# Bible API MCP > Bible API allows you to search and retrieve scripture across hundreds of versions and languages. It gives your agent the capability to audit verses, list available Bible translations, or pull specific chapter content—all without manual lookups. You can quickly cross-reference texts for deep theological research or verify quotes for publishing projects. ## Overview - **Category:** productivity - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** scripture, theology, text-search, multilingual, data-retrieval ## Description Need to compare a verse's meaning across different historical translations? This MCP connects your agent directly to authoritative global scripture data. Instead of opening dozens of browser tabs and copy-pasting text, you ask your AI client to search keywords across multiple versions instantly. Your agent pulls back cleaned metadata, letting you see linguistic nuances side-by-side. You can use it to list all available Bible translations in a given language or find the full contents of any chapter using unique identifiers. Whether you are writing a devotional series or conducting academic research, your agent acts as an instant biblical library. Once connected via Vinkius, this power is immediately available across any compatible AI client. It's perfect for verifying quotes—you just ask for the text and the source version. It ensures that every piece of scripture you deal with is grounded in official, accurate translations. ## Tools ### get_bible_details Retrieves metadata about a Bible version, like its official name or unique ID. ### get_bible_chapter Pulls the complete text content for a specific, defined chapter. ### get_bible_verse Gets the text for one specific verse using its identifier. ### list_bibles Shows every available Bible translation and language supported by the API. ### list_bible_books Lists all book titles contained within a single, specified Bible version. ### search_bible_text Searches for general keywords or phrases across an entire specified Bible version. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Search for 'love' in the English Standard Version (bibleId: de4e12af7f895f10-01) using Bible API. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved 10 results for 'love' in the specified version. Notable verses include John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 13:4. Would you like the full text for any of these results? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Show the content of Genesis chapter 1 from the King James Version. ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the full text of Genesis 1. It details the creation of the heavens and the earth across seven days. I can provide the text broken down by individual verses if you'd like. ``` **Prompt:** ``` List all Bible versions available in 'Portuguese'. ``` **Response:** ``` I've scanned the catalog for Portuguese versions. There are over 10 versions available, including Almeida Corrigida Fiel and Nova Versão Internacional. I can provide the specific bibleIds for each. ``` ## Capabilities ### Search Scripture Text Find specific keywords or phrases across multiple Bible versions to see all instances. ### Retrieve Chapter Content Get the full text for an entire chapter using its unique identifiers. ### Lookup Specific Verses Pull the exact text of a single verse, saving you time in cross-referencing. ### List Available Translations See all Bible versions and languages available for research. ### Check Book Structure Get a list of every book contained within a specific Bible version. ### View Metadata Details Retrieve detailed information, descriptions, and abbreviations for any known Bible translation. ## Use Cases ### Comparing Gospel Accounts A scholar needs to compare the phrasing of Jesus's teachings across four different Greek translations. They ask their agent to use `search_bible_text` for a specific phrase, instantly receiving 4 distinct sets of results without visiting multiple academic websites. ### Writing Comparative Devotionals A devotional writer wants to base a lesson on 'love' but needs to ensure the quote is from the correct version. They use `get_bible_verse` with the specific book and chapter ID, getting the text and source metadata in one go. ### Curriculum Development An educator needs a list of all available texts for their program. They first run `list_bibles`, see that 12 languages are supported, then use `list_bible_books` to map the chapters in those languages. ### Historical Verification A journalist needs to verify an old quote. Instead of guessing which translation is correct, they run `search_bible_text` with keywords and let the agent find all potential sources, letting them pick the right one. ## Benefits - Compare translations instantly. Use the `search_bible_text` tool to see how a keyword like 'faith' appears in both Latin and Greek versions, side by side. - Build accurate curriculums. The `list_bibles` tool lets you know every language available before you even start writing lesson plans. - Cross-reference complex quotes. If you only have a verse citation but not the full text, use `get_bible_verse` to pull the exact wording instantly. - Understand canon structure. The `list_bible_books` tool gives you the book titles for any version, helping you map out an entire religious work's organization. - Verify source material. Use `get_bible_details` when you need to know more about a specific translation—like its abbreviation or official name—before citing it. ## How It Works The bottom line is you get a single, organized response from your AI client detailing the requested scripture passages. 1. First, subscribe to this MCP and enter your API.Bible Key into your Vinkius client. 2. Next, tell your agent the scope of the search—for example, 'Find all mentions of X in the Latin Vulgate.' 3. Your agent executes the query using the appropriate tool and returns structured data containing the verses and metadata. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I find out what translations are available using the Bible API?** Run `list_bibles`. This tool queries the system and provides a complete list of all supported languages and Bible versions, giving you a full scope of options immediately. **Should I use get_bible_chapter or search_bible_text? ** If you know the exact chapter (e.g., Genesis 1), use `get_bible_chapter`. If you only know a keyword and want to see every mention across the book, then run `search_bible_text`. **How do I find out what books are in a Bible version?** Use `list_bible_books`. You must first specify which Bible version you want to inspect; the tool then returns all the contained book titles for that specific canon. **What is the best way to find a single verse? ** The most direct method is using `get_bible_verse`, as long as you have the unique identifiers for the verse. This avoids ambiguity inherent in general searching. **How do I get started with my API key when running `list_bibles`?** You must pass your unique API Key in the request headers. The first time you call any tool, always authenticate with that key; it’s required for full access to the catalog. **What is the best way to check metadata for a specific version using `get_bible_details`?** It returns comprehensive details about the entire translation, not just verses. Use this function before running searches; it confirms if your given Bible ID is valid and provides its official name. **If my query fails while using `search_bible_text`, what should I do?** Check the error code provided in the response body. If you hit a rate limit, wait 60 seconds before trying again. Alternatively, simplify your search phrase or narrow down the Bible version. **When should I use `get_bible_chapter` instead of keyword searching with `search_bible_text`?** Use this when you need all the text for a known chapter, regardless of what keywords appear in it. This gives you one structured content block rather than scattered search results. **How do I find my Bible API Key?** Sign up at the [**API.Bible developer portal**](https://scripture.api.bible/signup), create a new application, and you will find your API Key on the application details page. Copy and paste it below. **Are there different languages supported?** Yes. The API provides access to hundreds of Bible versions in dozens of languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and many others. **Can the agent show verses from specific versions?** Yes. Most tools require a `bibleId`. Use the `list_bibles` tool to identify the correct ID for the version you wish to audit.