The best Bible app for reading the Greek and Hebrew beside your translation

Compare English translations with the Greek and Hebrew text they come from.

Choose two translations of one passage and write down a difference you want to investigate. Decide whether your question calls for comparing versions, consulting a lexicon or studying the language.

The apps in this list take that comparison in different directions: one lines up translations from literal to free, one pairs word-for-word versions with full lexicons, one presents the Hebrew Scriptures with English translations and classic commentaries, and one offers courses in Greek and Hebrew.

Four apps for comparing translations with the original

1. Spectrum Bible

Spectrum Bible groups translations by their treatment of words, phrases or thoughts. These approaches are identified by blue, green and earth tones respectively, with Greek and Hebrew text included in the comparison.

According to the listing, the developer was chief architect at AOL and also studied at Dallas Theological Seminary, and the app works without an internet connection. Google Play shows no adverts or in-app purchases; the App Store page mentions in-app purchases.

Advantages:

• Original text and translations in one view.
• Colour coding that explains each translation style.
• Offline access to all texts.

2. Literal Word Bible App

Literal Word offers five translations chosen for their word-for-word approach: the NASB 1995, the Legacy Standard Bible, the ESV, the NKJV and the KJV. Two complete lexicons are built in, Abbott-Smith for Greek and BDB for Hebrew, and either opens with a couple of taps from the text.

The app also includes footnotes, linked cross references, a visual word search, notes and highlights, coloured bookmarks and free online backup. It is free, works offline and carries no adverts. On the App Store it is listed as Literal Word: Bible & Lexicon.

Advantages:

• Built-in Greek and Hebrew lexicons.
• Five word-for-word translations to compare.
• A search tool with visual filters.

3. Sefaria

Sefaria’s collection includes the Torah, Tanakh and other Jewish works; it does not contain the New Testament. Hebrew is available across the library; English translations cover a growing portion of the collection. Consult the languages listed for the work you want to read.

The library holds more than fifty commentaries on the Tanakh, such as Ibn Ezra, Ramban and Radak, and nine Torah commentaries in English, including Rashi. The whole collection can be stored on your phone for offline reading, and its Google Play page lists neither adverts nor purchases. On iPhone it appears as Sefaria: Jewish Texts Library.

Advantages:

• English translations for part of a Hebrew-language library.
• Classic Jewish commentaries on the Hebrew Scriptures.
• A complete library you can read offline.

4. Biblical Languages – Biblingo

Biblingo’s lessons cover vocabulary and grammar in Latin, Koine Greek and Biblical Hebrew. The listed tools include video instruction, interactive exercises, graded reading and a dictionary for the Greek New Testament and Hebrew Bible. Latin exegesis and the Latin Vulgate reader are marked as forthcoming.

Once you can read a little, the Bible tab shows the Hebrew Bible or Greek New Testament with a percentage for each book or chapter, telling you how much of its vocabulary you already know. Google Play lists no purchases, while the App Store page mentions them.

Advantages:

• Vocabulary and grammar lessons with exegesis material for Greek and Hebrew.
• Practice sentences paired with illustrated ancient scenes.
• Vocabulary coverage figures for individual books and chapters.

Getting more from a comparison

Start with a verse you know well and read it in two or three translations before looking at the original. Note where the versions diverge, then look up the original term in a lexicon or a commentary to see what lies behind the choice. Review each store page for current costs.

Elsewhere on the site, BIBLE COURSE opens an eight-week study plan for home, BIBLE APP presents two apps for daily reading and reflection, WORSHIP AND HYMNS covers singing and playlists in daily life, and BIBLE GAMES gathers activities for children.