Bible study software is certainly not a requirement to reading and studying the Bible! However, if you want to do more study on your own they are a wonderful resource. For example, I often can remember part of a verse but not the exact wording - I key in a few words and there it is! Or perhaps I want to study everything the Bible says about leadership - I key in a search phrase and there it is.
So when you are ready there are some really great resources available to you. Some are free and some get quite expensive depending on the features of the software and the size of the library included. ​
My suggestion if you are new to using a Bible study software tool is to use one of the free versions to see what you like and don't like. That way when you start looking to purchase a product you'll be far better informed. The reason I suggest this path is that once you purchase a Bible Study software you'll have it for a long time and you'll want it to be a product that will grow as you grow.​
e-Sword/MacSword (free)
​It is hard to beat free! The folks at e-Sword have managed to build an impressive feature rich program and keep it available at no charge based on donations.
The interface is clean and simple making the program easy to begin to use from the moment you open it up. The library of resources is not as vast as some of the paid software, but e-Sword comes with all the most important features like great search tools, multiple bible versions, links to Strongs, maps, and even an on-board editor so you can make notes as you study.​
Check it out here​
WORDsearch 10 (PC/MAC)
​I started using WORDsearch years ago, and it was my primary study resource while I was in seminary. I like the fact that they allow you to purchase the program and install it on a variety of platforms. I have mine on my PC, my Mac Book, and my i-Pad.
This is a full-feature program with packages starting at $29.95 up to $1,999 for their Gold Preaching Library. If you have specific needs you can call them, tell them what you need, and they will put a custom package together for you!​
​Check it out here
Logos 6 (PC/MAC)
I haven't used Logos software but several students in seminary with me used it and loved it.
This is a full-feature program with packages starting at $295 up to nearly $11,000 for their Collector's Edition Library.
​Check it out here
Accordance 11 (PC/MAC)
Accordance was a favorite among the MAC users in seminary. They loved this program, especially for language study. At the time they didn't have a PC compatible version, but they do now.
This is a full-feature program with packages starting at $60 up to nearly $2,000 for their Ultimate Library.
​Check it out here
