Note: This endorsement is independent of the creater of the software and myself. I am doing this out of my own will because I really believe and love the product.
Within the last few months, I have discovered a free and amazing piece of Bible software that has really helped me out while doing my own personal Bible study. The software did not cost me a dime, works bug-free on my computer, and has lots of resource modules to download and add on to the software. The Bible Software I am referring to is e-Sword. developed by a computer programmer by the name of Rick Meyers.
In less than five years of existence, the software has deen downloaded over two million times, many Bibles, commentaries, maps, historical documents, dictionaries, and commentaries have been added to the e-Sword downloadable library. Also, a pocket PC version of the software was developed and released in late 2003. The developer states his software and personal history of the software at this page that is very interesting reading and shows the progress and growth that the software has seen throughout it’s existence.
From it’s diverse variety of downloadable modules (I have such things such as the ASV Bible; the Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Smaller Catechisms; A.W. Tozers The Pursuit of God. Adam Clarkes Commentaries), the ease of use in finding Scripture, the excellent search engine, and the ability to parallel and see the same verse in different versions side by side, this software is well thought out and very valuable to use in your personal Bible Study.
If you have Windows 95, 98, Me, XP, NT4, or 2000 (Apple Mac version not available), you can download this software and click on the links to view and download add-on modules of interest by clicking here . You must have the base 7.5.2 downloaded and installed prior to downloading and installing any add-on modules. The base software is approximately 17 MB in length. Therefore, if you have a dial-up connection, your download will take a little while to do.
I have to agree about E-Sword. I’ve used Nelson’s Electronic Bible Reference Library, as well as PC Study Bible versions 3 and 4. PCSB is quite good but the interface has gone downhill with version 4. E-Sword still could use a little work on its interface at places, but overall is very easy to use. The fact that it provides many of the sources used by PCSB, NEBRL, and others - and for free! really just supports its value in my eyes.
Even having the other tools, I often will go to E-Sword for research.
I want to add my compliments to Rick Meyers e-Sword which in my 50 years in the software/computer business I believe has coded the best Bible Study program in existance. This includes Logos, Quickverse, Biblesoft and a bunch more of very costly software. I also believe that Rick hits it right on the nail head when he says Freely given Freely give. But as is with most companies they get Greedy……. I hope that many more people will find the e-Sword site and avoid purchasing expensive programs like QuickVerse 2005 that coupled with STEP books that crash the entire program……Keep up the good ….God’s work Rick!
UPDATE!!!!!
Friday, I received the CD-ROM of E-SWORD that the author promises if you donate more than 15.00 with a very nice thank-you card that was in the package.