There are a growing number of PC study Bibles being developed and published for Christian clergy and laypersons.  They range from some whose basic platform is free for the download to more sophisticated packages that cost hundreds of dollars.  It should be immediately obvious that the computer’s ability to search and retrieve gives a distinct edge to Bible software in contrast to hard-copy study Bibles and libraries.  However, often someone who is pondering whether to invest in a software product needs, first, to justify to himself the value of his intended purchase, and, second, to decide how much of an investment to make.  That is the purpose of this article.  What are the advantages of study Bible software in contrast to hard copy texts and resources?  And what premium features might be considered?

It should be noted that although I am using the term “PC” generically to refer to any computer, most study Bible software is, in fact, developed for use on the Windows PC platforms.  Only one publisher, Accordance, produces software that is designed specifically for the Macintosh.  Some of the other publishers have adapted their Windows software for use on the Mac.

As already alluded to, the primary advantage of PC study Bibles is their search and retrieval features.  All such software provides both text search (book, chapter, verse) and keyword search.  Most provide standard advanced search capabilities, such as “any word,” “all words,” and “exact match.” 

The differences appear in the search results.  Here are some capabilities to look for.

• Ability to search for and display more than one non-sequential text or passage at a time.
• Ability to expand the result to context (surrounding verses) and full chapter.
• Copy-and-paste and embedding capabilities.
• Links to notes, definitions, commentary, related topics, and concordance listings.
• Links to Strong’s Concordance or Dictionary.
• Multiple translations: Note whether proprietary versions are included in addition to public domain versions.
• Capability of displaying more than one translation at a time, e.g., parallel texts (when multiple translations are included).
• Audio versions of the text.
• Audio pronunciation of names and places.
• Hebrew and Greek text.
• Hebrew and Greek interlinear with English text.
• Present-day foreign languages.

Note that most, if not all, of the features listed above are available on-line without cost.  The real question, then, is whether the student would like to have the convenience of some or all of these features included in a single package.

Premium features available in some of the more advanced offerings are as follows:

• Proprietary commentaries and reference books.
• Commentaries in original foreign languages.
• Extended resources for Hebrew and Greek exegesis.
• A variety of Hebrew, Greek, and foreign language fonts.
• Other original-language sources and resources.
• Word-study reference works.
• Integration of maps.
• Integration of multimedia resources.
• Sermon resources and illustrations.
• Teachers’ and leaders’ resources.
• Small group resources.
• Ability to create custom databases and lexicons.
• Custom diagrams and mind maps.
• Drag-and-drop to other applications.
• Note and composition management.
• Statistics utility.
• Module upgrades.
• Addition and integration of external materials.

These features are not generally available on-line, and in the case of some of the proprietary material they are only available in hard-copy form outside of the software packages that offer them.  Of course, these are the features that raise the cost of these more expensive software.  In fact, the most extensive packages can cost well over $1,000.  However, if one were to invest in the original hard copy materials, the cost would be in the tens of thousands!  There is no question that the software is cost-effective.  The user must decide for himself which extended features he would like and how useful they might be for his purposes.

Linwood Kemp is the editor of the brand-new PC Study Bibles Blog at http://www.pcstudybibles.com The objective of the blog, which is just in the beginning stages, is to create an extensive comparison chart of all the major study Bible software products, with reviews, so that Christian pastors and laypersons can make informed selections. Come visit to gather information or provide input.

2169-GAL#22***Similarities: Galations 5, Ephesians 4, & James 2 – Wrath

Ectaco C-Pen. 3.0 Multilingual Handheld OCR Scanner Pen (Supports 238 Languages) $109.95 The C-Pen 20 is an affordable and reliable handheld data entry alternative to fixed desktop scanners. Letting you capture the exact segment of the text you need, it instantly inserts scanned data into the desired field within your applications. Seamlessly integrating with the software you are already using, you can now scan from curved, laminated and patterned surfaces – something standard scanner…

Ectaco 500AL Oxford Multi-Language Electronic Translator $114.27 ECTACO Partner 500AL is a unique translating device which allows choosing the language you want by downloading the corresponding dictionary. Designed to let anyone understand and communicate instantly, the 500AL features all the latest programming advances. The 500AL employs sophisticated TTS (Text-To-Speech) voice synthesis to speak any of its entries aloud so you don’t have to. Perfect for anyon…

Ectaco Partner EG500 English-Greek Talking Electronic Dictionary and Audio PhraseBook $199.95 The new ECTACO Partner EG500 is a bilingual English-Greek translating dictionary and so much more. Designed to let anyone understand and communicate instantly, the EG500 features all the latest programming advances. Containing a massive 94,160 words in its comprehensive vocabulary database plus 14,000 of the most important phrases for immediate communication, the EG500 employs sophisticated Englis…

Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-3 Set $399.00 Rosetta Stone’s Italian v4 TOTALe – Level 1, 2 & 3 Set, connect with the world. Learn language fundamentals from greetings and introductions to simple questions and answers. Give and get directions, tell time, and dine out. Share your opinions, and talk about everyday life: your interests, your work, current events, and more. Take the Rosetta Stone experience with you on-the-go with Audio Compani…

Rosetta Stone V4 TOTALe: Greek Level 1-3 $399.00 Communicate and connect around the world. Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure. Develop the language skills to enjoy social interactions such as travel and shopping and learn to share ideas and opinions in your new language. What Will I Learn This level will help you: Build your vocabulary and language abilities Spell and write accurately Speak wit…

Rosetta Stone Greek Level 1 $179.00 Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure. Begin to learn and speak with confidence. Master basic conversational skills, including greetings and introductions, simple questions and answers, shopping and much more. What Will I Learn This level will help you: Build vocabulary and language basics Spell and write accurately Speak without a script Retain wha…

Reading Latin: Text $17.00 Reading Latin is a Latin course designed to help mature beginners read Latin fluently and intelligently, primarily in the context of classical culture, but with some mediaeval Latin too. It does this in three ways; it encourages reading of continuous texts from the start; it offers generous help with translation at every stage; and it integrates the learning of Classical Latin with an appreciation…

Speaking Greek CD (Reading Greek) $28.14 Speaking Greek supports the second edition of the bestselling beginner’s course, Reading Greek, by providing on two CDs lively new recordings of some of the ancient texts presented in the Text volume. Made by experts and accompanied by special sound effects, the tracks include readings from Homer, Herodotus, Euripides, Aristophanes and Demosthenes. There is also a new introductory track containing…

Pronunciation CD for Latin’s Not So Tough! Levels 1-3 $9.79 This pronunciation CD is designed to be used with the Latin’s Not So Tough! Level One, Level Two, and Level Three workbooks. It features the classical pronunciation of the letters, diphthongs, special consonant sounds, words, and paradigms taught in the first three levels….