You want to go deeper into the Bible — not just read it, but really study it. Understand the original Greek and Hebrew words behind the English, compare translations side by side, and have trusted commentaries open right alongside your reading. Bible App by Olive Tree is built for exactly that kind of serious, joyful Bible study — and it starts completely free.^1
Olive Tree stands apart in the Bible app space because it's a full study platform, not just a reader. The Resource Guide automatically surfaces every commentary, dictionary, and study Bible in your library that's relevant to whatever passage you're reading — no manual searching required. Split your screen to read a commentary alongside Scripture, tap any word in a Strong's-linked Bible to see its original language definition, or use the offline-capable app on any device without WiFi. Five popular translations (NIV, ESV, KJV, NKJV, and more) come free, along with hundreds of free resources — and if you want to go further, thousands of additional titles from publishers like Zondervan, Crossway, and Tyndale are available for purchase or through affordable subscription study packs.^2
Founded in 2000 by Drew Haninger, who built some of the earliest Bible programs for the Palm Pilot and Pocket PC, Olive Tree takes its name from Romans 11:17 — the promise of being grafted into Christ. The company was acquired by HarperCollins Christian Publishing in 2014, then returned to its indie roots in 2020 when Steven Cummings, a longtime team member with a Master of Theology in New Testament Studies from the University of Edinburgh, acquired it through his company Gospel Technologies LLC. "Acquiring Olive Tree and returning it to its tech-innovation roots has been a goal of mine for the past few years," Cummings said. "I am deeply passionate about its mission to use technology to help people read and study God's Word."^3
Why Christians Love Olive Tree: "After many years, I came back to Olive Tree! This app is amazing for anyone, regardless of their level of Bible study. I am amazed how well the parallel window with notes for study tracks where I am in my Bible."^4 One longtime user shared: "I've been using this app for several years now. I love the resources that tag to verses. I learn so much more with the commentaries and dictionaries I've purchased over the years... Best of all, I carry an entire library with me in my pocket wherever I go."^4 On Android, users echo the same: "Hands down, the best Bible app I've ever used. I can switch from one Bible version to another quickly and easily, then straight into a split screen with the Greek or Hebrew words and their definitions right there!"^5 Another reviewer put it simply: "Honestly, the best Bible app and it's no contest. Easily readable offline, doesn't collect any of your data, offers a large amount of versions, has daily verses and devotionals, and has no ads!"^5
Olive Tree also partners with BibleProject to offer free video introductions for every book of the Bible, and in late 2025 launched a major redesign (version 8.0) featuring Smart Search — AI-powered natural language search that helps you find verses even when you don't remember the exact wording.^4
Platforms: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows Pricing: Freemium (free app with 5 translations + hundreds of free resources; subscription study packs available monthly, semi-annually, annually; individual titles available as one-time purchases)
