Open Scripture API
A scripture API streamlined enough for those who just want the text; but advanced enough to also provide the details for someone who wants everything
Try it out for yourself.
Provide your users with custom input capabilities with our plain text parsing engine.
Note: the plain text parser is still in beta, find a parsing error? Let us know
Finally, an API for the scriptures which does everything you need
From just getting the text, to grabbing footnotes, metadata, and even associated media content, the Open Scripture API has you covered
The Sacred Word
Everything in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price at your digital fingertips
Read Between the Lines
Not only is the text available, but also get chapter summaries, footnotes, and other metadata too!
Plain Text Parsing Endpoint
Parse a plain text string and work with the standardized reference output, then if needed, easily query for the desired scriptures
Detect References Endpoint
Given a body of text, detect the scriptures references that may be contained inside. Then easily query for these scriptures with the API
Search by Keyword Endpoint
Allow your users to search the scriptures based on a keyword or phrase and bring up relevant verses
The Expanded Universe
Use the API to query General Conference, Journal of Discourses, and even History of the Church as well
Help Support the Project
I've packed as much as I could into the free tier so hopefully you won't be limited there. Consider the regular and advanced tiers as ways to say thanks and keep the project alive!
Free
$0
Everything to get you started and more
- API for the complete standard works
- Plain text reference parser API endpoint
- Parse refs from blocks of text endpoint
- Including footnotes, italics, and other scripture metadata
Plan API Call Limits
- 10 calls / sec
- 400 calls / minute
- 10,000 calls / hour
Regular
$1
Thank you for helping to support the project and keep servers running
- Everything in Free Tier
- Search by keyword endpoint
- General Conference/Conference Addresses
- Journal of Discourses
- History of the Church
Plan API Call Limits
- 25 calls / sec
- 1,250 calls / minute
- 40,000 calls / hour
Advanced
$5
In addition to server costs, thanks for helping to support me for the time that I've put into this project
- Everything in Regular Tier
- Custom endpoints upon request*
- Custom data storage solutions upon request*
Plan API Call Limits
- Unlimited calls / sec
- Unlimited calls / minute
- Unlimited calls / hour
*Additional charges for custom requests, requests will have to be approved first
Frequently asked questions
If you have anything else you want to ask, reach out to us.
What is the purpose of Open Scripture API?
The Open Scripture API provides an easy and free way to access all of the scripture and metadata that's currently found on the Gospel Library. This makes it seamless to create your own scripture websites/apps that need the scriptures, or download all of the data you need for text analysis
Doesn't the Church provide an API of some kind for the scriptures?
Nope
Where is the scripture and other data from the API stored?
The data returned is stored on a mongodb Open Scripture API database, and is stored off premise so that uptime is ~99.99%
Are there any plans to add Spanish or other languages to the Open Scripture API?
Yes! If you would like to help with adding other languages, email corban [@] openscriptureapi.org
Are other denominations welcome to add their own scriptures?
Yes! If you would like to help with adding your denomination's scriptures, or other translations of the bible, email corban [@] openscriptureapi.org
How do we know if the scripture info returned by the API is up to date?
There are a couple of web crawlers which will periodically go through and check all of the LDS church's official scripture resources. (The text rarely changes, but this is also to make sure that the Open Scripture API is also up to date with other media and associated content which the church provides along with the scriptures).
I found a parsing error with the scripture reference parser endpoint, how can I report it?
Thanks! You can report errors with the scripture reference parser at: https://forms.gle/KKLq2KqVwYWKahYe8
Does Open Scripture API actually make any money?
Currently no, even with the regular and advanced tier options, I'm just doing this because I think it's something someone in the community should be doing. If it ever does start to make money, I'll lower the cost of the regular and advanced tiers to compensate for it
I found a mistake/typo/dead link returned from the API, how can I report it?
Thanks! Email the details to corban [@] openscriptureapi.org