There are good and bad things about living in the digital age—for those who were born before the internet boom, it’s hard to take in the massive change that technology has ushered in. Gone are the days of playing kick-the-can in the alley with the neighborhood kids; today’s kids are playing games with online “friends” they’ve never met. On the other hand, technology has made it possible for us to connect with friends and family across the globe and has given us access to a wealth of information that’s available 24/7.
One of the positive things about technology is that there are a host of apps that make it possible for us to carry a Bible with us at all times—in our pockets! Not only that, but we have digital access to every version of the Bible plus commentary, study material, concordances…the list is impressive. Bible apps are one way to take advantage of the good things the internet has to offer, and many of them are free or inexpensive.
Do you have a Bible app for your phone or iPad? Here are five good apps for smartphones:
- YouVersion: This app is available for both IOS and Android, and is widely used. It allows you to choose from over a thousand Bible versions—in over a thousand languages! This was one of the first apps developed and has seen over 300 million downloads since its debut. The app is also part of a group that’s at the forefront of Bible translation, aiming to translate the Bible to over 99.9% of all languages by the year 2033.
In addition to all of this, the YouVersion app allows users to highlight favorite verses, choose from hundreds of reading plans, search and study using keywords, and connect with friends for encouragement and fellowship as you read.
- Bible.is: If you hate reading on a tiny screen, you might think that a Bible app is not for you. That’s where Bible.is comes in! This app has audio versions of the Bible in over 1800 languages, as well as dramatized versions of the Bible and the Jesus Film Project’s visual Bible. If you’re going on a road trip, have a long commute, or spend time at the gym—this app is for you!
You can also use this app to highlight verses and take notes, or share verses instantly through social media and email. This app would be excellent for those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, and the dramatic versions of the Bible are fun to listen to with children (think added battle sounds, different voice actors, and suspenseful music). The app is available for IOS and Android.
- Bible by Olive Tree: Interested in really digging in? This app gives you a host of resources for in-depth Bible study. You’ll find commentaries, original Greek and Hebrew translations, maps, word-study tools, devotionals and much more. Highlight text, use the split-screen mode to study side-by-side versions, and track the Bible verse by verse as you study.
Another great feature of this app is that you can do it all…without wifi. So if you find yourself in a place where internet is not available, or you want to study the Bible while you’re jetting over the ocean? This is your app.
- Bible Memory: Scripture Typer: Would you like to have more scripture committed to memory? This app will help you reach your goal. Using a complete, well-researched memorization system, Scripture Typer connects with you in the ways that your brain learns…kinesthetic, visual, and auditory. It will take you through a process that helps cement verses in your mind, ready to share any time the need arises.
You can also join one of thousands of memory groups, helping others and finding community along your journey. The app is free, but you can add on additional features like flash cards, drawing apps, and helpful “heat maps” that highlight areas of difficulty in verses as you memorize.
- Bible Trivia Quiz: Download this fun app for ad-free Bible games and quizzes! Test your knowledge and learn as you go, playing games and comparing your scores to others. When you answer incorrectly, the app will share the correct answer along with scripture—helping you build your knowledge of the Bible as you play.
This app is fun for kids, and would be a great thing to do together with your family. If you don’t want your child on an iPhone or prefer working on a computer, you can download the Bible 3D Quiz and play it on the “big screen!” Cute graphics, an entertaining storyline, and challenging questions make this an app that’s both fun and educational.
Taking advantage of technology—for a good cause—is always satisfying! While a Bible app can’t replace having a quiet time with the Lord, and while many people connect better with a traditional Bible that they can hold, highlight and underline, Bible apps are a great way to access scripture on the go and even connect with others as you learn.