E-Sword
E-Sword is a scriptural suite in the form of a computer program. It is written for computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. A version is also available through iTunes for the iPad, and E-Sword can also be used on computers running Macintosh or Linux operating systems through CrossOver (by CodeWeaver). As of January 2012, E-Sword has been downloaded 20 million times.[1]
The authour of E-Sword, Rick Meyers, cites Matthew 10:8 for his release of the software free of charge (as freeware).[2]
Features
E-Sword, as of version 7.85 released in January 2007, is a file approximately 18 megabytes in size, and contains the main program bundled with the King James Version with Strong's Numbers and Strong's Dictionary. The program allows the add-on of various modules which can be downloaded from the same website, increasing the programs features and capabilities.
The display features a set of tabs in each adjustable window, where one can click on a particlar Bible, dictionary, or commentary. There is also a comparison feature to view a verse side-by-side with the same verse from another translation, or complete Bibles in the parallel tab.
Bibles
Many versions of the English-language Bible are available, including the American Standard, Revised Version, plus twenty-five others. These modules also include archaic English language versions, such as the 1611 King James version, the Darby Bible, and the Geneva Bible. Bibles in other languages are also available, from the ancient Greek and Hebrew languages to modern languages today.
Commentaries, dictionaries, graphics
Matthew Henry's Commentary, John Gill's, and several other classic and modern commentaries are available, as well as familiar dictionaries and graphics modules.
Topical add-ons
These modules are available for viewing within the Topical interface, and consist of devotional material, famous sermons, and the like; included also is the works of Flavius Josephus.
Pay modules
Several modules for E-Sword are with payment only; these particular ones are owned by the corporations still retaining copyright, such as the Lockman Foundation for their New American Standard Bible. These few modules are the only ones where the user must pay; E-Sword and the majority of its modules are freeware.
References