A cross-platform Bible study application for deep text study using the precepts of inductive Bible study—observation, interpretation, and application. Mark, annotate, and analyze Scripture with powerful study tools.
Website: biblemarker.app
- Multiple Translations: Access various Bible translations through multiple API providers
- getBible (free, no API key required)
- Biblia API (NASB, ESV, NIV, NKJV, and more)
- ESV API (Crossway)
- BibleGateway (web scraper, no API key required)
- SWORD modules (local Z-Text format)
- Offline Support: Previously fetched chapters are cached locally for offline reading
- Multi-Translation View: Compare up to 3 translations side-by-side with synchronized scrolling
- Flexible Highlighting: Mark text with colors, underline styles, and custom symbols
- Keyword System: Create reusable keyword presets with automatic matching
- Smart Suggestions: Previously used markings suggested for repeated words
- Notes: Add markdown-supported notes to any verse
- Section Headings & Chapter Titles: Create custom structure and organization
- Observation Tools:
- Track places, people, and times
- Identify contrasts and conclusions
- Mark themes throughout passages
- 5 W's and H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
- Interpretation Worksheet: Explore what the text means
- Application Worksheet: Record personal applications
- Lists: Create custom lists to track any concept
- Study System: Organize keywords and markings by study
- Book-Scoped Keywords: Limit keywords to specific books for focused study
- Clear Book Highlights: Start fresh on any book while preserving your data structure
- Automatic Backups: Configurable auto-backup system with retention policies
- Import/Export: Full backup and restore capabilities
- Study Export: Export formatted study notes with all observations and applications
- Local Storage: All data stored locally in IndexedDB - no cloud required
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Navigate efficiently with arrow keys, J/K navigation, and toolbar shortcuts
- Dark/Light Themes: Choose dark, light, or auto (follows OS preference)
- Responsive Design: Works on desktop and mobile devices
- PWA Support: Install as a progressive web app
Pre-built desktop apps (macOS, Windows, Linux) are on GitHub Releases. BibleMarker is built with Tauri for native desktop.
Windows: SmartScreen may warn for unsigned downloads. Click More info → Run anyway. For signed builds (no warning), see Windows code signing.
- Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/spearssoftware/BibleMarker.git
cd biblemarker- Install dependencies:
corepack enable
corepack prepare pnpm@latest --activate
pnpm install- Run desktop app in development:
pnpm tauri:dev- Build desktop app for production:
pnpm tauri:buildSee docs/MAC_APP_GUIDE.md for detailed macOS-specific instructions.
To build and run the web app only: pnpm install, pnpm dev (development) or pnpm build (production).
While the app works without API keys using the free getBible service, you can configure additional providers for more translation options:
-
Biblia API (for NASB, ESV, NIV, NKJV):
- Sign up at biblia.com/api
- Free tier: 5,000 calls/day
- Add key in Settings → Bible → API Configuration
-
ESV API (for ESV translation):
- Register at api.esv.org
- Free tier available
- Add key in Settings → Bible → API Configuration
For complete offline functionality, you can self-host Bible data using GetBible. See docs/GETBIBLE_SELF_HOSTING.md for detailed instructions.
↑/↓- Navigate between versesJ/K- Navigate between verses (Vim-style)←/→- Previous/Next chapter⌘/Ctrl + F- Search
1- Quick color 12- Quick color 23- Quick color 3
View all shortcuts in Settings → Help → Keyboard Shortcuts
biblemarker/
├── src/
│ ├── components/ # React components
│ ├── stores/ # Zustand state management
│ ├── lib/ # Core libraries
│ │ ├── bible-api/ # Bible API integrations
│ │ ├── db.ts # IndexedDB/Dexie database
│ │ ├── backup.ts # Backup/restore functionality
│ │ └── ...
│ └── types/ # TypeScript type definitions
├── src-tauri/ # Tauri native app code
├── docs/ # Documentation
└── public/ # Static assets
- Frontend: React 19, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
- State Management: Zustand
- Database: Dexie (IndexedDB wrapper)
- Desktop: Tauri 2
- Build Tool: Vite
- Bible APIs: getBible, Biblia, ESV
The app includes toggleable debug logging for development:
- Go to Settings → Help → Debug Logging
- Enable "Keyword Matching" or "Verse Text Rendering"
- Open browser/dev console to see detailed logs
This is useful for troubleshooting keyword matching issues or rendering problems.
# Development
pnpm dev # Run web dev server
pnpm tauri:dev # Run Tauri desktop dev
# Building
pnpm build # Build web app
pnpm tauri:build # Build desktop app
# Utilities
pnpm generate-icons # Generate app icons
pnpm version:sync # Sync version across configs
pnpm lint # Run ESLintThis project is licensed under the PolyForm Noncommercial License 1.0.0.
In Summary:
- ✅ Free for personal use, study, research, and non-profit organizations
- ✅ Modify and share for non-commercial purposes
- ❌ Commercial use requires separate licensing
See LICENSE file for full terms.
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.
See docs/CROSS_PLATFORM_STRATEGY.md for the current development roadmap.
For questions or issues:
- Website: biblemarker.app
- Documentation: GitHub Wiki
- Open an issue on GitHub
- Check the built-in help: Settings → Help → Getting Started
- Bible text provided by getBible, Biblia API, and ESV API
- Built with Tauri, React, and Dexie
- Icons generated using Sharp (see docs/ICON_GENERATION.md)
BibleMarker is independent software and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Precept Ministries International or any other organization.
Made for deeper Bible study 📖✨