The best Bible vocabulary app for starting from the basics

Build a Bible vocabulary from definitions of biblical terms to your first words of Greek.

Choose a term from your current reading and write down what you want to investigate. It might be a definition, a Greek form or the wording of a passage. Use that question to select the material you want to consult.

The order begins with definitions of biblical expressions, then turns to an introductory Greek course and a Greek New Testament with word lists. A Bible that links English words to their Hebrew or Greek originals completes the selection.

Four apps for a first Bible vocabulary

1. Bible Vocabulary: Learn Daily

Toast’s Bible Vocabulary: Learn Daily supplies explanations of expressions encountered in Scripture. Definitions are accompanied by context, and the learning material can be approached daily or at a pace you choose.

It is aimed at new and experienced readers alike and fits alongside devotional reading or a study group. Both store listings mention in-app purchases, and the App Store page describes an auto-renewing subscription.

Advantages:

• Definitions of biblical terms.
• Context supplied with the definitions.
• A daily routine for steady learning.

2. Scripturial

Scripturial teaches Biblical Greek from the very beginning, starting with the alphabet and a small set of words before moving on to sentences, audio and pictures. In the Android edition, the listed image collection exceeds 1,600 items. Audio accompanies 7,200 words and sentences. More than 700 exercises draw on 10,000 simple sentences.

Each activity takes a beginner about three to five minutes, and the developer suggests three or four a day to finish the content in roughly six months. Sound is part of the method, so headphones or an unmuted phone are needed. Google Play shows no adverts or purchases for it, and the iPhone version is titled Scripturial – Biblical Greek.

Advantages:

• A gentle start with letters and basic words.
• Graded reading practice with sound and images.
• Optional study reminders.

3. Greek New Testament Study App

Greek New Testament Study App puts the SBLGNT on your phone alongside the Lexham English Bible, a translation made from that Greek text. Tap any Greek word and the app gives a short gloss together with its parsing.

Its vocabulary tools let you create lists or start from ready-made ones by frequency and by popular textbooks, and every form and occurrence of a word can be displayed. Backup and sync are available, and no in-app purchases are listed in either store.

Advantages:

• Ready-made word lists to learn from.
• Short glosses for each Greek word.
• Backup and sync between devices.

4. Hesed: The Bible, word by word

Hesed is a reading app in which every English word can open its Hebrew or Greek original, together with a transliteration, grammatical details and a Strong’s entry. Its name is the Hebrew word for steadfast, covenant love.

Each day it offers a verse from the historic lectionary with reflections, and you can follow reading plans, keep a journal and read offline. Purchases inside the app are listed in both stores.

Advantages:

• English words linked to their original-language forms.
• A lectionary verse with reflections each day.
• A journal tied to the day’s reading.

Choosing where to begin

If the English terms of the Bible are still unfamiliar, start with definitions before tackling another alphabet. If you already know you want to read Greek, choose between guided activities and vocabulary review according to what you want to practise. Check each store page for current charges and requirements.

To keep going, the four buttons under the opening line lead to an eight-week home Bible course, two Bible apps chosen for different needs, ideas for worship and hymns through the day, and Bible games for children.