# Spectrum Bible

> Offline Bible app with spectrum view of translations and linguistic insights. (iPhone/iPad app by Wave Study Bible, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-bible/id336014635 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Wave Study Bible, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/336014638)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.79/5 from 292 App Store ratings · 103 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 73 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-04-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-bible/id336014635/reviews.md

## What is Spectrum Bible?

This is a free Bible app with distinctives. 

First, the guy that wrote it was AOL's Chief Architect so it is easy to use. 

Second, this guy also has a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary so he makes the Greek and Hebrew easy to use and the differences between Bible translations understandable. 

Most apps present Bible translations like a smorgasbord of choices without giving any way to choose between them. This app places the Greek and Hebrew alongside a spectrum of translations--from the most literal to the most paraphrased. It also color codes them so you know what each one is good at: blues are word-for-word translations and are accurate to the specific words, greens are phrase-for-phrase translations and are accurate to the phrase, and earth tones are thought-for-thought translations and are good at thoughts. 

Finally, it doesn't need the Internet or WiFi. You can go out under a tree somewhere and have full and fast access to all the Bibles.

You might think of this app as the "AOL" (the simple one) of Bible apps.

## Key features

- Spectrum of Bible translations
- Color-coded translation accuracy
- Easy Greek and Hebrew understanding
- Offline access
- Comparison of translation types

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| New American Standard Bible | Free | one-time |
| New King James Version | $9.99 | one-time |
| New International Version | $9.99 | one-time |
| The Message | $9.99 | one-time |
| New International Reader's Version | $9.99 | one-time |
| English Standard Version | $9.99 | one-time |
| New Living Translation | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hebrew Old Testament | $19.99 | one-time |
| Flicker Bible Study: Intro | Free | one-time |
| WAVE Favorite Verses | Free | one-time |


## What do users think of Spectrum Bible?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- 📖 Multiple Bible translations available simultaneously
- 🔍 Side-by-side comparison of different versions
- ⚡ Fast and quick verse lookup
- 🏛️ Original language access (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic)
- 💬 Tap-to-define feature for original language words
- 🔗 Word usage search across entire scripture
- 💰 Reasonable pricing with one-time purchases
- 📱 Offline Bible reading capability
- 🎨 Clean and beautiful interface design
- 🛠️ Responsive developer support and customer service
- 📚 Excellent for personal and public Bible study
- ✨ Powerful yet simple functionality

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes and force closes
- 🔐 Login and password reset issues
- 📵 Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- ❌ Some versions no longer free after updates
- 🎨 Limited customization options (colors, fonts)
- 📊 Outdated dictionary definitions
- ⏱️ Requires frequent app updates
- 🔄 Occasional glitches with version display

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App force closes on iOS 15 when accessing 'verse goodies'
- Won't launch on iOS 11.2.5 beta
- Crashes when searching Psalms
- Hebrew characters display as black boxes after iOS 10 upgrade
- Blank spaces when free versions are removed
- Purchased versions not displaying
- Login/logout functionality broken
- Password reset unavailable
- App returns to home screen unexpectedly
- Review submission not working properly

**Most requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Customizable background colors and fonts
- Red letter edition (Christ's words in red)
- More bookmark slots (currently limited to 5-6)
- Bookmark organization/grouping system
- Highlight and comment functionality
- Paragraph formatting options
- Additional Bible translations (Voice, ERV, Amplified, Messianic Jewish versions)
- Greek Received Text support
- Latin Vulgate Bible
- Pronunciation guides for Greek and Hebrew words
- iPad-specific version
- Reading plans and study guides
- Social sharing and friend interaction features
- Transliteration options
- More customizable color schemes

## Recent user reviews (10 of 103)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-bible/id336014635/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Very useful

*2026-04-18, version 1.3.7*

Simply the best,use it when am in public transport❤️

### 5/5 — Great cross referencing

*2026-04-07, version 1.3.7*

I enjoy this app because it allows me to cross reference between different bibles and help deepen my understanding. Thank you God for making this available

### 5/5 — This is fantastic

*2026-03-03, version 1.3.7*

Having the OG language beside the English text is revolutionary. 
Being able to compare translations and also to be able to tap the he Hebrew or Greek word in question in order to see original meaning, context, and other places it was used is priceless.

### 5/5 — So Effective

*2026-01-19, version 1.3.7*

Spectrum Bible is the most effective app I’ve used for personal Bible study.  The ease with which it allows translation look up and side-by-side comparisons to other translations as well as original language lookups by just a tap is incomparable to other apps. Digging deeper into the provided educational content is a very helpful bonus that is helpful for growing in faith and understanding! I love this!!

### 5/5 — Multiple translations

*2025-12-08, version 1.3.7*

Ease of use
I use this app when in church to see various translation during the sermon.  It is easy to use and allows me to see 3 translations in the split screen mode.

I enjoy this app and find it useful especially when a verse needs some clarification.  A second Bible version can help me understand better.

### 5/5 — Great Bible app

*2025-10-19, version 1.3.7*

Having multiple translations open at once is a great help and is useful for private and public Bible study.

### 5/5 — So easy, so powerful

*2025-10-16, version 1.3.7*

I love the way I can select which translstions to include side-by side for comparison, including both CT and MT Greek. It is great for searching all uses of a given word. 

I just completed writing a book on doctrine and found myself using this app more than my other study resources - It is just so quick and easy. Thank you Spectrum Bible

### 5/5 — My favourite free Bible app

*2025-07-03, version 1.3.5*

I love this app and use it every day. It is easy and fast to compare translations. I particularly like its inclusion of both the critical text and majority text Greek, with dictionary definition lookup for every word.

### 5/5 — Amazing way to find scripture

*2024-06-08, version 1.3.5*

I love this app! I’ve used it for years as a way to have access to God’s Word with me always! I love being able to compare versions side by side!

### 5/5 — Powerful Bible study app

*2024-04-16, version 1.3.5*

I have been using this app since about 2017 when it was called “wave”.  The developer continues to add features without sacrificing ease of use. Spectrum Bible  is a powerful, easy to use, reasonably priced, beautiful looking masterpiece! There is no other Bible app with this much functionality. Well done!!!

## Frequently asked questions about Spectrum Bible

### What does the Spectrum Bible app do?

This app provides access to various Bible translations presented in a spectrum, from literal to paraphrased. It color-codes translations to indicate their accuracy level, making it easier to understand the nuances between them. The app also aims to simplify the understanding of Greek and Hebrew texts.

### What are the key features of Spectrum Bible?

Key features include a spectrum view of Bible translations, color-coding to denote translation accuracy (word-for-word, phrase-for-phrase, thought-for-thought), simplified explanations of Greek and Hebrew, and full offline access to all content without needing internet or WiFi.

### Is Spectrum Bible free to use?

The app is described as free, but it also indicates the presence of in-app purchases. This suggests that while the core functionality is available for free, there may be additional features or content that can be unlocked through purchases.

### Can I use Spectrum Bible offline?

Yes, a significant feature of this app is its offline functionality. You can access all the Bibles and their features quickly and fully without needing an internet connection or WiFi, allowing for use in any location.

### Who would benefit from using Spectrum Bible?

This app is designed for individuals who want to understand the differences between Bible translations and gain insights into the original Greek and Hebrew languages. Its ease of use and offline capabilities make it suitable for dedicated Bible students and those who prefer to study without digital distractions.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.7 — 2025-09-19

This version includes support for iOS 26 and a number of bug fixes including a fix to make sure that automatic updates from the App Store do not erase your username or purchases from your iPhone.

### 1.3.6 — 2025-07-03

This release includes a fully revised version of the book Flicker Bible Study and many bug fixes.

### 1.3.5 — 2024-04-10

This release adds Dynamic Bookmarks, iPad multitasking, additional Help Bubbles, Nugget Editor fixes, and many bug fixes.

### 1.3.4 — 2024-02-14

This release fixes some bugs in the recent release related to the new unified store and bugs related to Nugget authoring. Also, iPad multitasking support, which was temporarily disabled, has been re-enabled.

### 1.3.3 — 2024-02-04

Bulk purchasing options have been added to save money while at the same time loading up your Spectrum Bible™.

Because of a special licensing agreement with the publishers we are now able to also include the following in the free download: Greek New Testament, Hebrew Old Testament, NASB 1995, NASB 2020, and the Amplified Bible.

We are also including the Bible study training books and Flicker Tool in the free download so everyone has the opportunity to learn how to have a rewarding time in the Bible.

The app has always had the ability to pinch to change the font size and to pinch to change the number of columns that are showing. Now you can also pinch to change the number of rows that are visible. Each row presents a different passage and scrolls independently.

The app also now has a help system to conveniently show you how to use the various services of Spectrum Bible™.

## Apps similar to Spectrum Bible

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [HOLY BIBLE - The Living Bible](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holy-bible-the-living-bible/id1341578194) | 4.6 (5,466) | Free | Education |
| [MyBSF: Bible Study Fellowship](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mybsf-bible-study-fellowship/id1524174445) | 4.1 (729) | Free | Education |
| [K.J.V. Holy Bible](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kjv-holy-bible/id391514185) | 4.9 (494,540) | Free | Education |
| [Hebrew Bible Study - Torah](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hebrew-bible-study-torah/id1146964746) | 4.9 (4,809) | Free | Education |
| [Bible Words Master](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-words-master/id1667073063) | 4.9 (11) | Free | Education |
| [Greek New Testament Study App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/greek-new-testament-study-app/id6451278791) | 4.9 (51) | Free | Education |

## Related topics

[parallel bible](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/parallel-bible)

---

*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 2026-08-20.*