That is a valid question that most folks would probably ask me. So I will answer it on this web page.
Although ‘THE WORD Processor’ was my first bible study software, it was not the only one I ever used. I actually tested and used some of the great bible study applications developed and marketed in the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Bible Source 2.0 (MS-DOS / Windows 3.1)
The DOS version was produced between 1989-1991. The Windows 3.1 version was produced between 1991-1993.
I used both interfaces. The DOS interface was like ‘the WORD Processor’ (TWP) and it had a good way of establishing a good “rhythm” for bible study. I think it excelled in its Windows interface.
This version was contemporaneous to the TWP versions: 4 & 5.
I used this affordable software to compliment my TWP v5.x software.
BibleSoft PC Bible Study 2.0 (MS-DOS)
The MS-DOS version was produced between 1986-1991.
This was another contemporary to our TWP software in the early 1990s. I was a late adopter to this software primarily due to its pricing, which were on par with the BRS pricing.
I enjoyed using the MS-DOS version and some of its add-ons. I really like using the add-on module: Greek Hebrew Word Study Series (1988). It was a box set with twelve 5.25-inch disks.
QuickVerse 2.0 (Windows 3.1)
Looking back at 1992, it turned out that the QuickVerse software quickly became ubiquitous due to its very affordable pricing. I used it off and on throughout the decades to test out new features or add-ons. Since most bible study users have used QuickVerse at one time or another–no need to explain its pros and cons.
BibleSoft PC Bible Study for Windows (v. 2.0) (Windows 3.x)
In 1993, since I enjoyed some of the features in the DOS version and the DOS modules also worked in the new MS Windows version, I tried this software.
It performed well and the additional features complemented my TWP bible study paradigm. The Master Edition was a great package to get!
QuickVerse 4.0 (Windows 3.1 & Windows 95)
This version was an interesting software. It has a good, comfortable interface. I really like the STEP capabilities that could be used among the different bible software (assuming they had incorporated STEP technology into their applications).
But, I still preferred the Bible Source & PC Study Bible.
When I upgraded to MS Windows 95, I tested and verified that ‘THE WORD Processor’ suite worked great under this PC environment in DOS mode and GUI mode. No need to do anything different or to change bible study software. It was great to see it working with no issues.
Logos Bible Software 2.0 (Windows 95 & Windows 3.1)
I tested this software for awhile. It simply was not for me…it did not fit well with my study paradigm or how I liked to interact with a study interface. I just could not adapt myself to it or its use. I know there are many Logos fans out there who really enjoy using it–maybe if it was my first bible software to use, it would have been a different outcome.
However, for its current version today–I would not waste my hard-earned money on paying subscriptions for any software. I only pay for lifetime licenses for a specific version.
Word Search 4.0 & 5.0 (Windows 95 & Windows 3.1)
Word Search 4.0 was very interesting due to how one would interact with the interface. It took a bit to learn how to use it–but once I was accustomed to it, it is a good resource.
When Wordsearch Bible Discovery Library 5.0 came out in 1996(?), I bought the NIV Edition. This contained additional study materials that I used to supplement my bible study in TWP. This is a very good reference to have–plus it also incorporated the STEP technology. This is a very good resource for VerseSearchers to have!
The NIV Study Bible Complete Library (Windows 95 & Windows 3.1)
The NIV Study Bible Complete Library is a major upgrade from Bible Source 2.0 that Zondervan produced in 1998.
I used this software until it was later replaced by another.
It’s library is a great supplement to our TWP 5.1. Its user interface was easy to use and to search for texts or references. I really liked this software.
It is another great resource to have!
The MacArthur Study Bible (Windows 95 & Windows 3.1)
This was an interesting software to use since I like using the MacArthur study notes. With the Logos back-end, it was also common with other user interfaces and its library features were similar to other tested software. It is a good resource to have as well.
When I upgraded to MS Windows 98SE, I tested and verified that ‘THE WORD Processor’ suite functioned as expected. TWP 5.1 worked great under this Windows version. There is no need to change bible study software.
BibleSoft PC Bible Study for Windows (v. 3.0) (Windows 9.x)
As with the other previous versions of BibleSoft software, this is a comprehensive software package that provides a wealth of information and references.
It has improvements to its user’s interactions and a number of new features to use. I used for it a few years.
I liked it as an additional study resource.
Nelson The Ultimate Bible Reference Library (Windows 3.1, 9.x, & 2000)
In 2002, I used The Ultimate Bible Reference Library (TUBRL) and tested its features. I liked the main interface and its Library Browser. This interface reminded me of the NIV Study Bible software. I liked its reference library as well.
Since my primary bible translations are NASB & AMPC, plus NIV, I did not use this software very much. Yet, I believe this a another great resource for any VerseSearcher to have.
Later MS Windows versions…into Windows 11
Zondervan Study Bible Library 5.0: Professional Edition (Windows 98, 2000, XP, or NT 4.0)
Since 2004, I use this software daily to complement my current Verse Search installation. It has great resources to supplement my studies in Verse Search.
This Zondervan version is a departure from what they produced previously. This version uses a Pradis back-end–a software that is designed to make the all resources of its library collection to be easily accessible.
The user interface was updated where it starts with its default screen, where it is divided into four panes. The users interface is updated and adjustable.
This was the last version of the Zondervan Study Bible Library that they produced. Zondervan closed their Zondervan Interactive division.
BibleSoft PC Study Bible 5: Advanced Reference Library (Windows 2000, XP, & Vista)
I use this software to complement my current Verse Search installation. It also has great resources to supplement my studies using Verse Search.
I really like this version–it was their best. It was easy to use and it has many resource materials to assist in your study efforts.
The PC Study Bible 5.0F is the last version that BibleSoft produced. Also, it was complemented with all the add-ons that you can find and install.
theWord Bible Software 7.0
I discovered this software in 2019. It was my last attempt to replace the Verse Search software suite. I really love using this software; while it does have the concept of verse lists, there is no directory storage options to properly organize the verse lists. I use verse lists daily in Verse Search.
However, if I had to–I could re-arrange my study paradigm to accommodate using ‘theWord’ as my primary bible study software. If you want to try it go to: https://theword.net/
To wrap-up, I still prefer the WORD Processor software suite. After 33-plus years of using this software, it is hard for me to make that leap. Moreover, I use these three bible software packages to supplement my study efforts in Verse Search (version 7.1.39), which is my primary.
Final note: I listed all the software that I have previously used or tested–it is by no means a complete list of all bible software that was sold. I never used BibleWorks, which I have heard that it is also a good bible software to use. Based on my bible study software experiences, it is my opinion that Verse Search is still on the top!
VerseSearchers 