How do you get a newly translated Bible into the hands of people who need it — especially in communities with limited internet, complex scripts, or oral traditions? Scripture App Builder (SAB), a free desktop tool from SIL Global, lets Bible translators, church leaders, and missionaries create fully customized Android and iOS Scripture apps without writing a single line of code.^1
SAB takes raw Paratext translation files and packages them into polished mobile apps complete with synchronized audio that highlights each verse as it's read aloud — a powerful feature for communities still learning to read in their own language.^2 App creators control everything: fonts, colors, icons, splash screens, and even right-to-left script support. Apps can include glossaries, song books, picture story books, Bible study questions, verse-of-the-day notifications, and a verse-on-image editor for sharing on social media.^2 A recent experimental feature adds an optional AI Assistant that offers guided prompts like "explain this passage" or "suggest ways to apply this to my life," with carefully crafted system prompts to ensure biblically faithful responses.^3
The tool's impact is remarkable: as of 2025, over 2,500 apps have been published for 1,960 languages across more than 140 countries, with over 65 million app installs worldwide.^3 Finished apps need no internet connection and can be shared phone-to-phone via Bluetooth or microSD card — critical for reaching remote communities. For broader distribution, apps can be published to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store through SIL's Scriptoria service.^4
Why Christians Love It"On the same day that we dedicated the printed copy of the Komba New Testament, we were able to distribute the Komba New Testament app!" — Paul Federwitz, Lutheran Bible Translators^5
"I am very grateful for the app of our culture, the New Testament app. I love this because God gives each ethnic group their culture to value." — Pastor Arcesio, Guahibo People Group^6
"SAB is a must have for anyone wanting to get translated Scripture into the hands of the people." — LingTranSoft reviewer^7
Notable- Built and maintained by SIL Global's Language Technology team^1
- Free to download and use — part of SIL's suite alongside Dictionary App Builder and Reading App Builder^1
- Used by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Faith Comes By Hearing, Biblica, and dozens of Bible translation organizations worldwide^5
- Integrates with Paratext (the industry-standard Bible translation tool) and the Digital Bible Library^2
- Can also export Scripture as EPUB e-books with read-aloud synchronization^2
- Richard Margetts, based in West Africa, serves as Scripture Engagement consultant and SAB development team member^3
