My good friend Danny Frese responded to my recent post on my favorite software:
Your recent post on software (and looking at your previous one that you linked to) makes me wonder why you didn’t mention e-sword, since you teach Bible. It is really an awesome program, and it’s free. I really cannot do any research without using it. I don’t remember if I’ve told you about it, or if you have it or use it. It’s the basic multi-window layout common to many Bible programs, and has multiple translations, language dictionaries (BDB, Strongs, etc.), commentaries (including Keil and Delitzsch- with Hebrew and Greek fonts!), Bible dictionaries (the entire ISBE, Easton’s, Smith’s, etc.), and a couple of topical Bibles (Nave’s and Torrey’s). All of these resources are linked to the Biblical text – any source that has relevant info for your verse will show a little bubble with “I” on the tab for that source. The best time saving feature is that verse references which are embedded in commentaries, Naves, etc. are all keyed to the texts- and you can mouse over them and a bubble pops up with the verse right there. This saves tons of time when scanning for particular references. I paid 20 dollars to get the NET bible with all the notes as a plug in, and this has proven a great investment. I’ve also got Bible Works, which I use alongside e-sword, but I definitely need both (the $350 program and the free one!)
Okay, so I’m a bit enthusiastic about e-sword, but how can I not be? I’m poor and cheap, and it’s awesome and free. =)
I didn’t mention e-Sword because I don’t use it, though I have recommended it to others before. I think Danny’s comments may be helpful to many readers of this blog who are also poor and cheap :-).
I don’t use e-Sword because many years ago I bought a package for Logos/Libronix, and over the years I have steadily increased my library. While it’s not cheap, it has the main things that I use (and e-Sword and the other programs, free or not, often do not). Those main things are the NIV, Anchor Bible Dictionary, HALOT, Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (revised ed.), and BAR and BA magazines. Pretty much any electronic book for biblical studies that’s out there is available in Libronix format, excepting some Zondervan titles (and they have really erred in their attempt to take over the software market by refusing to license their titles).
For those who would consider using Libronix, I highly recommend you start with a package. That will give you a lot of basic books and from there you can buy the extras as you have needs and funds. I know that Logos used to have a half-price special at colleges and seminaries about once a year; that’s a perfect time to get it. For those who want something free, e-Sword seems to get the best reviews.