.com
http://www.thefaithdebate.com

Posted By: live_life | May 13, 2008 12:39 PM