In this day and age, a number of us have started using bible software for reference and ministry. I have found there are a number of different types out there for both PC and Mac. I have been using a couple different versions of software for a long time, and thought that for those that are considering using it or have it, this thread may compare the merits, etc of the different software.

I have been using QuickVerse (for both Mac and PC) almost since it was introduced 15 years ago (starting with version 1.0). Ten versions later I find it to be adequate in providing multiple bible translations for side by side comparison. I find the references to be lacking though, since it is geared mainly for Protestant users. It should be also noted that none of the Catholic editions of the bible are available for use in this software package. It does contain a topical bible and a host of devotional materials, along with the Early Christian Fathers series (though it is difficult to search in full context). Also for those of us that use both PC and Mac platforms, the software interfaces and features are not the same so it does need a learning curve. The only other detraction I find that, recently as I am getting completely used to one version on the PC they are introducing another upgrade (about every 10-12 months). The costs for the upgrade is generally between $50 to $65. For the Mac, they seem to upgrade less frequently. The program for PC also comes in three levels for the full version, Basic, Deluxe, and Platinum. I use the Deluxe edition, for I find that the Platinum is cost prohibitive for my meager budget. As you can see by the provided link, purchasing a full edition of this bible software is an investment.

QuickVerse Site Link

I have also found that there are a number of other software products out there, i.e. Logos, E-Sword, WordSearch, Bibleworks, etc. That does not include the amount of freeware out there also. I would be interested from the forum community in general, the collective reviews of different software that may be used by our posters and their recommendations.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Fr. Anthony,

In addition to the problems you cited I should also note that I have had numerous problems with QuickVerse that the company has been unwilling/unable to resolve. I also recently purchased a new laptop that runs Vista and the QuickVerse software does not work well with Vista (the Greek text is not visible, for example).

I have two packages that contain "Catholic" bibles: on is from Harmony Media ("Welcome to the Catholic Church") that contains a number of additional books (including the Summa) and both the NAB and Catholic RSV. The other package is just the NAB and it comes from Rocky Mountain Laboratories.

Fr. Deacon Edward

From my experience I recommend the E-Sword.

Text, images, various books in one.

I use this program on the laptop, it is a good tool. It is free for PC, and I installed all the free Bibles, which are in my interest area. There are some with money, but I do not use. Bible must be free.

Marian+

Dear Father Deacon Ed,

Great to have your input. Do you have any further contact info on Harmony Media? Also do you know if they just produce software for just the PC platform or are they diverse?

Thanks!

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Dear Marian,

I have tried E-Sword and it does not meet my needs due to its limitations. Also I have seen that they are limited in their offerings, especially when it comes to versions of the bible that I would be need to using.

Just like you have to purchase a hard copy of the bible, sometimes you must do the same with software.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

I would recommend BibleWorks. I have used it since version 3. It is a small business and you can talk to the top people to resolve problems or suggest improvements to the program. They also have a good user forum where people help each other and post databases. Some of the Greek or specialized texts can be expensive addons, but it is the same cost as if you wanted to buy the actual book due to the copyrights. www.bibleworks.com

I've installed BibleWorks 7, 6 CDs. I began to discover a fine tool, much better than e-sword.

Various resources, including the study of the Greek and Hebrew, etc.

I am much interested in the Greek language, which I study.

The weak part of this software is the abnormal price for the license. I cannot afford such prices. Why is so expensive?! $349?

Living in this corner of world, I believe that all must be open-source.

God bless you all.

M+

Indeed it is an excellent tool this BibleWorks. My only dilemma is that I have downloaded it from torrents and I have no license.

Now I can learn about Biblical history, language etc. And the Greek.

But this dilemma persists. I cannot afford 349$ for a key, and the software is here on my laptop. What to do?

M+

There is very little you can do, except like the rest of us have had to do, save our funds and pay the license fee. The only good thing about it later on is the upgrade costs are minimal.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Bless me, Father,

I think I uninstall the program and return to e-sword and any other free resource upon Bible.

However, Father Anthony, brethren in Christ, I have no license for WinXP or Office 2007 etc. Here it is about the level of the revenues. Mine are as of a Romanian.

Because now I do not do web design anymore and no need of powerful tools as Dreamweaver or Photoshop, I think with seriousness to choose entirely the Ubuntu or Debian OS. All is free, rich resources on various topics.

A free OS, with free OpenOffice etc.

Now I am just a thief, a pirate.

M+

Each is free to choose manufacturer licensed programs or �Open Source� programs. Whatever you choose is a matter of personal preference and need.

Proposing to circumvent the software manufacturer�s licensing requirements though is about violating US Copyright laws, and that in itself is not appropriate on this forum, since it would make this forum an accessory to an illegal act under these laws. This is also a criminal offense under EU regulations also.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Administrator

For years, I have used a product called "OnLine Bible." It comes in a standard free share ware-type version that allows you to add the licensed versions of the Bible. While it was designed by evangelical types, it does include versions and translations of interest to Catholics and Orthodox, including a translation of Jerome's Vulgate, and several English language versions of the Apocrypha. It can be found at http://www.onlinebible.org/

Blessings;

John

I use an RSV with Apocrypha by some Catholic group, Gabriel something.

It doesn't do much, but it does everything I need and more.

A wee update here

QuickVerse for Macs has been updated and now works with Tiger 10.4.11 [ that last update caused it not to work ] and Leopard.

It forced me into getting the upgrade to the 2007 edition and then I had to patch it - but Quickverse is now working again and frankly for me - it's wonderful !

Checkout VulSearch 4 at the following link

http://vulsearch.sourceforge.net/

Viking

Sadly that's only for M$S users - us Macs can't use that

I use The Sword Project, open source. For me it is enough.

For the Mac people, do you know of http://www.macsword.com/ ?

Christ is Risen!

m+

Thank you, Marian, for the reference to E-Sword.

I downloaded it and will try it out.

Mnojaja L'ita
Fr. Deacon Paul

For what it is worth, I use Bible Explorer from WORDsearch.

Bible Explorer (standard disclaimers)

There is a free download version and a selection of free download Bible versions and other goodies. The product is geared to Protestant interests, but the King James version Apocrypha is among the free stuff. The software has a built in word processor and most of the features one may expect. Language tools are quite limited. There are four free Greek New Testament editions, but otherwise, things are limited to Strong's Numbers.

τω συστρατιωτη

Now a good project for Orthodox and Catholics to work on together would be a CD Bible with historical and patristic quotations, the best maps available and etc etc.
We can do it, we should do it, so why dont we do it!
Stephanos I
And let's use the Septuagint as the Standard Text, complete with the Orthodox Canon.

Father bless!

I'm with you... a CD Bible would be great. This would look good on my resume upon graduation. I'm a Software Development major.

Collin
go for it! Now just talk both parties into sponsering your work.
Make it excellent and so far superior that even the non catholic orthodox will hail its singular value. You might become rich from the project and you would do the Church a great service.
Remember, the Septuagint (an RSV kind of based translation for liguistic purposes) top quality maps, history of the Bible and the setting of the Canon of the Bible, a great concordance and search engine. Also include the Hebrew and Greek and Latin Text (Vulgate) and the Vetus Latina texts. Voila!

If anyone can suggest other helpful additions to this project please comment.

Stephanos I

And even some non-catholic, non-orthodox, (often-called heretics like me) would be very interested in such an application - especially if it facilitates study of the Greek Seventy and other early Christian texts.

If the turn key approach is too difficult, Rick Meyers' shareware "e-sword" application (http://www.e-sword.net/) uses an open architecture MS Access format that is very expandable. Quite a number of specialty "add-on" modules have already been compiled to run on that engine.

συζυγος τω συστρατιωτης

But it is well worth the sacrifice.
I have found it immensely valuable in comparing text and studying the LXX and Hebrew and Greek texts. Has the Byzantine Majority text and most languages too.
Stephanos I

Is this the newest version? Or is Bibleworks& newer.
Stephanos I

Another free program that is adding more and more modules and is a nice program to work with is 'the word' at www.theword.gr ,
There are many, many modules being developed for it at 3rd party developers, some of whom are linked from their site.

Recently doing some reading on the Septuagint text. Very interesting. Jerome mentions 3 pre massoretic text that he had before him when translating into Vulgate.
Does anyone know anything more about these three versions.
Stephanos I

I don't know what Jerome had before him. I doubt anyone can know for sure. Jerome traveled to Palestine where he learned Hebrew from Rabinical sources from whom it has been said he also gained a mis-trust of the Greek Seventy. Perhaps Jerome gained posession of his three Hebrew manuscript editions there.

I do know among the Dead Sea Scrolls were found THREE different families (traditions) of Biblical manuscripts:

One being the Proto-Masoretic which is similar to, but not exactly the same as the 10th century Masoretic Text used by translators today. It seems this manuscript type must have been favored by the Pharisees which gave rise to the Talmudic Rabbis and the Masoretic scribes as well.

Another Biblical manuscript family consists of several fragments that closely follow readings found in the Greek Seventy. Scholars have long theorized that such a Hebrew version must have existed in antiquity from which the Seventy was translated. Now we have substance supporting that theory.

The third Biblical manuscript tradition was not known until scholars began digesting the bulk of the scroll material. This type is now called the "Palestinian" and represents readings that diverge from both the Proto-Masoretic and the Septuagint-like Hebrew manuscripts. As far as I know, the portions from this third manuscript type have never been translated into English.

Perhaps Jerome had samples from these three archaic manuscript families.

Taken together, the scroll evidence supports the view that the text of the Hebrew Bible was in disarray during the first century when the Church was founded. Thus it comes clear why the Holy Spirit gave the Lord's Church the Greek Seventy as her Old Testament in the first place.

Further, since the Greek Seventy directly supplied the Hebrew theological vocabulary already translated into Greek for use by the Apostle's who wrote the New Testament; the Seventy coupled with the New Testament gives the Church a unified scripture in one unified language.

Just a few thoughts,

μιχαηλ της συστρατιωτης

Incidentally, for those using the Logos Bible Software (R) system, Logos has released the only complete digital edition of the Göttingen Septuagint available (all 67 volumes).

http://www.logos.com/product/4951/gottingen-septuagint

Standard disclaimers apply.

This is the new critical academic standard LXX with the most complete collation ever published for the Seventy. The physical books are quite expensive and the only place one is likely to find them is in a good library.


μιχαηλ της συστρατιωτης

If you are familiar with the Logos program perhaps you could help me. I purchased a lot of their software many years ago and have since changed computers. Tried to download them again but was unable. How can I contact them and get them unlocked?
Thanking you in advance.
Stephanos I
PS I was musing if the three translations might have been the Aquila, Theodotion and Symmachus recensions?

Stephanos I,

I have a few Logos apps. In my experience Logos is quite suspicious of those who claim to have changed computers after installing a legally licensed product. Logos apps are softlocked upon registration. The softlock prevents reauthorization of the software license after installing the app to another computer. I perceive that may be the problem you are experiencing.

You might contact Logos customer support and be prepared to insist that you are no pirate. If you have the supporting email receipt from an online purchase, or can scan a paper receipt to PDF, that should make things a lot easier.

On the other point, Aquila, Theodotion and Symmachus were Greek translations which Jerome named to support his argument that the Seventy had become hopelessly corrupted to justify changing the Church's landmarks by using a Hebrew source-text instead. I think Jerome was a bit vainglorious in his arguments, but that is my opinion.

Certainly, Jerome's assetion is difficult to prove as stated.

Hardly anything of Aquila or Symmachus works survives today. What does survive of Aquila's shows it to be a quite wooden Greek; kind of like "Young's Literal Translation" is to English, but more so. It is difficult to see how one whose first language was Greek would have been happy with it. It seems that Aquila's translation was made by a Rabbi to replace the Greek Seventy (LXX) among Jews, not to supplement it among Christians.

Symmachus's translation is represented by even fewer bits than Aquila's. Some have conjectured that it was composed in a more eloquent "good Greek" style. The vast majority of the Greek Seventy is in Koine which was the street level Greek of the day. It is unclear which existing LXX manuscripts may actually show corruption from Symmachus's eloquent "good Greek" translation.

Some LXX portions including Daniel and Judges in the Greek Seventy have alternate translations credited to Theodotion (or perhaps a Pseudo-Theodotion). Some argue that these translations were too early to be credited to the historical Theodotion. In general, Theodotion's are much better translations of the Hebrew than the Old Greek portions they replace. It could be that well meaning churchmen substitued "Theodotion's" translations were they found the original Old Greek unsatisfactory and that Theodotion's translations were more limited than the entire Greek Seventy.

Both Rhalfs' and Swetes' editions contain both Theodotion and Old Greek versions.

Today LXX scholars are aware of Origen's alleged Hexaplaric alterations to the text of the Greek Seventy. Jerome said those corruptions were present and so they are. Would that St. Jerome could have given more helpful detail to this point, but that wasn't his agenda. Scholars today occupy themselves identifying and marking these so-called Hexaplaric revisions. The earliest Syriac manuscripts are helpful in this regard as the Syriac was translated from the Seventy and has many of those Hexaplaric portions marked. The real question often relates to, "How did the text read before Origen?"

Actually, I was assured by a Professor that the manuscript Codex Vatican B has the purest non-Hexaplaric Greek Old Testament. He was probably standing on scholarship not his own, so one is compelled to take his word at face value. I have been unable personaly to establish the veracity of the assertion. Obviously, Vatican B has been quite influential over published editions of the Greek Seventy thus far. So, if the assertation is true, we have some hope that after alleged third century A.D. manipulations of the text, we still have the true Biblical Greek text.

μιχαηλ ο αδελφος σας

Yes I have just finished a study on the transmission of the texts it was very interesting.
And I was aware that many consider the Codex Vaticanus to be among the best versions.
Stephanos I
Wonder if there are any works using the CV with English translation?

PS Pray for me I am recovering from surgery and it was thus that I had the time in bed to devote for study. At least there were some bennifits.

Indeed, One must take opportunities to study whenever the are presented.

I will continue to pray for your continued and complete recovery.

My preferred Greek New Testament is more conservative, but to answer your question, you might try the 1901 ASV New Testament. It is very much like the 1891 ERV and easier to get hold of. That NT is quite like Codex Vaticanus B and the Westcott-Hort Greek New Testament which heavily favors B. Later Alexandrian translations are based on critical editions of Nestle's Greek New Testament.

Both L.C.L. Brenton's 1851 and Charles Thompson's 1808 English translations of the Septuagint seem to be based on Greek LXX texts which were reprinted from Pope Sixtus IV's 1545 edition. The Sixtine LXX represents Codex Vaticanus B suplemented by other Vatican manuscripts where B is incomplete.

μιχαηλ ο αδελφος σας

Thanks for the imput.
Stephanos I
AMDG getting stronger every day.

Glad to hear it! Praise God!

Incidentally, I meant "1881 ERV" not "1891 ERV".

I think the 1901 ASV is available for most Bible programs. The ASV is in the Public Domain. For both Bible Explorer and E-Sword it is a free download. Brenton's English translation is freely available for E-Sword and also for Costa Stergiou's "theWord" software.

If you havn't tried latter (see http://www.theword.net/)it may be worth looking at. Mr. Stergiou has engineered a well designed interface and has lots of helpful Bibles and books available for free download. Pretty impressive stuff freely given, well deserving nominal support.


Standard disclaimers.

μιχαηλ της συστρατιωτης

Also, I would hasten to add that digital editions of the Greek Seventy (LXX) tend to represent A. Rahlfs' 1934 cosmopolitain edition which frequently deviated from the Sixtine Codex Vaticanus B based Greek text used in Brenton's "Greek and English" edition. Rhalfs often printed readings from Codex Alexandrinus but sometimes from Codex Sinaticus or one of a select few minuscule manuscripts instead.

If one has a physical (bound) copy of Rhalf's "Septuaginta" the critical apparatus at the bottom of the pages detail readings from Codex Vaticanus B and other manuscripts when the printed text differs. Rhalfs's apparatus is in Latin and is often omitted from digital editions of Rhalfs' LXX text.

μιχαηλ

What about http://www.berbible.org/links.php
for starters. Mainly for ESV and NKJV. Not complete, in regards to canon, but good for New Testament and just the text. Plus it's free!.