Customer Reviews (500)

ynotjf • 2025-03-19T18:21:07-07:00

Downloaded 3 versions March 2025, iPhone version, iPad version & PC version but none of the versions share information from one to another. If you make a note on the iPad, you can’t read it on the iPhone or PC so each version is completely stand alone. The iOS versions have a few nice features (Strong’s & Maps) but overall everything e-Sword does you can get for free on the internet. The PC version is very “clunky” and I much prefer other resources over e-Sword but the iPad version is decent as a stand alone but serious study or note taking falls short. iPhone is more limited due to small screen size but with KJV Plus Strongs it can be an effective tool. Had I known prior to purchase that each version doesn’t sync to the other versions I would not have chosen this software.

Adhadh19 • 2025-03-11T18:47:58-07:00

Stick with the kjv bible, all modern versions are corrupt

Nialfire • 2025-03-05T08:43:15-07:00

I’ve been an advocate for this app/program for many years. I even have it on CD. Absolutely baron the best Bible app available in my opinion. Please bring back the widget, I truly miss my daily verse. 4 stars without the widget.

Summary of Key Insights

e-Sword LT is a highly regarded Bible study app, particularly appreciated for its extensive free resources, offline functionality, and powerful study tools like Strong's Concordance. The app enjoys a largely positive sentiment, reflected in its high overall rating. However, several recurring issues and feature requests emerge from the reviews, primarily concerning user interface improvements, cross-device synchronization, and enhanced functionality. While users praise its depth and study capabilities, the app's dated interface and lack of certain modern features are points of concern. Many users express a strong preference for specific Bible versions and desire more customization options. The lack of cross-platform syncing is a major pain point for users who also use the desktop version.

Key Strengths:

  • Extensive free resources (commentaries, dictionaries, Bibles).
  • Offline functionality.
  • Powerful study tools (Strong's Concordance, cross-referencing).
  • Ease of use (for core functionality).
  • Helpful Customer Service.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Dated user interface.
  • Lack of cross-device synchronization.
  • Limited modern Bible versions included for free.
  • Bugs with highlighting and notes features.
  • Missing landscape mode on iPhones.
  • Memorization feature not working for some users.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: High (mostly 4 and 5-star reviews)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 73.2% (366/500)
    • 4-star: 10.8% (54/500)
    • 3-star: 7% (35/500)
    • 2-star: 2.2% (11/500)
    • 1-star: 6.8% (34/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but reviews likely span several years given the version number (12.5) and mentions of past features. Some reviews mention specific dates (e.g., March 2025), suggesting the data is current.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of review tone).
    • Keyword extraction (identification of frequently mentioned terms and phrases).
    • Thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common issues, requests, and positive feedback).

Key User Pain Points

  • Lack of Cross-Device Synchronization: A significant number of users complain that notes, highlights, and other data do not sync between the iPhone, iPad, and PC versions. This forces users to duplicate their work across multiple devices.
  • User Interface Issues: Many find the UI dated and clunky. Specific complaints include difficulty navigating, inability to customize highlighting colors, and a general lack of visual appeal compared to more modern apps.
  • Highlighting and Note-Taking Bugs: Several users report that the highlighting feature is unreliable, with highlighted verses not being saved or displayed correctly. Some also experience problems adding or accessing notes.
  • Limited Free Bible Versions: While the app advertises many free resources, several users are disappointed that more modern and popular Bible translations (e.g., NIV, NLT, CSB) require separate purchases.
  • Missing Landscape Mode (iPhone): Many iPad users appreciate the horizontal display option, but iPhone users frequently request this feature for a better reading experience.
  • Memorization Feature Issues: Some users report that the memorization feature does not work correctly, particularly on iPhones.
  • Widget Issues: A recurring complaint is the removal or malfunctioning of the daily verse widget.
  • Navigation Difficulties: Some users find it difficult to navigate between books, chapters, commentaries, and other resources.
  • Copy/Paste Issues: Difficulties in selecting and copying text are reported.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Cross-Device Synchronization: Syncing of notes, highlights, bookmarks, and other data across all devices (iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac).
  • Landscape Mode (iPhone): The ability to view the app in landscape orientation on iPhones.
  • Improved User Interface: A more modern and intuitive UI design.
  • Expanded Free Bible Versions: Inclusion of more popular modern translations (NIV, NLT, ESV, CSB) for free.
  • Dark Mode: A dark theme option for easier reading in low-light conditions.
  • Apple Pencil Support: Functionality for taking handwritten notes and highlighting with the Apple Pencil on iPads.
  • Enhanced Search Functionality: More robust search options, including the ability to search within commentaries and other resources.
  • Widget Restoration/Improvement: Reinstatement of the daily verse widget with customization options.
  • Spanish Language Support: Full UI translation and resources in Spanish.
  • Customizable Highlighting Colors: More options for highlighting colors.
  • Edit Function for Memory Verses: An edit function to arrange the order of memory verses.
  • Better Audio Playback: Continuous audio playback in the background.
  • Apple Watch App: A companion app for the Apple Watch.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Extensive Free Resources: Users consistently praise the app's wealth of free Bible versions, commentaries, dictionaries, and other resources.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app without an internet connection is a major selling point.
  • Powerful Study Tools: Features like Strong's Concordance, cross-referencing, and the ability to compare different translations are highly valued.
  • Ease of Use (Core Functionality): Many users find the app easy to navigate for basic tasks like reading scripture and looking up verses.
  • Helpful Customer Service: Several reviewers mention positive experiences with the developer's responsiveness and support.
  • Comprehensive Study Tool: Users appreciate the depth and breadth of resources available for in-depth Bible study.
  • No Ads: Many reviewers appreciate the absence of advertisements.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Implement Cross-Device Synchronization: This is the most frequently requested feature and a major pain point for users who use e-Sword on multiple devices.
  • Address Highlighting and Note-Taking Bugs: Fix the issues with highlighting and note-taking to ensure that these core features function reliably.
  • Implement Landscape Mode on iPhone: This is a highly requested feature that would significantly improve the reading experience on iPhones.
  • Update and Modernize the User Interface: A UI refresh would improve the app's visual appeal and make it more intuitive to use.

Medium Priority:

  • Expand Free Bible Versions: Include more popular modern translations for free to attract a wider audience.
  • Restore/Improve Widget Functionality: Address the issues with the daily verse widget and consider adding customization options.
  • Improve Navigation: Make it easier to navigate between different books, chapters, commentaries, and other resources.
  • Enhance Search Functionality: Implement a more robust search engine that can search within commentaries and handle misspellings.

Low Priority:

  • Add Apple Pencil Support: Implement Apple Pencil support for note-taking and highlighting on iPads.
  • Add a Dark Mode: Include a dark theme option for easier reading in low-light conditions.
  • Add an Edit Function for Memory Verses: Allow users to arrange the order of memory verses.
  • Develop an Apple Watch App: Create a companion app for the Apple Watch.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Bible Study App with Seamless Cross-Platform Sync: A new app that focuses on providing a seamless synchronization experience across all devices, combined with a modern and intuitive user interface.
  • AI-Powered Bible Study Assistant: An app that uses AI to provide personalized insights, answer questions, and suggest relevant resources based on the user's reading and study habits.
  • Collaborative Bible Study Platform: A platform that allows users to connect with others, share notes and insights, and participate in group Bible studies.
  • Subscription Service for Premium Bible Resources: A subscription service that provides access to a curated collection of premium Bible translations, commentaries, and other resources.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Preference for KJV: Many users express a strong preference for the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
  • Desire for Spanish Language Support: A significant number of users request full UI translation and resources in Spanish.
  • Shift Towards Mobile Usage: Users are increasingly relying on the mobile app for Bible study and sermon preparation.
  • Long-Term User Base: Many reviewers indicate that they have been using e-Sword for many years, demonstrating strong brand loyalty.
  • Audio Bible Improvements: Some users are having problems with the audio Bible.

Conclusion

e-Sword LT is a valuable Bible study tool with a strong user base and a wealth of free resources. However, the app's dated user interface and lack of cross-device synchronization are significant drawbacks. By addressing these issues and implementing the frequently requested features, the developer can significantly improve the user experience and attract a wider audience. Overall, e-Sword LT remains a highly recommended app for serious Bible study, but it needs to evolve to meet the changing needs and expectations of modern users.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize addressing the high-priority issues (cross-device sync, highlighting bugs, landscape mode, UI update) to retain existing users and attract new ones.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/e-sword-lt-bible-study-to-go/id634158738?uo=2