cameronapak/jstack

**For Bible API/SDK/MCP/concordance resources:** Read `references/bible-developer-resources.md` for a curated directory of tools to give your AI real-time access to Scripture, including [route.bible](https://route.bible/) for portable Scrip

Helpful starting point: [Free prompt for AI Christian chatbots](https://git.new/bible-ai-prompt)

Some apps that tend to abide by these guardrails: - [Apologist Agent](https://faith.tools/app/113-apologist-agent-ai)

- [Apologist Agent](https://faith.tools/app/113-apologist-agent-ai)

- [NTW](https://faith.tools/app/561-navigate-the-way)

- [Bible Answers AI](https://faith.tools/app/6-bible-answers-ai)

- [Bible AI](https://faith.tools/app/510-bible-ai-search)

- [The Oxford Oath for Artificial Intelligence](https://github.com/lyndondrake/oxford-oath) (2026)

- [A Christian Framework for AI Ethics](https://missional.ai/7-principles-of-ai-ethics) — Missional AI (2026)

- [Redemptive AI Ethics Framework](https://medium.com/@faithtech/redemptive-ai-ethics-framework-e2a2c278569c) — FaithTech (2025)

- [AI Christian Benchmark](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ai-christian-benchmark/) — The Gospel Coalition (2025)

- [Generative AI in Christian Evangelism](https://apologistproject.org/generative-ai-in-christian-evangelism) — The Apologist Project (2025)

- [Faith.Tools Unofficial Guardrails for AI Apps](https://faith.tools/posts/unofficial-rules-for-ai-apps-for-christians) *(published post title may still say "rules")*

- [AI Ethical Framework](https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/ai-ethical-framework) — Lausanne Movement

**Related Resources:** - [Can LLMs accurately recall the Bible?](https://benkaiser.dev/can-llms-accurately-recall-the-bible/)

- [Can LLMs accurately recall the Bible?](https://benkaiser.dev/can-llms-accurately-recall-the-bible/)

- [To Christians Developing LLM Applications: A Warning, and Some Suggestions](https://aiandfaith.org/to-christians-developing-llm-applications-a-warning-and-some-suggestions/)

Anthropomorphising (or humanizing) AI can be very dangerous. Some examples of dangerous AI applications that do this are friend.com or replika. An example of dangerous AI application in the faith-based space is the [Text with Jesus](https:/

**Related Resources:** - [How anthropomorphism hinders AI education](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/ai-education-anthropomorphism/)

- [How anthropomorphism hinders AI education](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/ai-education-anthropomorphism/)

- [A Christian's Perspective on Artificial Intelligence](https://christoverall.com/article/longform/a-christians-perspective-on-artificial-intelligence/)

**Related Resources:** - ['AI & Christianity': strengthen the uniquely human role in relationship to AI](https://churchforvancouver.ca/ai-christianity-strengthen-the-uniquely-human-role-in-relationship-to-ai/)

- ['AI & Christianity': strengthen the uniquely human role in relationship to AI](https://churchforvancouver.ca/ai-christianity-strengthen-the-uniquely-human-role-in-relationship-to-ai/)

- [The Ethics of AI: How Far Is Too Far?](https://www.barna.com/research/ai-ethics/)

Dr. Henry Cloud paints it so well when explaining why we need both grace and truth. Read [Growth Takes Grace and Truth](https://www.cloudtownsend.com/growth-takes-grace-and-truth/).

Apps that abide by these unofficial guardrails: - [Apologist Agent](https://apologist.ai/en?ref=faith.tools)

- [Apologist Agent](https://apologist.ai/en?ref=faith.tools)

- [NTW](https://faith.tools/app/561-navigate-the-way)

- [Bible Answers AI](https://faith.tools/app/6-bible-answers-ai)

- [The Oxford Oath for Artificial Intelligence](https://github.com/lyndondrake/oxford-oath) (2026)

- [A Christian Framework for AI Ethics](https://missional.ai/7-principles-of-ai-ethics) — Missional AI (2026)

- [The AI Attribute Architecture](https://vimeo.com/1153419142?fl=pl&fe=sh) — James Kelly, FaithTech (2026)

- [Redemptive AI Ethics Framework](https://medium.com/@faithtech/redemptive-ai-ethics-framework-e2a2c278569c) — FaithTech (2025)

- [AI Christian Benchmark](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ai-christian-benchmark/) — The Gospel Coalition (2025)

- [Generative AI in Christian Evangelism](https://apologistproject.org/generative-ai-in-christian-evangelism) — The Apologist Project (2025)

- [Artificial intelligence in the service of the Bible](https://media-1.jesus.net/media/6041/Whitepaper-AI---Ask-Jesus.net.pdf) — Jesus.net

- [Gloo Open](https://ai.gloo.com/releases/announcing-gloo-open)

- [AI Collective](https://aicollective.faith/)

- [Plea for an open sourced Christian Artificial Intelligence](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sfNbXpmqgT-dnL0pCjTqjuSOnA6Jmhfu/edit)

- [AI Ethical Framework](https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/ai-ethical-framework) — Lausanne Movement

When your app links out to Scripture (share links, QR codes, verse cards, sermon notes, "Open in Bible app" buttons), use [**route.bible**](https://route.bible/) instead of provider-specific URLs.

https://route.bible/{passage}?v={translation}&src={your_app}

| Example | URL | |---|---| | John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

|---|---| | John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` | | Range | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16-jhn.3.18` |

| John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

| Range | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16-jhn.3.18` |

| With translation | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16?v=ESV` |

| With source tag | `https://route.bible/rom.8.28?src=my_app` |

| Method | When to use | |---|---| | **Canonical URLs directly** | Your app already knows the passage. Just emit `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

|---|---| | **Canonical URLs directly** | Your app already knows the passage. Just emit `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` | | [**grab-bcv**](https://www.npmjs.com/package/grab-bcv) (npm) | Your app needs to parse user input into passage refere

| **Canonical URLs directly** | Your app already knows the passage. Just emit `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

| [**grab-bcv**](https://www.npmjs.com/package/grab-bcv) (npm) | Your app needs to parse user input into passage references locally |

| [**@route-bible/client**](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@route-bible/client) (npm) | Your app needs hosted parsing, resolution, QR generation, or adapter metadata |

| [**badge.js**](https://route.bible/badge.js) | CMS/article pages wanting copy-paste integration with minimal code |

| [**Share target**](https://route.bible/share-target) | Your page has article metadata but not a clean parsed passage |

Full integration guide: [route.bible/skill.md](https://route.bible/skill.md)

| Translation | Details | |---|---| | **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** | [Dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial. |

|---|---| | **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** | [Dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial. | | **King James Version (KJV)** | Public domain in the 

| **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** | [Dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial. |

| **King James Version (KJV)** | Public domain in the US and most countries. **Exception:** In the UK, the KJV is under Crown copyright (Royal Prerogative). ([source](https://commonplacefacts.com/2026/01/18/is-the-king-james-bible-copyright

| Translation | Details | |---|---| | **NET Bible** | Copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCollins Christian Publishing](https://www.har

| **NET Bible** | Copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCollins Christian Publishing](https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/sales-and-ri

| Translation | Publisher | Permission | |---|---|---| | **English Standard Version (ESV)** | Crossway | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or commercial: [request permission](https://www.crossway.or

|---|---|---| | **English Standard Version (ESV)** | Crossway | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or commercial: [request permission](https://www.crossway.org/permissions/) | | **New International V

| **English Standard Version (ESV)** | Crossway | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or commercial: [request permission](https://www.crossway.org/permissions/) |

| **New International Version (NIV)** | Biblica | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Commercial or full-text: [written permission](https://www.biblica.com/permissions/) |

| **New Living Translation (NLT)** | Tyndale House Foundation | [Permission required](http://api.nlt.to/) for commercial use |

| **New American Standard Bible (NASB)** | The Lockman Foundation | [Permission to quote form](https://www.lockman.org/permission-to-quote-request-form/) required beyond limited quoting |

| **Christian Standard Bible (CSB)** | Holman Bible Publishers (B&H) | [Permission required](https://csbible.com/permissions/) |

| **The Message (MSG)** | Eugene H. Peterson / NavPress | Written permission required. ([terms](https://biblia.com/books/message/article/COPY)) |

| API | Cost | Details | |---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations. No API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

|---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations. No API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. | | [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | Free (non-co

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations. No API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

| [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | Free (non-commercial) | 2,500 versions, 1,600 languages. By American Bible Society. |

| [**YouVersion Platform**](https://developers.youversion.com/api) | Free (non-commercial) | Full Bible API — passages, books, chapters, verses. Requires app key. |

| [**bible-api.com**](https://bible-api.com/) | Free | Simple JSON API for public domain Bibles (WEB, KJV, etc). Rate-limited. |

| [**ESV API**](https://api.esv.org/) | Free (non-commercial) | English Standard Version. HTML/text/XML. |

| [**NET Bible API**](https://labs.bible.org/api_web_service) | Free (non-commercial) | NET Bible text. HTML/JSON/XML. |

| [**NLT API**](http://api.nlt.to/) | Free (non-commercial) | New Living Translation. By Tyndale. |

| [**Bible Brain API**](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) | Free | 1,700+ languages with text, audio, and video. By Faith Comes By Hearing. |

| [**Aquifer Bible**](https://www.aquifer.bible/) | Free (API key required) | Open-source, multilingual, multimodal Bible resources for global translation. |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | Free | 3,752 verses + 1,790 sermon videos + 206 commentaries, all cross-referenced. |

| [**Biblia.com API**](http://bibliaapi.com/docs/) | Free | Faithlife/Logos backend. Bible text + commentaries + search. |

| SDK | Language | Details | |---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | TypeScript / REST | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. [Docs](https://biblesdk.com/docs) / [SDK guide](https://biblesdk.co

|---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | TypeScript / REST | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. [Docs](https://biblesdk.com/docs) / [SDK guide](https://biblesdk.com/docs/sdk) | | [**Bible Supe

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | TypeScript / REST | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. [Docs](https://biblesdk.com/docs) / [SDK guide](https://biblesdk.com/docs/sdk) |

| [**Bible SuperSearch API**](https://api.biblesupersearch.com/) | REST | Free, 1,000 hits/day. Many languages available for non-commercial use. |

| [**IQ Bible API**](https://iqbible.com/) | REST | 40+ endpoints — original Hebrew/Greek, audio narrations, study tools. |

| [**SWORD Engine**](http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp) | C++ (bindings for many) | CrossWire Bible Society's open source Bible software engine. |

| Server | Language | Details | |---|---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | TypeScript (Deno) | Uses the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. 97/100 quality on Smithery, 99.7% uptim

|---|---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | TypeScript (Deno) | Uses the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. 97/100 quality on Smithery, 99.7% uptime. [Source](https://www.val.town

| [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | TypeScript (Deno) | Uses the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. 97/100 quality on Smithery, 99.7% uptime. [Source](https://www.val.town/x/cameronpak/

| [**AdbC99/ai-bible**](https://github.com/AdbC99/ai-bible) | JavaScript | MCP server + OpenAI completions API wrapper. Reliable, reproducible verse lookup. Also at [ai-bible.com](http://ai-bible.com/). |

| [**geosp/mcp-bible**](https://github.com/geosp/mcp-bible) | Python | Via BibleGateway. ESV/NIV/KJV/NASB/NKJV/NLT/AMP/MSG. Supports stdio, HTTP MCP, and REST modes. |

| Tool | Format | Details | |---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | REST API | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations. Add `?concordance=true` to any verse endpoint. |

|---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | REST API | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations. Add `?concordance=true` to any verse endpoint. | | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBib

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | REST API | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations. Add `?concordance=true` to any verse endpoint. |

| [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | TSV/CSV (CC BY 4.0) | Extended Strongs for Hebrew/Greek, morphological tags, lexicons, proper names, cross-references. |

| [**Blue Letter Bible**](https://www.blueletterbible.org/) | Web + [ScriptTagger](https://www.blueletterbible.org/webtools/getPlugin.cfm) | Free online Strong's concordance, lexicons, word tools. ScriptTagger auto-links Bible refs on any w

| [**OpenScriptures Hebrew Bible**](https://hb.openscriptures.org/) | OSIS XML | Hebrew Lexicon, morphology codes. Open source. |

| [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Python + REST API | Linguistic databases + tools for the Greek NT. Strong's Greek Dictionary in XML. |

| Resource | Type | Details | |---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | API | Commentary endpoints alongside translations. `GET /api/c/{commentary}/books.json` |

|---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | API | Commentary endpoints alongside translations. `GET /api/c/{commentary}/books.json` | | [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) |

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | API | Commentary endpoints alongside translations. `GET /api/c/{commentary}/books.json` |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | API | Verse-matched commentary + sermons from curated sources. Query by theme, book, verse, or pastor. |

| [**Biblia.com API**](http://bibliaapi.com/docs/) | API | Faithlife/Logos backend. Bible text + commentaries + search. |

| [**BibleTalk.tv Data API**](https://bibletalk.tv/data-api) | API | Free Bible study materials in JSON. Add `.json` to URIs. |

| Directory | Details | |---|---| | [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) | The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts. |

|---|---| | [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) | The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts. | | [**awesome-bible-developer-resources**](https://github.com

| [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) | The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts. |

| [**awesome-bible-developer-resources**](https://github.com/biblenerd/awesome-bible-developer-resources) | Curated list of Bible dev tools and resources on GitHub. |

| [**faith.tools For Developers**](https://faith.tools/for-developers) | Christian developer resources directory. |

| Source | Format | Details | |---|---|---| | [**open.bible**](https://open.bible/) | USX, USFM, Word, audio | Biblica's CC-licensed Bibles in 700+ languages. |

|---|---|---| | [**open.bible**](https://open.bible/) | USX, USFM, Word, audio | Biblica's CC-licensed Bibles in 700+ languages. | | [**fetch.bible**](https://fetch.bible/) | USX 3+, USFM, HTML, text | Free access to 1,100+ Bible translatio

| [**open.bible**](https://open.bible/) | USX, USFM, Word, audio | Biblica's CC-licensed Bibles in 700+ languages. | | [**fetch.bible**](https://fetch.bible/) | USX 3+, USFM, HTML, text | Free access to 1,100+ Bible translations with API. |

| [**fetch.bible**](https://fetch.bible/) | USX 3+, USFM, HTML, text | Free access to 1,100+ Bible translations with API. |

| [**berean.bible/downloads**](https://berean.bible/downloads.htm) | XLSX, PDF, Word, text | Berean Study Bible (public domain). | | [**ebible.org**](http://ebible.org/find) | HTML, ePub, PDF, SQL, USFM | Bibles in many languages and format

| [**ebible.org**](http://ebible.org/find) | HTML, ePub, PDF, SQL, USFM | Bibles in many languages and formats. | | [**OpenBible.com**](https://openbible.com/) | XLSX, PDF, Word, ePub, text | Open source Bibles for download and development.

| [**OpenBible.com**](https://openbible.com/) | XLSX, PDF, Word, ePub, text | Open source Bibles for download and development. |

| [**github.com/seven1m/open-bibles**](https://github.com/seven1m/open-bibles) | XML | Public domain and freely licensed Bibles. |

| [**Bible Versions DB**](https://github.com/scrollmapper/bible_databases) | MySQL, SQLite, XML, CSV, JSON | ASV, BBE, DARBY, KJV, WBT, WEB, YLT + cross-references. |

| Source | Details | |---|---| | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Tagged Hebrew OT, amalgamated Greek NT, extended Strongs lexicons, proper names. |

|---|---| | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Tagged Hebrew OT, amalgamated Greek NT, extended Strongs lexicons, proper names. | | [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Linguistic databases

| [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Tagged Hebrew OT, amalgamated Greek NT, extended Strongs lexicons, proper names. |

| [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Linguistic databases + Python tools for Greek NT. REST API. |

| [**OpenScriptures Hebrew Bible**](https://hb.openscriptures.org/) | OSIS XML, Hebrew Lexicon, morphology codes. |

| [**biblicalhumanities.org**](http://biblicalhumanities.org/dashboard/) | Nestle 1904 GNT, Codex Sinaiticus, Septuagint, Liddell-Scott-Jones lexica, Mounce Lexicon. |

| [**TextCritical.net**](https://textcritical.net/) | Free access to ancient Greek works in the original language. Open source. |

*Scripture linking powered by [route.bible](https://route.bible/) — a canonical URL and routing layer for Bible passages. One stable URL that works across any Bible app, browser, or device. By [selah.tools](https://selah.tools/).*

This guide is for **builders** creating Christian AI applications. These guardrails help ensure your app meets the [6 unofficial guardrails](https://faith.tools/posts/unofficial-rules-for-ai-apps-for-christians) before you ever submit to fa

**Public domain (no permission needed):** - **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** — [dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial.

- **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** — [dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial.

- **King James Version (KJV)** — public domain in the US and most countries. **Exception:** In the UK, the KJV is under Crown copyright (Royal Prerogative) and printing it requires permission from the Crown's printer. ([source](https://comm

**Free for non-commercial (permission required for commercial use):** - **NET Bible** — copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free to quote for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCo

- **NET Bible** — copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free to quote for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCollins Christian Publishing](https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/sal

**Requires publisher permission (for any use beyond limited quoting):** - **English Standard Version (ESV)** — copyrighted by Crossway. Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or for commercial use, [requ

- **English Standard Version (ESV)** — copyrighted by Crossway. Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or for commercial use, [request permission](https://www.crossway.org/permissions/).

- **New International Version (NIV)** — copyrighted by Biblica (formerly IBS). Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Commercial use or full-text requires [written permission](https://www.biblica.com/permissions/).

- **New Living Translation (NLT)** — copyrighted by Tyndale House Foundation. [Permission required](http://api.nlt.to/) for commercial use.

- **New American Standard Bible (NASB)** — copyrighted by The Lockman Foundation. [Permission to quote form](https://www.lockman.org/permission-to-quote-request-form/) required for use beyond limited quoting.

- **Christian Standard Bible (CSB)** — copyrighted by Holman Bible Publishers (B&H Publishing Group). [Permission required](https://csbible.com/permissions/).

- **The Message (MSG)** — copyrighted by Eugene H. Peterson / NavPress Publishing Group. Written permission required. ([terms](https://biblia.com/books/message/article/COPY))

| API | Details | |---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | 1,000+ translations. Free, no API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | 1,000+ translations. Free, no API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. | | [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | 2,500 versions, 1

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | 1,000+ translations. Free, no API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

| [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | 2,500 versions, 1,600 languages. By American Bible Society. Free for non-commercial use. |

| [**YouVersion Platform**](https://developers.youversion.com/api) | Full Bible API — passages, books, chapters, verses. Requires app key. For non-commercial use. |

| [**bible-api.com**](https://bible-api.com/) | Simple JSON API for public domain Bibles (WEB, KJV, etc). Free, rate-limited. |

| [**ESV API**](https://api.esv.org/) | English Standard Version. Free for non-commercial. HTML/text/XML. |

| [**NET Bible API**](https://labs.bible.org/api_web_service) | Free for non-commercial. HTML/JSON/XML. |

| [**NLT API**](http://api.nlt.to/) | New Living Translation. Free for non-commercial (Tyndale). |

| [**Bible Brain API**](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) | 1,700+ languages with text, audio, and video. Free. By Faith Comes By Hearing. |

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. REST API + TypeScript SDK. |

| [**Aquifer Bible**](https://www.aquifer.bible/) | Open-source, multilingual, multimodal Bible resources for global translation. Requires API key. |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | 3,752 verses + 1,790 sermon videos + 206 commentaries, all cross-referenced. Free. |

| Server | Details | |---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Open-source MCP server using the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. [Source on Val.Town](https://www.val.town/x/camero

|---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Open-source MCP server using the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. [Source on Val.Town](https://www.val.town/x/cameronpak/bible-mcp). | | 

| [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Open-source MCP server using the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. [Source on Val.Town](https://www.val.town/x/cameronpak/bible-mcp). |

| [**AdbC99/ai-bible**](https://github.com/AdbC99/ai-bible) | JavaScript MCP server + OpenAI completions API wrapper. Reliable, reproducible verse lookup. Also at [ai-bible.com](http://ai-bible.com/). |

| Tool | Details | |---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations via REST API. |

|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations via REST API. | | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Extended Strongs for Hebrew

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations via REST API. |

| [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Extended Strongs for Hebrew/Greek, morphological tags, lexicons, proper names, cross-references. |

| [**Blue Letter Bible**](https://www.blueletterbible.org/) | Free online Strong's concordance, lexicons, word tools. Has [ScriptTagger web tool](https://www.blueletterbible.org/webtools/getPlugin.cfm) for auto-linking Bible refs. |

| [**OpenScriptures Hebrew Bible**](https://hb.openscriptures.org/) | OSIS XML, Hebrew Lexicon, morphology codes. Open source. |

| [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Linguistic databases + Python tools for the Greek NT. REST API, Strong's Greek Dictionary in XML. |

| Resource | Details | |---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Includes commentary endpoints alongside translations. |

|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Includes commentary endpoints alongside translations. | | [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | Verse-matched commentary from curated

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Includes commentary endpoints alongside translations. |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | Verse-matched commentary from curated sources. |

| [**Biblia.com API**](http://bibliaapi.com/docs/) | Faithlife/Logos backend. Bible text + commentaries + search. Free. |

- [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) — The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts

- [**awesome-bible-developer-resources**](https://github.com/biblenerd/awesome-bible-developer-resources) — Curated list of Bible dev tools and resources

- [**faith.tools For Developers**](https://faith.tools/for-developers) — Christian developer resources directory

### Getting Started - [Free prompt for AI Christian chatbots](https://git.new/bible-ai-prompt) — open-source starting point

- [Free prompt for AI Christian chatbots](https://git.new/bible-ai-prompt) — open-source starting point

- [Bible MCP](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) — drop-in MCP server so your AI quotes real Scripture, not hallucinations

- [Free Use Bible API](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) — the go-to RAG source for real-time Scripture access (free, no keys)

### Word Study & Original Languages - [BibleSDK](https://biblesdk.com/) — Strong's concordance + semantic search in one API (TypeScript SDK available)

- [BibleSDK](https://biblesdk.com/) — Strong's concordance + semantic search in one API (TypeScript SDK available)

- [STEPBible Data](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) — CC BY 4.0 Greek/Hebrew word study data, lexicons, morphology

- [Blue Letter Bible](https://www.blueletterbible.org/) — free online Strong's concordance and lexicons

### Directories & Comprehensive Lists - [get.bible Bible Data Sets](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) — master directory of all Bible APIs, datasets, and formats

- [get.bible Bible Data Sets](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) — master directory of all Bible APIs, datasets, and formats

- [awesome-bible-developer-resources](https://github.com/biblenerd/awesome-bible-developer-resources) — curated list of Bible dev tools

- [faith.tools For Developers](https://faith.tools/for-developers) — Christian developer resources

### Global & Multilingual - [Aquifer Bible](https://www.aquifer.bible/) — open-source, multilingual Bible resources for global translation

- [Aquifer Bible](https://www.aquifer.bible/) — open-source, multilingual Bible resources for global translation

- [Bible Brain API](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) — 1,700+ languages, text/audio/video

### Ethics & Design - [Laws of UX](https://lawsofux.com/) — design excellence honors God

- [Laws of UX](https://lawsofux.com/) — design excellence honors God

- [FaithTech Playbook](https://faithtech.com/the-faithtech-playbook/) — building redemptive technology

- [Redemptive AI Ethics Framework](https://medium.com/@faithtech/redemptive-ai-ethics-framework-e2a2c278569c) — FaithTech (2025)

Testing framework for Christian AI apps, mapped to the [unofficial guardrails for AI apps for Christians](https://faith.tools/posts/unofficial-rules-for-ai-apps-for-christians).

Helpful starting point: [Free prompt for AI Christian chatbots](https://git.new/bible-ai-prompt)

- [Apologist Agent](https://faith.tools/app/113-apologist-agent-ai)

- [NTW](https://faith.tools/app/561-navigate-the-way)

- [Bible Answers AI](https://faith.tools/app/6-bible-answers-ai)

- [Bible AI](https://faith.tools/app/510-bible-ai-search)

- [The Oxford Oath for Artificial Intelligence](https://github.com/lyndondrake/oxford-oath) (2026)

- [A Christian Framework for AI Ethics](https://missional.ai/7-principles-of-ai-ethics) — Missional AI (2026)

- [Redemptive AI Ethics Framework](https://medium.com/@faithtech/redemptive-ai-ethics-framework-e2a2c278569c) — FaithTech (2025)

- [AI Christian Benchmark](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ai-christian-benchmark/) — The Gospel Coalition (2025)

- [Generative AI in Christian Evangelism](https://apologistproject.org/generative-ai-in-christian-evangelism) — The Apologist Project (2025)

- [Faith.Tools Unofficial Guardrails for AI Apps](https://faith.tools/posts/unofficial-rules-for-ai-apps-for-christians) *(published post title may still say "rules")*

- [AI Ethical Framework](https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/ai-ethical-framework) — Lausanne Movement

**Related Resources:** - [Can LLMs accurately recall the Bible?](https://benkaiser.dev/can-llms-accurately-recall-the-bible/)

- [Can LLMs accurately recall the Bible?](https://benkaiser.dev/can-llms-accurately-recall-the-bible/)

- [To Christians Developing LLM Applications: A Warning, and Some Suggestions](https://aiandfaith.org/to-christians-developing-llm-applications-a-warning-and-some-suggestions/)

Anthropomorphising (or humanizing) AI can be very dangerous. Some examples of dangerous AI applications that do this are friend.com or replika. An example of dangerous AI application in the faith-based space is the [Text with Jesus](https:/

**Related Resources:** - [How anthropomorphism hinders AI education](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/ai-education-anthropomorphism/)

- [How anthropomorphism hinders AI education](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/ai-education-anthropomorphism/)

- [A Christian's Perspective on Artificial Intelligence](https://christoverall.com/article/longform/a-christians-perspective-on-artificial-intelligence/)

**Related Resources:** - ['AI & Christianity': strengthen the uniquely human role in relationship to AI](https://churchforvancouver.ca/ai-christianity-strengthen-the-uniquely-human-role-in-relationship-to-ai/)

- ['AI & Christianity': strengthen the uniquely human role in relationship to AI](https://churchforvancouver.ca/ai-christianity-strengthen-the-uniquely-human-role-in-relationship-to-ai/)

- [The Ethics of AI: How Far Is Too Far?](https://www.barna.com/research/ai-ethics/)

Dr. Henry Cloud paints it so well when explaining why we need both grace and truth. Read [Growth Takes Grace and Truth](https://www.cloudtownsend.com/growth-takes-grace-and-truth/).

Apps that abide by these unofficial guardrails: - [Apologist Agent](https://apologist.ai/en?ref=faith.tools)

- [Apologist Agent](https://apologist.ai/en?ref=faith.tools)

- [NTW](https://faith.tools/app/561-navigate-the-way)

- [Bible Answers AI](https://faith.tools/app/6-bible-answers-ai)

- [The Oxford Oath for Artificial Intelligence](https://github.com/lyndondrake/oxford-oath) (2026)

- [A Christian Framework for AI Ethics](https://missional.ai/7-principles-of-ai-ethics) — Missional AI (2026)

- [The AI Attribute Architecture](https://vimeo.com/1153419142?fl=pl&fe=sh) — James Kelly, FaithTech (2026)

- [Redemptive AI Ethics Framework](https://medium.com/@faithtech/redemptive-ai-ethics-framework-e2a2c278569c) — FaithTech (2025)

- [AI Christian Benchmark](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ai-christian-benchmark/) — The Gospel Coalition (2025)

- [Generative AI in Christian Evangelism](https://apologistproject.org/generative-ai-in-christian-evangelism) — The Apologist Project (2025)

- [Artificial intelligence in the service of the Bible](https://media-1.jesus.net/media/6041/Whitepaper-AI---Ask-Jesus.net.pdf) — Jesus.net

- [Gloo Open](https://ai.gloo.com/releases/announcing-gloo-open)

- [AI Collective](https://aicollective.faith/)

- [Plea for an open sourced Christian Artificial Intelligence](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sfNbXpmqgT-dnL0pCjTqjuSOnA6Jmhfu/edit)

- [AI Ethical Framework](https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/ai-ethical-framework) — Lausanne Movement

This guide is for **builders** creating Christian AI applications. These guardrails help ensure your app meets the [6 unofficial guardrails](https://faith.tools/posts/unofficial-rules-for-ai-apps-for-christians) before you ever submit to fa

**Public domain (no permission needed):** - **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** — [dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial.

- **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** — [dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial.

- **King James Version (KJV)** — public domain in the US and most countries. **Exception:** In the UK, the KJV is under Crown copyright (Royal Prerogative) and printing it requires permission from the Crown's printer. ([source](https://comm

**Free for non-commercial (permission required for commercial use):** - **NET Bible** — copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free to quote for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCo

- **NET Bible** — copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free to quote for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCollins Christian Publishing](https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/sal

**Requires publisher permission (for any use beyond limited quoting):** - **English Standard Version (ESV)** — copyrighted by Crossway. Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or for commercial use, [requ

- **English Standard Version (ESV)** — copyrighted by Crossway. Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or for commercial use, [request permission](https://www.crossway.org/permissions/).

- **New International Version (NIV)** — copyrighted by Biblica (formerly IBS). Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Commercial use or full-text requires [written permission](https://www.biblica.com/permissions/).

- **New Living Translation (NLT)** — copyrighted by Tyndale House Foundation. [Permission required](http://api.nlt.to/) for commercial use.

- **New American Standard Bible (NASB)** — copyrighted by The Lockman Foundation. [Permission to quote form](https://www.lockman.org/permission-to-quote-request-form/) required for use beyond limited quoting.

- **Christian Standard Bible (CSB)** — copyrighted by Holman Bible Publishers (B&H Publishing Group). [Permission required](https://csbible.com/permissions/).

- **The Message (MSG)** — copyrighted by Eugene H. Peterson / NavPress Publishing Group. Written permission required. ([terms](https://biblia.com/books/message/article/COPY))

| API | Details | |---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | 1,000+ translations. Free, no API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | 1,000+ translations. Free, no API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. | | [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | 2,500 versions, 1

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | 1,000+ translations. Free, no API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

| [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | 2,500 versions, 1,600 languages. By American Bible Society. Free for non-commercial use. |

| [**YouVersion Platform**](https://developers.youversion.com/api) | Full Bible API — passages, books, chapters, verses. Requires app key. For non-commercial use. |

| [**bible-api.com**](https://bible-api.com/) | Simple JSON API for public domain Bibles (WEB, KJV, etc). Free, rate-limited. |

| [**ESV API**](https://api.esv.org/) | English Standard Version. Free for non-commercial. HTML/text/XML. |

| [**NET Bible API**](https://labs.bible.org/api_web_service) | Free for non-commercial. HTML/JSON/XML. |

| [**NLT API**](http://api.nlt.to/) | New Living Translation. Free for non-commercial (Tyndale). |

| [**Bible Brain API**](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) | 1,700+ languages with text, audio, and video. Free. By Faith Comes By Hearing. |

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. REST API + TypeScript SDK. |

| [**Aquifer Bible**](https://www.aquifer.bible/) | Open-source, multilingual, multimodal Bible resources for global translation. Requires API key. |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | 3,752 verses + 1,790 sermon videos + 206 commentaries, all cross-referenced. Free. |

| Server | Details | |---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Open-source MCP server using the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. [Source on Val.Town](https://www.val.town/x/camero

|---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Open-source MCP server using the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. [Source on Val.Town](https://www.val.town/x/cameronpak/bible-mcp). | | 

| [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Open-source MCP server using the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. [Source on Val.Town](https://www.val.town/x/cameronpak/bible-mcp). |

| [**AdbC99/ai-bible**](https://github.com/AdbC99/ai-bible) | JavaScript MCP server + OpenAI completions API wrapper. Reliable, reproducible verse lookup. Also at [ai-bible.com](http://ai-bible.com/). |

| Tool | Details | |---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations via REST API. |

|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations via REST API. | | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Extended Strongs for Hebrew

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations via REST API. |

| [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Extended Strongs for Hebrew/Greek, morphological tags, lexicons, proper names, cross-references. |

| [**Blue Letter Bible**](https://www.blueletterbible.org/) | Free online Strong's concordance, lexicons, word tools. Has [ScriptTagger web tool](https://www.blueletterbible.org/webtools/getPlugin.cfm) for auto-linking Bible refs. |

| [**OpenScriptures Hebrew Bible**](https://hb.openscriptures.org/) | OSIS XML, Hebrew Lexicon, morphology codes. Open source. |

| [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Linguistic databases + Python tools for the Greek NT. REST API, Strong's Greek Dictionary in XML. |

| Resource | Details | |---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Includes commentary endpoints alongside translations. |

|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Includes commentary endpoints alongside translations. | | [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | Verse-matched commentary from curated

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Includes commentary endpoints alongside translations. |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | Verse-matched commentary from curated sources. |

| [**Biblia.com API**](http://bibliaapi.com/docs/) | Faithlife/Logos backend. Bible text + commentaries + search. Free. |

- [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) — The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts

- [**awesome-bible-developer-resources**](https://github.com/biblenerd/awesome-bible-developer-resources) — Curated list of Bible dev tools and resources

- [**faith.tools For Developers**](https://faith.tools/for-developers) — Christian developer resources directory

### Getting Started - [Free prompt for AI Christian chatbots](https://git.new/bible-ai-prompt) — open-source starting point

- [Free prompt for AI Christian chatbots](https://git.new/bible-ai-prompt) — open-source starting point

- [Bible MCP](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) — drop-in MCP server so your AI quotes real Scripture, not hallucinations

- [Free Use Bible API](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) — the go-to RAG source for real-time Scripture access (free, no keys)

### Word Study & Original Languages - [BibleSDK](https://biblesdk.com/) — Strong's concordance + semantic search in one API (TypeScript SDK available)

- [BibleSDK](https://biblesdk.com/) — Strong's concordance + semantic search in one API (TypeScript SDK available)

- [STEPBible Data](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) — CC BY 4.0 Greek/Hebrew word study data, lexicons, morphology

- [Blue Letter Bible](https://www.blueletterbible.org/) — free online Strong's concordance and lexicons

### Directories & Comprehensive Lists - [get.bible Bible Data Sets](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) — master directory of all Bible APIs, datasets, and formats

- [get.bible Bible Data Sets](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) — master directory of all Bible APIs, datasets, and formats

- [awesome-bible-developer-resources](https://github.com/biblenerd/awesome-bible-developer-resources) — curated list of Bible dev tools

- [faith.tools For Developers](https://faith.tools/for-developers) — Christian developer resources

### Global & Multilingual - [Aquifer Bible](https://www.aquifer.bible/) — open-source, multilingual Bible resources for global translation

- [Aquifer Bible](https://www.aquifer.bible/) — open-source, multilingual Bible resources for global translation

- [Bible Brain API](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) — 1,700+ languages, text/audio/video

### Ethics & Design - [Laws of UX](https://lawsofux.com/) — design excellence honors God

- [Laws of UX](https://lawsofux.com/) — design excellence honors God

- [FaithTech Playbook](https://faithtech.com/the-faithtech-playbook/) — building redemptive technology

- [Redemptive AI Ethics Framework](https://medium.com/@faithtech/redemptive-ai-ethics-framework-e2a2c278569c) — FaithTech (2025)

If the user names beauty or design quality, affirm it as stewardship. Ask whether beauty serves faithfulness, clarity, and return, or whether it is drifting into polish, comparison, or novelty. If they are not a designer, briefly name that 

For implementation guidance (Bible APIs, system prompt templates, MCP servers, RAG setup), load the `ft-build-christian-ai-guardrails` skill: https://skills.sh/cameronapak/jstack

Visit [faith.tools](https://faith.tools/) and look in the available 50+ app categories. Your app idea will most likely fit in one of those categories. Click on the category that seems most relevant, and then look through the list of availab

Rinse and repeat by going to the next relevant category. And, if that doesn't work, use the search button in the top right corner of [faith.tools](https://faith.tools/).

Visit [Google.com](https://google.com/) and search for the type of idea you're looking for. Search for key words. For example, if you're building a Christian journaling app, search for "Christian journaling app." What results appear? Determ

Visit [ChatGPT.com](https://chatgpt.com/) or [Perplexity.io](https://perplexity.io/). Both of these use artificial intelligence to help you search and find the right information fast.

If you're wanting to grow in putting in hard work, learn from and get involved with [Faith Driven Entrepreneur](https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/), [FaithTech](https://faithtech.com/), and other great faith and tech communities.

Looking for a practical approach to building redemptive technology? Check out [The FaithTech Playbook](https://faithtech.com/the-faithtech-playbook/).

And, when you have your app or tool in a place that's ready to be delivered to Christians around the world, share it on [faith.tools](https://faith.tools/), the best place to discover and distribute apps for Christians.

The journey of building from idea to app is a journey worth sharing. Partner with God and community each step of the way. Work hard and rest hard. The Lord didn't make us to constantly be in the grind, sprinting to no end. When we make room

What does a good Christian app look like? These 10 criteria come from [faith.tools](https://faith.tools/posts/selection-criteria) and represent the quality, doctrinal, and heart standards that shape apps worth building and sharing with the 

For design best practices, see [Laws of UX](https://lawsofux.com/).

For a description of the Christian doctrine, see [What is Christianity?](https://www.gotquestions.org/Christianity.html).

For implementation guidance (Bible APIs, system prompts, MCP servers, RAG setup), see the [ft-build-christian-ai-guardrails skill](https://skills.sh/cameronapak/jstack/ft-build-christian-ai-guardrails).

Testing framework for Christian AI apps, mapped to the [unofficial guardrails for AI apps for Christians](https://faith.tools/posts/unofficial-rules-for-ai-apps-for-christians).

Use [route.bible](https://route.bible/) for outbound/share/export Scripture links. One stable URL that works across any Bible app.

https://route.bible/{passage}?v={translation}&src={your_app}

| Example | URL | |---|---| | John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

|---|---| | John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` | | With translation | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16?v=ESV` |

| John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

| With translation | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16?v=ESV` |

| API | Cost | Highlights | |---|---|---| | [Free Use Bible API](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations, no keys, JSON |

|---|---|---| | [Free Use Bible API](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations, no keys, JSON | | [API.Bible](https://scripture.api.bible/) | Free (non-commercial) | 2,500 versions, 1,600 languages |

| [Free Use Bible API](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations, no keys, JSON |

| [API.Bible](https://scripture.api.bible/) | Free (non-commercial) | 2,500 versions, 1,600 languages |

| [YouVersion Platform](https://developers.youversion.com/api) | Free (non-commercial) | Full Bible API, requires app key |

| [Bible Brain API](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) | Free | 1,700+ languages, text/audio/video |

| Server | Details | |---|---| | [Bible MCP](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Hosted endpoint, 97/100 quality on Smithery |

|---|---| | [Bible MCP](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Hosted endpoint, 97/100 quality on Smithery | | [Doxa MCP](https://doxa.app/mcp) | Hosted endpoint with three tools: encourage (Doxa-voice reply anchored in Scripture), scripture (BS

| [Bible MCP](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | Hosted endpoint, 97/100 quality on Smithery |

| [Doxa MCP](https://doxa.app/mcp) | Hosted endpoint with three tools: encourage (Doxa-voice reply anchored in Scripture), scripture (BSB lookup), way_movement (Doxa Way framework). Free per-individual quota, BYOL Anthropic for unlimited |

| [Bible Glide MCP](https://www.bibleglide.com/mcp) | Hosted OAuth MCP endpoint for Bible Glide accounts. Reads Daily Scripture, Lectionary Daily Scripture, small-group lessons, reader notes/highlights, community activity, and can route exp

| [AdbC99/ai-bible](https://github.com/AdbC99/ai-bible) | MCP server + OpenAI wrapper |

| [geosp/mcp-bible](https://github.com/geosp/mcp-bible) | Python, via BibleGateway |

When your app links out to Scripture (share links, QR codes, verse cards, sermon notes, "Open in Bible app" buttons), use [**route.bible**](https://route.bible/) instead of provider-specific URLs.

https://route.bible/{passage}?v={translation}&src={your_app}

| Example | URL | |---|---| | John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

|---|---| | John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` | | Range | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16-jhn.3.18` |

| John 3:16 | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

| Range | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16-jhn.3.18` |

| With translation | `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16?v=ESV` |

| With source tag | `https://route.bible/rom.8.28?src=my_app` |

| Method | When to use | |---|---| | **Canonical URLs directly** | Your app already knows the passage. Just emit `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

|---|---| | **Canonical URLs directly** | Your app already knows the passage. Just emit `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` | | [**grab-bcv**](https://www.npmjs.com/package/grab-bcv) (npm) | Your app needs to parse user input into passage refere

| **Canonical URLs directly** | Your app already knows the passage. Just emit `https://route.bible/jhn.3.16` |

| [**grab-bcv**](https://www.npmjs.com/package/grab-bcv) (npm) | Your app needs to parse user input into passage references locally |

| [**@route-bible/client**](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@route-bible/client) (npm) | Your app needs hosted parsing, resolution, QR generation, or adapter metadata |

| [**badge.js**](https://route.bible/badge.js) | CMS/article pages wanting copy-paste integration with minimal code |

| [**Share target**](https://route.bible/share-target) | Your page has article metadata but not a clean parsed passage |

Full integration guide: [route.bible/skill.md](https://route.bible/skill.md)

| Translation | Details | |---|---| | **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** | [Dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial. |

|---|---| | **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** | [Dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial. | | **King James Version (KJV)** | Public domain in the 

| **Berean Standard Bible (BSB)** | [Dedicated to public domain](https://berean.bible/terms.htm) (CC0) as of April 30, 2023. All uses freely permitted, including commercial. |

| **King James Version (KJV)** | Public domain in the US and most countries. **Exception:** In the UK, the KJV is under Crown copyright (Royal Prerogative). ([source](https://commonplacefacts.com/2026/01/18/is-the-king-james-bible-copyright

| Translation | Details | |---|---| | **NET Bible** | Copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCollins Christian Publishing](https://www.har

| **NET Bible** | Copyrighted by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. **Commercial use requires permission from [HarperCollins Christian Publishing](https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/sales-and-ri

| Translation | Publisher | Permission | |---|---|---| | **English Standard Version (ESV)** | Crossway | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or commercial: [request permission](https://www.crossway.or

|---|---|---| | **English Standard Version (ESV)** | Crossway | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or commercial: [request permission](https://www.crossway.org/permissions/) | | **New International V

| **English Standard Version (ESV)** | Crossway | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Beyond that or commercial: [request permission](https://www.crossway.org/permissions/) |

| **New International Version (NIV)** | Biblica | Free to quote up to 500 verses non-commercial with attribution. Commercial or full-text: [written permission](https://www.biblica.com/permissions/) |

| **New Living Translation (NLT)** | Tyndale House Foundation | [Permission required](http://api.nlt.to/) for commercial use |

| **New American Standard Bible (NASB)** | The Lockman Foundation | [Permission to quote form](https://www.lockman.org/permission-to-quote-request-form/) required beyond limited quoting |

| **Christian Standard Bible (CSB)** | Holman Bible Publishers (B&H) | [Permission required](https://csbible.com/permissions/) |

| **The Message (MSG)** | Eugene H. Peterson / NavPress | Written permission required. ([terms](https://biblia.com/books/message/article/COPY)) |

| API | Cost | Details | |---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations. No API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

|---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations. No API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. | | [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | Free (non-co

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | Free | 1,000+ translations. No API keys, no limits, JSON. Also has commentary endpoints. By AO Lab. |

| [**API.Bible**](https://scripture.api.bible/) | Free (non-commercial) | 2,500 versions, 1,600 languages. By American Bible Society. |

| [**YouVersion Platform**](https://developers.youversion.com/api) | Free (non-commercial) | Full Bible API — passages, books, chapters, verses. Requires app key. |

| [**bible-api.com**](https://bible-api.com/) | Free | Simple JSON API for public domain Bibles (WEB, KJV, etc). Rate-limited. |

| [**ESV API**](https://api.esv.org/) | Free (non-commercial) | English Standard Version. HTML/text/XML. |

| [**NET Bible API**](https://labs.bible.org/api_web_service) | Free (non-commercial) | NET Bible text. HTML/JSON/XML. |

| [**NLT API**](http://api.nlt.to/) | Free (non-commercial) | New Living Translation. By Tyndale. |

| [**Bible Brain API**](https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/bible-brain) | Free | 1,700+ languages with text, audio, and video. By Faith Comes By Hearing. |

| [**Aquifer Bible**](https://www.aquifer.bible/) | Free (API key required) | Open-source, multilingual, multimodal Bible resources for global translation. |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | Free | 3,752 verses + 1,790 sermon videos + 206 commentaries, all cross-referenced. |

| [**Biblia.com API**](http://bibliaapi.com/docs/) | Free | Faithlife/Logos backend. Bible text + commentaries + search. |

| SDK | Language | Details | |---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | TypeScript / REST | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. [Docs](https://biblesdk.com/docs) / [SDK guide](https://biblesdk.co

|---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | TypeScript / REST | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. [Docs](https://biblesdk.com/docs) / [SDK guide](https://biblesdk.com/docs/sdk) | | [**Bible Supe

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | TypeScript / REST | NET Bible text + Strong's concordance + AI-powered semantic search. [Docs](https://biblesdk.com/docs) / [SDK guide](https://biblesdk.com/docs/sdk) |

| [**Bible SuperSearch API**](https://api.biblesupersearch.com/) | REST | Free, 1,000 hits/day. Many languages available for non-commercial use. |

| [**IQ Bible API**](https://iqbible.com/) | REST | 40+ endpoints — original Hebrew/Greek, audio narrations, study tools. |

| [**SWORD Engine**](http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp) | C++ (bindings for many) | CrossWire Bible Society's open source Bible software engine. |

| Server | Language | Details | |---|---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | TypeScript (Deno) | Uses the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. 97/100 quality on Smithery, 99.7% uptim

|---|---|---| | [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | TypeScript (Deno) | Uses the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. 97/100 quality on Smithery, 99.7% uptime. [Source](https://www.val.town

| [**Bible MCP**](https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/) | TypeScript (Deno) | Uses the Free Use Bible API. Hosted endpoint: `https://bible-mcp.faith.tools/mcp`. 97/100 quality on Smithery, 99.7% uptime. [Source](https://www.val.town/x/cameronpak/

| [**Doxa MCP**](https://doxa.app/mcp) | TypeScript (Deno) | Three tools: `doxa_encourage` (Doxa-voice reply anchored in Scripture, BSB), `doxa_scripture` (BSB verse lookup with deep links), `doxa_way_movement` (Doxa Way journey map). Hoste

| [**Bible Glide MCP**](https://www.bibleglide.com/mcp) | Rust / Remote MCP | Hosted Streamable HTTP endpoint: `https://api.bibleglide.com/mcp`. Reads connected Bible Glide account context including Daily Scripture, Lectionary Daily Scriptu

| [**AdbC99/ai-bible**](https://github.com/AdbC99/ai-bible) | JavaScript | MCP server + OpenAI completions API wrapper. Reliable, reproducible verse lookup. Also at [ai-bible.com](http://ai-bible.com/). |

| [**geosp/mcp-bible**](https://github.com/geosp/mcp-bible) | Python | Via BibleGateway. ESV/NIV/KJV/NASB/NKJV/NLT/AMP/MSG. Supports stdio, HTTP MCP, and REST modes. |

| Tool | Format | Details | |---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | REST API | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations. Add `?concordance=true` to any verse endpoint. |

|---|---|---| | [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | REST API | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations. Add `?concordance=true` to any verse endpoint. | | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBib

| [**BibleSDK**](https://biblesdk.com/) | REST API | Strong's numbers, original language definitions, transliterations. Add `?concordance=true` to any verse endpoint. |

| [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | TSV/CSV (CC BY 4.0) | Extended Strongs for Hebrew/Greek, morphological tags, lexicons, proper names, cross-references. |

| [**Blue Letter Bible**](https://www.blueletterbible.org/) | Web + [ScriptTagger](https://www.blueletterbible.org/webtools/getPlugin.cfm) | Free online Strong's concordance, lexicons, word tools. ScriptTagger auto-links Bible refs on any w

| [**OpenScriptures Hebrew Bible**](https://hb.openscriptures.org/) | OSIS XML | Hebrew Lexicon, morphology codes. Open source. |

| [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Python + REST API | Linguistic databases + tools for the Greek NT. Strong's Greek Dictionary in XML. |

| Resource | Type | Details | |---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | API | Commentary endpoints alongside translations. `GET /api/c/{commentary}/books.json` |

|---|---|---| | [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | API | Commentary endpoints alongside translations. `GET /api/c/{commentary}/books.json` | | [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) |

| [**Free Use Bible API**](https://bible.helloao.org/docs/) | API | Commentary endpoints alongside translations. `GET /api/c/{commentary}/books.json` |

| [**Christian Context API**](https://www.getcontext.xyz/developers.php) | API | Verse-matched commentary + sermons from curated sources. Query by theme, book, verse, or pastor. |

| [**Biblia.com API**](http://bibliaapi.com/docs/) | API | Faithlife/Logos backend. Bible text + commentaries + search. |

| [**BibleTalk.tv Data API**](https://bibletalk.tv/data-api) | API | Free Bible study materials in JSON. Add `.json` to URIs. |

| Directory | Details | |---|---| | [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) | The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts. |

|---|---| | [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) | The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts. | | [**awesome-bible-developer-resources**](https://github.com

| [**get.bible Bible Data Sets**](https://get.bible/bible-data-sets/) | The most comprehensive directory of Bible APIs, datasets, XML formats, and public domain texts. |

| [**awesome-bible-developer-resources**](https://github.com/biblenerd/awesome-bible-developer-resources) | Curated list of Bible dev tools and resources on GitHub. |

| [**faith.tools For Developers**](https://faith.tools/for-developers) | Christian developer resources directory. |

| Source | Format | Details | |---|---|---| | [**open.bible**](https://open.bible/) | USX, USFM, Word, audio | Biblica's CC-licensed Bibles in 700+ languages. |

|---|---|---| | [**open.bible**](https://open.bible/) | USX, USFM, Word, audio | Biblica's CC-licensed Bibles in 700+ languages. | | [**fetch.bible**](https://fetch.bible/) | USX 3+, USFM, HTML, text | Free access to 1,100+ Bible translatio

| [**open.bible**](https://open.bible/) | USX, USFM, Word, audio | Biblica's CC-licensed Bibles in 700+ languages. | | [**fetch.bible**](https://fetch.bible/) | USX 3+, USFM, HTML, text | Free access to 1,100+ Bible translations with API. |

| [**fetch.bible**](https://fetch.bible/) | USX 3+, USFM, HTML, text | Free access to 1,100+ Bible translations with API. |

| [**berean.bible/downloads**](https://berean.bible/downloads.htm) | XLSX, PDF, Word, text | Berean Study Bible (public domain). | | [**ebible.org**](http://ebible.org/find) | HTML, ePub, PDF, SQL, USFM | Bibles in many languages and format

| [**ebible.org**](http://ebible.org/find) | HTML, ePub, PDF, SQL, USFM | Bibles in many languages and formats. | | [**OpenBible.com**](https://openbible.com/) | XLSX, PDF, Word, ePub, text | Open source Bibles for download and development.

| [**OpenBible.com**](https://openbible.com/) | XLSX, PDF, Word, ePub, text | Open source Bibles for download and development. |

| [**github.com/seven1m/open-bibles**](https://github.com/seven1m/open-bibles) | XML | Public domain and freely licensed Bibles. |

| [**Bible Versions DB**](https://github.com/scrollmapper/bible_databases) | MySQL, SQLite, XML, CSV, JSON | ASV, BBE, DARBY, KJV, WBT, WEB, YLT + cross-references. |

| Source | Details | |---|---| | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Tagged Hebrew OT, amalgamated Greek NT, extended Strongs lexicons, proper names. |

|---|---| | [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Tagged Hebrew OT, amalgamated Greek NT, extended Strongs lexicons, proper names. | | [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Linguistic databases

| [**STEPBible Data**](https://github.com/tyndale/STEPBible-Data) | CC BY 4.0. Tagged Hebrew OT, amalgamated Greek NT, extended Strongs lexicons, proper names. |

| [**morphgnt**](https://github.com/morphgnt) | Linguistic databases + Python tools for Greek NT. REST API. |

| [**OpenScriptures Hebrew Bible**](https://hb.openscriptures.org/) | OSIS XML, Hebrew Lexicon, morphology codes. |

| [**biblicalhumanities.org**](http://biblicalhumanities.org/dashboard/) | Nestle 1904 GNT, Codex Sinaiticus, Septuagint, Liddell-Scott-Jones lexica, Mounce Lexicon. |

| [**TextCritical.net**](https://textcritical.net/) | Free access to ancient Greek works in the original language. Open source. |

*Scripture linking powered by [route.bible](https://route.bible/) — a canonical URL and routing layer for Bible passages. One stable URL that works across any Bible app, browser, or device. By [selah.tools](https://selah.tools/).*

1. Find existing `AGENTS.md` and `CLAUDE.md` files in the repo. 2. If none exist, stop. Tell the user this skill is additive and recommend creating an agent instruction file first with `https://skills.sh/github/awesome-copilot/create-agents

2. If none exist, stop. Tell the user this skill is additive and recommend creating an agent instruction file first with `https://skills.sh/github/awesome-copilot/create-agentsmd`.

Before rewriting, read the `writing-for-agents` skill. If it is missing locally, fetch https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mattpocock/skills/main/skills/productivity/writing-for-agents/SKILL.md.

Cite for the always-on ignore problem: https://www.humanlayer.dev/blog/writing-a-good-claude-md