The Bible

The Bible is a collection of many books, which was historically written by many authors over many years. It contains historical information, historical narratives, laws, poetry, wisdom, apocalyptic literature, epistles and the gospels. Many biblical concepts are often explained by metaphors and symbolism.

Currently, there are many Bible Translations available today, which differ in the use of language, style, source text.

How to read the Bible

Unlike English, both Hebrew and Greek does not have lowercase letters and in both Hebrew and Greek the same word could have multiple meanings depending on the context. Therefore, it is up to the translator's interpretation to decide how a scripture should be translated, which is often influenced by the church denomination that sponsored the translation. Thankfully because of the repetitive Hebrew style of writing and different witnesses from the Bible times we have a way to cross-check certain important concepts.

The Bible was also divided into testaments, chapters, verses and titles which were not originally part of the source manuscripts. Sometimes, these separations could interrupt the flow of a message or change the originally intended subject.

Also note that most of the modern Bibles are not in chronological order, because the Bible translators choose to rather group similar books together, instead of keeping the chronological order.

Commentaries, creeds, sermons, Christian books, apps, videos and websites (even this one you are currently reading) are based on human interpretations. They should inspire you to turn to the Bible, but should not be used to replace the Bible. It is your own responsibility to search the scriptures and ask for God's Spirit to guide and reveal the truth.

Some tips for bible studies:

  • Ignore, title, chapter and verse divisions as it did not exist in the original manuscripts.
  • Ignore, capital letters, quotes, punctuation marks or the lack thereof as these did not exist in the original manuscripts.
  • What is the context? (The original bible author did not write a lookup book and would assume that the reader would have read the entire message from the beginning)
    • Who wrote the scripture? (For example an unknown author or a respected prophet or apostle?)
    • Who was the intended audience? (For example the ancient Israelites, the Romans, addressing issues of believers, testimony to non-believers, etc. ?)
    • When was it written? (Chronological order of events often matters and explain why people behaved a certain way)
    • What was the culture? (Which could explain "unusual" idioms or reactions of the people)
    • Whose words are it? (Some arguments or false accusations are recorded that may include false statements so that we can learn from their errors)
    • Should the scripture be understood literally? (Usually everything should be taken literally unless the context makes it clear that we are reading a poem, song, vision, prophecy, parable, metaphor or idiom)
    • Unlike the English word for "God", in both Greek and Hebrew could also mean an important person. Usually translators translated it as "lord" when it refers to a human, but there are cases where the translators incorrectly translated it to "God" when it was not the Almighty God that was referenced. Therefore, the context is important to consider which "god" is addressed.
  • God's identifying name was replaced with "Lord" in most English Bibles. This could still lead to confusion if the context is unclear because important humans or angelic beings are also considered "lords". However, some translations maintained the uppercase "LORD" to mark this change.
  • Avoid relying on "bible" tales which were written to entertain children. They are often shortened and oversimplified versions which could be deceiving.

Thankfully, today there are many modern interlinear bible study tools available which render a word-by-word translation of the original Hebrew or Greek manuscripts. This could be used by any English person without a theological background to validate bible text with concordances or to gain a better understanding of a passage.

Download

Some recommended electric bibles that you could download or access on your device.

Please note that these apps and the content that these apps provide are not affiliated with us. Use your own discretion when you browse or use their resources.

Bible SA

Features:

  • Online registration is optional
  • All bibles are free
  • Provide bibles in South African languages like: Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Setswana, Xitsonga
  • Can read bibles without internet (offline)

Download the free app for:

Olive Tree Bible

Features:

  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • Can read bibles without internet (offline)
  • Some bible translations are free
  • Can purchase additional non-free bible translations

Download the app for:

MySword

Features:

  • No online registration required (respect privacy)
  • Modules include: interlinear bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, books and graphics
    • Provide modules in international languages
    • Read modules without internet (offline)
    • Widest range of free modules in single app on Android (as far as I know)
    • All modules are free
  • Optimized both phone and tablets (however tablet version that nags for donations)
  • Create notes or journal entries within the app
  • Export/Import notes and module lists
  • The software is open source (you can inspect or change the source code if you like)
    • With a bit of effort, you can compile your own bible, commentaries, dictionaries, books or graphics and use it in your app

Download the app for:

Revised English Version

Features:

  • No online registration required (respect privacy)
  • Closely to the original languages, yet in modern English style
  • Faithful to the text regardless of traditional readings or interpretations
  • Translators advise their choice to translate certain scriptures the way the did
  • Extensive commentary elucidating many difficult passages
  • Kept God's name (most modern bibles replaced God's name with Lord)
  • Online videos

Download the free app for:

or as module for common bible apps

You Version

Features:

  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • You can only read the bible with an active internet connection (online)
  • All bible translations are free
  • Includes a very wide variety of translations even ones that you would normally have to purchase
  • Capture notes within the app

Download the free app for:

Bible Hub

Features:

  • No online registration required (respect privacy)
  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • You can only read the bible with an active internet connection (online)
  • Includes both free and commercial content
  • Includes a very wide variety of translations

Download the app for:

Bible Gateway

Features:

  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • You can only read the bible with an active internet connection (online)
  • Includes both free and commercial content
  • Includes a very wide variety of translations

Download the app for: