Hey, Jim,
Here's my opinion (which is worth exactly what you've just paid to read it...). In a comparison between e-Sword and theWord Bible Software:
- Both have similar (not identical, but similar) libraries available, both free and premium. I would not make the decision as to which software to learn based on free resources. Both have an overwhelming amount of free, evangelical, resources to access.
- Resource material for TW ("theWord") is easier to access from within the program than eS ("e-Sword"). This is because TW has built in download capability for Josh's resources here at BibleSupport and my resources at www.DoctorDaveT.com, as well as all of the official resources. eS only includes its official modules as download options.
- eS is simpler to use than TW. If you're looking for one Bible window, one dictionary window, and one commentary window, then eS is probably your software of choice.
- TW has more "customizibility" than eS. Two Bible windows? Yep. Two commentary windows? Yep. Eight windows with three Bibles, one dictionary, three commentaries and a regular old book? Yep. If the ability to customize your screen is important, than TW is your choice.
- If your focus is solely on the English language, eS may be right for you.
- If you want to do any original language work, TW offers better Greek/Hebrew functionality.
I'm an independent Baptist pastor, and here is what I tell my folks who are interested in Bible software. If you're comfortable with your computer and your Bible, then use TW. If you're uncomfortable with your computer, or just want to read the Bible and use a commentary, use eS.
Seriously, in your condition, I would highly recommend you use eSword. By the way - praise the Lord you're coming back from your health history. And if you ever feel limited with the way eSword works, then maybe it might be time to take a look at theWord.
Hi Jim,
In some respects what Dave shared is quite correct. That said, what he omitted to share was when it come to e-Sword, he left out the everything on your fingertip part, and the clean interface part.
The clean interface where everything is virtually what trumps e-Sword over nearly all other Bible software (and I'm speaking from a developer/programmer perspective). Having a tabbed pages for resources and the ease of access to them is what gives e-Sword the edge over any other Bible Study Software. The fact that one can actually seamlessly work from one resource to another without having to navigate through a myriad of windows (which I call clutter) makes doing Bible study a breeze and a real delight.
Perhaps, the best thing is, because everything is at one's "fingertips" totally eliminates trying to hunt down a particular resource. And that has to really make study a real delight.
Another thing that has to be considered when choosing a Bible Study program is the size of the Screen of your PC. The size of the Monitor matters. And when it comes down to that one fact, then when it comes to smaller monitors, such as laptop PCs, then e-Sword really comes into it's own there (speaking from experience in this issue, as have used e-Sword both on laptop and desktop PCs.)
Moreover, when Dave said,
If you're uncomfortable with your computer, or just want to read the Bible and use a commentary, use eS.
Is really an over simplification of e-Sword. The fact is when it really does come to doing serious study and even thesis type work, e-Sword is quite a capable tool to use. Even Pastors use this program for sermon preparation and etc, and have commented on its capability on this site.
Click here and click on the About menu for more in-depth information and reviews of e-Sword. There are several links in the About page which will bring up pdf pages of reviews. The latest being June, July, and August 2013, a three part review written by Michael L White.
Trust you will find this information helpful.
Blessings,'
Edited by APsit190, 01 February 2021 - 02:05 PM.
