How many of you read your Bible…on your computer? Well if you’re like a growing number of people out there, you get your daily Bible fix through electronic means. While I’ve used personal Bible software in the past, there always comes a time when I need to lookup a verse or reference something real quick and I go to the best source I know: The Goog.
“Do we really need another online Bible tool?” is probably what you’re thinking. And my answer was no up until last year. Then I stumbled on YouVersion.com and it has become my defacto online Bible reading website. Read on to find out why.
User Experience
In my opinion, this has been the biggest problem with most online Bible sites. Frankly, their user interface hasn’t been updated since 1994. Not YouVersion. Their interface is very slick and designed by one of my favorite web designers, Chris Merritt. Why is this important? Because the less friction it takes for me (or anyone else) to read the Bible, the better. The User Experience at YouVersion is top-notch and allows me to quickly get on, do some daily reading, and take some notes all in seconds.
Multiple Versions
Different language and different versions. Me? I love the King James version all the way. But there are many other versions available depending on your preference. This is great for anyone wanting to search the scriptures and see different takes on verses depending on a version of the Bible.
Community Involvement
Where’s the fun in studying scripture if you can’t discuss it with someone? With YouVersion, sharing and commenting on scripture is available at the click of a button. No messy seperate sign ups to forums, etc. Just get signed up and start discussing the Lord’s words with other people.
Mobile Version
This is my favorite part about YouVersion. If you’re really in a hurry and you’re on the go, when you have a minute, just navigate to YouVersion.com using your mobile phone and you can catch up on your devotional reading for the day!
I can already see how awesome this would be in a church application – Imagine yourself sitting in a pew listening to a message with a pencil, paper, and your Bible writing notes and thumbing through text to keep up. Sounds typical right? Now imagine you’re sitting there listening to an same message with your mobile phone out with YouVersion up and your thumbing through scripture and taking notes at the same time? Awesome!
As Much as I Love it, I Want More
So, what’s missing? Well, not much. If anything I would ask for a great concordance tool for looking up where words are found (like Strong’s Concordance) and a Hebrew/Greek Lexicon. Other than that, I’d be all set. Maybe the great online Bible search isn’t over?
What do you think about YouVersion? Have you tried it out and gone back to your favorite online Bible tool? If so, tell me about it below.