# Handy Bible — Handy Bible Study Tool > Offline Bible reader and study tool with advanced search and note-taking. (iPhone/iPad app by Vincent Chiu.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible/id442993767 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Vincent Chiu](https://appshunter.io/developer/414105379) - Category: Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.70/5 from 276 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 196 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-06-23 - Data updated: 2026-08-23 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible/id442993767/reviews.md ## What is Handy Bible? The Handy Bible gives you a Bible that is extremely useful in every aspect- it not only provides an easy and fast way(one of the fastest bible lookup/search apps - compared to other top selling apps) to read the Bible, but it also has various helpful features that allows for more convenient bible studies. Features: -------------------------------------- * Universal app (if you buy the app, you can install it for both the iPhone and the iPad); it also supports both the portrait and the landscape mode; no internet connection needed * Support iOS built-in Text-to-Speech feature, no need to download huge audio recording data(optional In-App purchase) * One of the fastest bible search engines, as it uses a powerful SQL database engine that allows you to lookup or load any bible verse almost instantly; also features an “instant search” setting that automatically starts searching even as you type * Ability to add/edit personal notes for every single verse (will show a NOTE icon next to that verse). This personal NOTE window is depicted as a floating, half-transparent, and movable window; this allows you to keep the window open as you read the Bible * One of the best rich text note editing: supports "rich text editing" including "Bold", "Italic", "Underline", "Strike Through", "Font color/highlight/size", "Ordered or unordered list", etc. Video demo: http://facebook.com/handybible * Includes ASV, BBE, DARBY, ISV, KJV, NHEB, WEB, YLT free domain bible text. Unlike other apps, need to go through several steps, with one single touch you can easily switch to the different Bible versions on the top navigation bar. * Uses a rolling wheel-Picker to quickly and easily pick or lookup various books, chapters, or verses; it can also let you type the first letter of a book, which then helps you instantly select that particular book * Powerful and rich search features: search for any text inside the Bible or any text in your own personal notes; it can also filter OT and NT books. Can also use "AND" or "OR" (words separated by space, or use begin-end double quotes to search as a whole phrase) to narrow down the search. * Unlike other apps, can only show search result page by page, Search Result will be presented with all scriptures found in order by a Book with Book Index for easy access and the frequency of that serach strings within each Book. * Easy navigation to the next or previous verse/chapter/book via a group of cursor buttons on the lower-right corner * The text of each bible verse or personal note can be copied or emailed to others * Will automatically store any verse you search or lookup as “History”. You can also add personal bookmarks. * Features customizable settings that allows you to change the primary Bible text, the Bible text font type/color/size, and the background image (can choose from built-in patterns or you can choose to add an image from your own iPhone Photo Albums library) * Tools-Store - Purchase Copyrighted Contents: can purchase authorized copyright contents like ESV, Message, NASB, NET, NKJV bible * The Chinese version is also available for purchase * Can purchase"Pro version" separately-"Handy Bible Pro" will include features like the Dictionary/Strong Number concordance search, KJV with Strong Number, Bible text parallel comparison, and Bible Commentary(MHCC, CLARKE, JFB) lookup. * Useful Tips/FAQ: http://vincentchiu.com/iphone_apps * Latest info: http://facebook.com/handybible ## Key features - Offline Bible access - Fast Bible search engine - Rich text note editing - Multiple Bible versions - Customizable text and background - Verse history and bookmarks ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | The Message Bible | $4.99 | one-time | | NET Bible | $0.99 | one-time | | ESV Bible | $4.99 | one-time | | NASB Bible | $5.99 | one-time | | Add Text-To-Speech | $1.99 | one-time | | Donate-support our ministry | $49.99 | one-time | | Donate-support our ministry | $9.99 | one-time | | Donate-support our ministry | $24.99 | one-time | | Prayer Requests | $1.99 | one-time | | Bible Note can add Audio Recording/Playing | $0.99 | one-time | | NKJV Bible | $7.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (8 of 8) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible/id442993767/reviews.md ### 5/5 — They have ISV *2025-10-08* I couldnt find ISV anywhere. Then I found it here. ### 5/5 — Handy bible pro *2020-01-22* At first I was upset, after spending money on the NKJV then not being able to download it so I couldn’t use it but I don’t know what I did and for now it is working NKJV is showing up on my list of bibles so I’m happy **Developer response:** Hi, please email the questions to "iphone.apps.vincechiu@gmail.com". Thank you. ### 1/5 — Money Pit *2017-11-03* The Gospel and it’s tools are not to make profit. ### 5/5 — Great Features *2016-11-30, version 4.32* It is a great Bible reading app with many features and versatility. Please add more Bible reading plans! ### 5/5 — Handy Bible *2014-12-01* This is one of the best Bible Apps. Easy to use and with lots of features all on one page. The parallel comparison of various versions all at the same time is extremely helpful. Also, features like commentaries and concordance are easily accessible. Most of all I really like the extremely friendly and personal support when you need to ask any questions. Wish it has audio capabilities but it still deserves a 5 star review for all that it represents. ### 5/5 — one of the best free apps. *2014-11-28* Very well designed app. Only negatives: selection of free Bibles not very good and purchased bibles are a little more costly than other similar apps; takes a considerable amount of space. But I still give it 5 stars. ### 4/5 — Handy Bible *2013-03-24, version 2.5* This is one of the best KJV Bibles I have used in the free group. ### 4/5 — Great looking. *2013-01-16* Used on iphone 4.1 and now on iphone 5. One of the best bible apps out there. Can customize it by changing quite a few settings. Good selection of starter bibles, with a couple for purchase at less than $5, which is about 1/2 the cost of those bibles on other apps. Of course, with so much good stuff, the pro version, which I don't have, uses a lot of space; over 210mb (only 33+ on the free version), which is something to consider on an iPhone. But, well worth it and you will be glad you got it every time you open the app. ## Frequently asked questions about Handy Bible ### What does the Handy Bible app do? The Handy Bible app is designed to be a comprehensive tool for reading and studying the Bible. It offers fast search capabilities, the ability to take personal notes with rich text formatting, and access to multiple Bible versions, all without requiring an internet connection. ### What are the key features of the Handy Bible app? Key features include offline Bible access, one of the fastest Bible search engines, rich text note editing for each verse, support for multiple free domain Bible texts, customizable reading settings (font, color, background), verse history, and bookmarking. ### Is the Handy Bible app free to use? The app is free to download and use with its core features. However, it offers optional in-app purchases, such as for the Text-to-Speech feature, and also provides access to copyrighted Bible texts for purchase. ### What devices is the Handy Bible app compatible with? The app is a universal app, meaning if you purchase it, you can install it on both iPhone and iPad devices. It also supports both portrait and landscape orientations. ### How can I use the Handy Bible app for studying? You can use the app for in-depth Bible study by taking personal notes with rich text formatting directly on verses, utilizing the powerful search to find specific passages or keywords, and comparing different Bible versions. The offline functionality ensures you can study anywhere. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 7.2.1 — 2025-11-19 * Bible text updates * Minor bug fixes and performance improvements ### 7.1.0 — 2025-08-16 * Bible text updates * Minor bug fixes and performance improvements ### 7.0.0 — 2024-09-11 * Bible text updates * Minor bug fixes and performance improvements ### 6.9.1 — 2024-02-07 * Bible text added - NASB2020 * Minor bug fixes and performance improvements ### 6.8.2 — 2023-07-18 * Bible text update * Minor bug fixes and performance improvements ## Apps similar to Handy Bible | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Bible App - Read & Study Daily](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-app-read-and-study-daily/id332615624) | 4.8 (319,677) | Free | Reference | | [Bible - Daily Bible Verse KJV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-daily-bible-verse-kjv/id1357464684) | 4.9 (493,872) | Free | Reference | | [Bible](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible/id282935706) | 4.9 (13,658,148) | Free | Reference | | [Bible - Audio & Video Bibles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-audio-and-video-bibles/id378075859) | 4.8 (131,713) | Free | Reference | | [NIV Bible App +](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/niv-bible-app-plus/id291270748) | 4.9 (154,712) | Free | Reference | | [NKJV Bible by Olive Tree](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nkjv-bible-by-olive-tree/id287462072) | 4.8 (47,414) | Free | Reference | ## More apps by Vincent Chiu - [Handy Bible Chinese 隨手讀聖經](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible-chinese/id443188548) - [Handy Bible Chinese Pro 隨手讀聖經](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible-chinese-pro/id451567051) - [Handy Bible Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible-pro/id451584395) - [Handy Bible App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible-app/id1071003372) All apps by Vincent Chiu: https://appshunter.io/developer/414105379 --- *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 2026-08-23.*