# BibleRef — Online Bible Commentary

> Online Bible commentary with verse-by-verse explanations and cross-references. (iPhone/iPad app by Got Questions Ministries.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bibleref/id1596177226 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Got Questions Ministries](https://appshunter.io/developer/366553553)
- Category: Reference, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 176 App Store ratings · 85 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 171 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-03-01
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bibleref/id1596177226/reviews.md

## What is BibleRef?

BibleRef - An Online Bible Commentary You Can Understand

The BibleRef app contains verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter Bible commentary along with extensive cross references and context explanation all written by the GotQuestions.org team. For each verse in the Bible there are six different Bible translations, easy-to-understand commentary, and brief explanations of how the verse fits within its surrounding context. New content is published regularly and can be downloaded via the settings menu in the app.

## Key features

- Verse-by-verse commentary
- Chapter-by-chapter commentary
- Extensive cross-references
- Context explanation
- Six Bible translations
- Regularly updated content

## What do users think of BibleRef?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 📚 Comprehensive verse-by-verse commentary and explanations
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface design
- 🆓 Completely free with no paywalls or subscriptions
- 📖 Multiple Bible translations available for comparison
- 🎯 Helpful context and summary sections for each chapter
- ⚡ Fast and responsive app performance
- 🙏 Excellent resource for Bible study and understanding
- 📱 Easy navigation between verses and sections
- ✨ Clear and straightforward explanations in plain English
- 🎓 Particularly helpful for beginners and new Christians

**Cons**

- ⚠️ Incomplete coverage of Old Testament books
- 🔄 Many sections marked 'Coming Soon' throughout app
- 🐛 App freezes and won't download updates
- ❌ Missing features compared to other Bible apps
- 📊 Inconsistent commentary availability across books
- ⏳ Slow development and content completion

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App freezes and won't download updates
- Crashes after iOS updates
- Performance issues with certain devices
- Inconsistent loading of commentary sections

**Most requested features**

- Highlighter and font size adjustment options
- Audio/text-to-speech functionality for commentary
- iPad version of the app
- Bookmark or reading progress tracker
- Search function for verses and topics
- Spanish language version
- Clickable verse citations in commentary
- Additional Bible translations (NKJV)
- Copy and paste text selection capability
- Favorite/save verses feature

## Recent user reviews (10 of 85)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bibleref/id1596177226/reviews.md

### 2/5 — App still incomplete

*2026-08-06*

I’ve had this app for quite awhile and what is amazing is that there are many books of the Bible where both commentary and context are blank with the exception of  “Coming Soon”. 
I decided to look at the ratings to see if there might be others who notice the lack of completion. 
There are, a lot. A lot. And, it goes back for years. YEARS.   How can you release an underdeveloped app and  then fail to complete it after several years?
I’ll use ChatGPT from now on.

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2026-05-11, version 1.2.1*

This is a great app and is so helpful for me to understand context and summaries from the Word. Loving the new layout as well!

### 2/5 — Messed up a good app

*2026-04-10, version 1.2.0*

This used to be my go to app but the last update ruined it. It used to be easy to navigate and the verse commentaries were helpful. All of that has seemed to change. I’m not happy with this update.

### 5/5 — Awesome Bible Study App

*2026-03-11, version 1.1.0*

I have been using this app for about a week now, and it has been really useful in my Bible study and not to mention it’s free!

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2026-03-10*

This app is amazing. This is my first app review and because I use this app alot, I decided to write this review. What makes this app stand out is that it gives you a summary of the book, chapter, each paragraph, and each verse. It makes understanding the bible alot easier. At the time im writing this, alot of the OT is still coming soon, but the gospels are all done. They should consider making a hard copy of this app. Great job guys.

### 3/5 — Great, but incomplete.

*2026-02-14, version 1.1.0*

I started by reading the New Testament first. The commentaries were great but when I started reading the Old Testament, many of the commentaries are labeled Coming Soon!  If this was complete, it would be an easy 5 star rating. I REALLY appreciate all the work you’ve done.  But in dealing with something as complex as the Bible, I can use all the help I can get.

### 5/5 — 🤍

*2026-01-22, version 1.1.0*

My favorite online commentary! Grateful for those that worked so hard on making this wonderful app!!

### 5/5 — Terrific Scripture companion

*2026-01-11, version 1.1.0*

Complete, fast, and easy to navigate.

### 5/5 — BEST STUDY APP EVER

*2025-11-26, version 1.1.0*

It's so easy and simple to use it helps everything make so much sense!

### 5/5 — Wonderful app

*2025-11-17, version 1.1.0*

We thank you for being used by God to create this app. It has brought massive transformation to my life. The most things i like are the summary, commentary and context sections. We appreciate your great work and you have made the app freely accessible to anyone . God is using you mightily in this age. Thanks once again

## Frequently asked questions about BibleRef

### What is BibleRef?

BibleRef is an online Bible commentary app that provides verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter explanations of scripture. It includes extensive cross-references and context explanations to help users understand the Bible more deeply.

### What are the key features of BibleRef?

Key features include verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter commentary, extensive cross-references, context explanations, and access to six different Bible translations. New content is also published regularly.

### Is BibleRef free to use?

Yes, the BibleRef app is completely free to use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a free resource for Bible study.

### What kind of content does BibleRef offer?

The app offers easy-to-understand commentary written by the GotQuestions.org team. It focuses on explaining how each verse fits within its surrounding context and provides deeper insights into scripture.

### Can I download content for offline use?

Yes, new content published regularly can be downloaded via the settings menu within the app. This allows for offline access to commentary and explanations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.0 — 2026-08-11

-Full screen reading mode improvements
-New setting to "pick up where you left off"
-Fixes to note taking
-Search now understands book abbreviations ("Mk", "1co", "Gen")
-Added a "load more" button for more than 50 search results
-Larger text sizes
-New blog page in the menu

### 1.3.0 — 2026-07-08

Added notes feature. Bug fixes.

### 1.2.1 — 2026-04-27

Font size adjustments
Added two book tabs back
New home screen layout
Updated search tools
Added verse popup feature

### 1.2.0 — 2026-04-06

-New dark theme
-New history view for quick access to recent content
-New readability and personalization options
-Copy paste functionality
-New search functionality
-New logo and branding
-New authentication & syncing options
-Improved navigation & "back" behavior
-Improved memory; the app resumes your latest position
-New cross-content linking to scripture references
-Bug fixes

### 1.1.0 — 2025-08-26

* Small bug fixes
* Content Updates

## Apps similar to BibleRef

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Bible Dictionary and Glossary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-dictionary-and-glossary/id950707914) | 4.8 (5,002) | Free | Reference |
| [Blue Letter Bible](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blue-letter-bible/id365547505) | 4.9 (354,279) | Free | Reference |
| [BibleProject](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bibleproject/id1523687027) | 4.9 (2,748) | Free | Reference |
| [Bible Hub](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-hub/id1090228108) | 4.9 (118,891) | Free | Reference |
| [Versify App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/versify-app/id1597230197) | 4.9 (14,110) | Free | Reference |
| [Enduring Word Commentary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/enduring-word-commentary/id1436262209) | 4.7 (682) | Free | Reference |

## More apps by Got Questions Ministries

- [Got Questions?](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/got-questions/id366553550)

All apps by Got Questions Ministries: https://appshunter.io/developer/366553553

## Related topics

[top bible reference apps](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/top-bible-reference-apps) · [bible reference](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bible-reference) · [bible reference app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bible-reference-app) · [got questions ministries](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/got-questions-ministries) · [got questions.com](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/got-questions-com) · [sh maas](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sh-maas) · [enduring word commentary](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/enduring-word-commentary) · [got questions](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/got-questions) · [bible commentary](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bible-commentary) · [commentary biblical](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/commentary-biblical) · [matthew henry commentary](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/matthew-henry-commentary) · [jbibleonline](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/jbibleonline) · [enduring word david guzik](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/enduring-word-david-guzik)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*