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

Unlock the scriptures
Free API
Italics info
What are you waiting for?
Footnotes

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

Start Creating Today!

Right now there's no api key needed, you can just start using the api!

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