Logos Bible Software For Beginners: An Honest Look
With the rise of technology in the 21st century more and more Christians are turning to digital resources to learn and study the Bible. One of the top resources for digital Bible Study is Logos Bible Software. But What is Logos Bible Software? And is it for beginners?
Logos Bible Software is a comprehensive digital platform that provides users with an extensive library and powerful tools to study the Bible quicker and easier than ever before. As such, Logos is most helpful for pastors or scholars. That said, beginners may find Logos a great resource as well.
So, let’s dive into Logos Bible software and see how beginners can benefit from such an amazing resource. This way, you can see if it is right for you.
(Pastors, want to know if Logos is right for you? Then check out this article where I compare Logos to Accordance Bible Software to see which one is best suited for pastoral ministry and sermon prep.)
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Extensive Library – Powerful Search Capabilities – Cross-references and Hyperlinks – Notes and Highlighting – Community and Support | – Steep Learning Curve – Cost – Resource Intensity – Limited Free Resources – Internet Connection Required, Mobile |
Key Takeaways: Logos Bible Software’s powerful features and extensive library makes it a valuable resource for Bible Study. However, it’s steep learning curve and high cost make it impractical for some. That said, Logos Bible software can be worth it if you want to become a student of the Bible.
Who Should Buy It: Though Logos Bible Software is marketed to a wide audience, it is most suited for seminary students, pastors, and scholars. That said, if everyday Christians are serious about wanting to study the Bible and use digital resources, then Logos definitely needs to be considered.
Logos Bible Software Overview
What is Logos Bible Software?
Logos Bible Software is a comprehensive digital platform that empowers users with a vast library of theological and biblical resources, advanced study tools, and customizable features, designed to facilitate BIble study and research.
The Logos Bible Study App was first released by Faithlife in December 1991. The idea came from a man named Bob Pritchett, who started by creating a program to quickly search the KJV Bible.
With the help of his father, Dale, and business partner, Kiernon Reiniger, he would go on to write the Bible software product we know today as Logos Bible software.
Since it’s creation Logos Bible software has gone on to be the leading Bible study software available and is used by millions.
What is a Logos Subscription?
Logos most frequently sells its Bible study platform through a subscription. There are three different subscriptions Logos offers. We’ll look at the best for beginners in a minute.
Here’s how it works…
- Subscribe to the Logos platform.
- Buy your library of books. Each subscription comes with some books for the cost of the subscription, but if you want to add additional books you can buy a library of books or individual books.
What Makes Logos Unique?
So, what makes Logos Bible software so unique? Well, primarily, it is their datasets. These datasets are structured groupings of information that help make your Bible study easier. They cover a wide range of topics, including biblical events, people, places, and themes.
Think of them as little strings of a web that connects all the information in your library. They operate behind the scenes and makes your Bible study quicker and easier.
So when you search a word or verse, Logos gathers everything together for you that mentions that word or verse. This is really what makes Logos stand out.
Other core components of Logos Bible Software include:
- Library: Access to a vast collection of resources.
- Guides: Step-by-step study plans and workflows.
- Tools: Highlighting and other key research tools available.
- Notes: Personalize study notes and annotations.
Do Beginners Need Logos Bible Software?
Logos Bible Software is best suited for pastors and scholars. That said, there are great resources within Logos that makes it beneficial for beginners. So, does a beginner need Logos Bible Software? Not really. However, they may want it depending on their goals, budget, and personal preferences.
Things to Consider
In general beginners can find Logos Bible Software’s cost and steep learning curve a major turn off to purchasing the software. Both of these factors contribute heavily in deciding whether or not Logos Bible Software is worth it for you as a beginner. So, let’s talk about each one briefly.
Cost
Logos can be quite expensive. The Premium subscription is $9.99 a month ($99/year), which we’ll discuss more later, and is the one I recommend for beginners. And it’s a reoccurring subscription. That is a major investment. One that is not practical for most beginners.
But let’s take a look at something a minute. When I first started studying the Bible on my own, I went out and purchased study resources. I got a study Bible, bible dictionary, concordance, Bible handbook, and expository dictionary, and a topical Bible. All this totaled about $242.
| Aspect | Print Resources | Logos Premium Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Resources | 6 Books | Access to 250+ Digital Books |
| Cost | $242 | $99/year |
With Logos, you get a ton more resources than going out and purchasing print Bible study resources on your own. You also get access to amazing and powerful features that help you search and analyze your resources quickly and efficiently.
I understand that cost is an important factor. That’s why I’ve partnered with Logos Bible Software to offer an extended free trial on Logos. Right now, you can get two months free and cancel your subscription if Logos isn’t right for you.
If that is still too much right now, that’s okay. Logos has a free edition with excellent high quality resources that you can trust. These resources are biblically sound and easy to understand. With just the resources in the free edition of Logos you can still deepen and enrich your Bible study time.
Learning Curve
Another major factor that contributes to beginners not getting Logos Bible Software is the steep learning curve. Logos is a very advanced digital platform that is designed to do a lot of things. As such, it can become quickly overwhelming and frustrating to use.
Logos, knows this and offers free support and training with their software. There is a Quickstart Guide that comes with every download of Logos Bible Software that will walk you through the essentials of using the software and setting it up to suit you.
There are also numerous YouTube videos from the Logos team available to watch and learn from. These videos will walk you through just about anything you want to know about Logos and how to use it.
Should I Buy Logos Bible Software? Questions to Ask
Now, that you’ve considered some of the most important factors, let’s ask some questions to help us best answer the main question: Is Logos Bible Software worth it for me?
- What are my primary goals in Bible study?
- Understanding your study goals helps determine if Logos aligns with your specific needs, whether it’s for casual reading or in-depth research.
- Am I willing to invest time in learning the software?
- Logos has a range of features, and a willingness to invest time in learning will impact your overall experience. Consider your comfort level with technology and learning curves.
- Is a highly customizable study experience important to me?
- Logos offers extensive customization options. Assess if you prefer a software that adapts to your study habits or if you’re looking for a simpler, more streamlined experience.
- What is my budget for Bible study resources?
- Evaluate your budget and see if it aligns with Logos pricing. Consider the long-term value of the software and the resources it provides.
- Do I need access to a vast library of theological resources?
- Logos is known for its extensive library. Determine if having a broad range of commentaries, dictionaries, and other resources is essential for your study.
- How comfortable am I with online resources and community support?
- Logos has an active online community. Assess your willingness to engage in forums, webinars, and other online resources for support and learning.
- Do I prefer a structured study plan or a more flexible approach?
- Logos offers study plans and workflows. Consider whether you prefer a more structured approach guided by pre-set plans or a flexible, personalized study routine.
- What additional features or tools do I need for my study?
- Identify specific features or tools, such as original language resources or specialized guides, that are crucial for your study, and check if Logos provides them.
- Have I explored alternative Bible study tools or software?
- Before making a decision, explore other Bible study tools to ensure that Logos is the best fit for your preferences and study style.
- What are the experiences of other users with similar study goals?
- Research testimonials and reviews from other users with similar study objectives to gain insights into how Logos has benefited them.
The rest of this article is designed to help you answer some of these questions and decide whether or not you should invest in Logos Bible Software right now.
Helpful Features For Beginners
Logos Bible study software has many great features no matter whether you are learning to study the Bible for the first time or have been for decades. Some of the most useful and practical features for beginners include,
Factbook
The Factbook is one of the most useful features of Logos period. Think of it like a personal Bible encyclopedia. It allows users to explore detailed information about biblical people, places, events, and concepts mentioned in the Bible.
You simply type in what you are searching for (just like Google) and the Factbook will draw from your Logos Library and datasets, providing you with articles, maps, media, and links to related sources about the topic you searched for.
For example, in the image above, I searched for the disciple Matthew. You’ll see the Factbook offered a brief description of who he was, then provided a key article. If I was to scroll down in the fact book, then I could see other resources that mention Matthew.
So, the Factbook will help you as a beginner quickly gain a deeper understanding of a passage you are studying. It’s still one of the first places I turn to in Logos to study.
Highlighting, Notes, and Notebooks
One of the best ways that we can make observations in our Bible is through highlighting and note taking. It’s something every beginner in Bible study is taught. And guess what? You can highlight and take notes right in Logos.
Even though it is okay to highlight and mark in your print Bibles, I’m still not a huge fan of it. I find it a little distracting when I’m just wanting to read. That’s what is so great about Logos, you can turn your highlights on and off to see them when you want to.
If your like me and concerned about marking in your Bible, then check out this article to see why it is okay to mark in your Bible. And if want, just choose to highlight in a digital Bible like the ones in Logos if you don’t want to mess up your print Bible.
Another great aspect of the Highlighting feature is that you can use common inductive Bible study markings right there in Logos. So, if you are a fan of Precept’s Inductive marking symbols, then you can use those right on your digital Bible.
Curious what Precept’s common inductive marking symbols are? Then check out this article. It will show you not only common inductive marking symbols, but also give you tips to create your own if you are interested.
You also may be wondering, “What in the world is an inductive Bible study?” Well, it’s a method of Bible study that helps you dig deep into the Bible, understand the original context, discover meaning, and apply it to your life.
If you want to know what an inductive Bible study looks like and how to do it, then check out this article. It will walk you step-by-step through the Inductive Bible study process, providing tips and guidance on exactly how to do an inductive study.
Another common skill beginners in Bible study use is notetaking. Having a journal to take notes in, write questions or prayers, can be immensely helpful when building a Bible study habit.
And guess what? You can take notes in the Logos Bible study software. It has never been easier. You can capture your thoughts on any passage as you read the Bible. Here’s the cool part, they will automatically stay with the verses or passage.
Passage Guide
Another extremely helpful feature in the Logos Bible study software that is used all the time, and would be a great help for beginners in Bible study is the Passage Guide.
The Passage guide searches your entire library and gives you relevant results, including commentaries, cross-references, media, and so much more.
With the passage guide you are able to quickly see what all the books in your library have to say on a given passage. This can save hours of searching and flipping through pages. Thus, you are able to stay focused on your Bible study.
Basic Bible Study Workflow
The last feature that I want to highlight in Logos Bible Software that will help beginners is the Basic Bible study workflow.
Workflows in Logos are fantastic! Here’s what they do: provide step-by-step instructions so that anyone can study the Bible, prepare a sermon, etc. So, the Basic Bible study workflow will walk you through step-by-step how to study the Bible.
You can see in the example below, I was doing a basic study on Matthew 6:33. I’d start with reading the passage, then read it in other translations, then on and on through each step.
Logos Bible study software can give beginners not only the tools and resources, but also the confidence to study the Bible on their own.
Logos Packages For Beginners
Earlier we mentioned how Logos Bible Software was best suited for pastors or scholars. However, they do have packages that are aimed at beginners. So, below we’ll compare and discuss the three main packages I’d recommend to beginners.
| Aspect | Free Edition | Premium Subscription | Pro Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designed For | Everyday Christians | Everyday Christians | Pastors |
| Library | Small Library | Access to 250+ Digital Books | Access to 500+ Digital Books |
| Bibles and Study Bibles | – English Standard Version – King James Version – Christian Standard Bible – Lexham English Bible -American Standard Version -Faithlife Study Bible (with Media and Incographics) | – 1901 American Standard Version – Christian Standard Bible – English Standard Version – The Cambridge Paragraph Bible of the Authorized English Version (KJV) – The Holy Bible: King James Version – CSB Study Bible (Notes) -CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible (Notes) -ESV Global Study Bible (Notes) | – All the ones in Premium Subscription, Plus – New Testament in Modern Speech |
| Commentaries | – Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible – Word Studies in the New Testament | – Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible – Evangelical Commentary on the BIble – Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament -Bible Speaks Today Commentary -Tony Evans Bible Commentary -Barnes’ Notes on the Old and New Testaments | – All the ones in the Premium Subscription, Plus – Lexham Research Commentaries -Holman Old and New Testament Commentaries |
| Dictionaries and Encyclopedias | -Lexham Bible Dictionary (with Videos) | – A Concise Dictionary of Bible Origins and Interpretation – Dictionary of Bible (5 vols) – Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words – Pocket History of Theology: Twenty Centuries in Five Concise Acts -Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible -Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary -New Nave’s Topical Bible | -All the ones in the Premium Subscription, Plus -Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (12 Vols.) -New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (13 Vols). -New Dictionary of Biblical Theology |
| Devotionals and Spiritual Growth | – Morning and Evening -Moment with God: A Devotional on Every Biblical Book | – 40 Days to the Cross: Reflections from Great Thinkers – Leading Bible Discussions: Completely Revised & Expanded – Moment with God: A Devotional on Every Biblical Book – Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (Spurgeon) -Pilgrim’s Progress -Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church | – All the ones in the Premium Subscription, Plus – Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans |
| Atlases, Maps, and Media | -Logos Bible Images -Logos Bible Maps, Volume 1 -Logos Bible Photos -Logos Bible Software Infographics -Images from a Dictionary of the Bible | – Faithlilfe Study Bible Infographics, photos, and videos – Images from Dictionary of the Bible (Smith) -Images from A Biblical and Theological Dictionary -Images from A Standard Bible Dictionary -Images from Helps to the Study of the Bible | – All the Ones in the Premium Subscription, Plus -Holman Bible Atlas -Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions |
| Bible Surveys and Introductions | – DIY Bible Study -I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible | -DIY Bible Study – A Brief Bible History: A Survey of the Old and New Testaments – I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible | -All the Ones in the Premium Subscription, Plus – Bible Study Introductions -Discovering the New Testament: An Introduction to its Background, Theology, and Themes (3 Vols.) |
| Workflows | -Basic Bible Study Workflow – Devotional Workflow | – Passage Exegesis Workflow – Inductive Bible Study Workflow – Basic Bible Study Workflow -English Word Study Workflow -Lectio Divina Workflow -Devotional Workflow | – All the ones in the Premium Subscription, Plus – Workflow Editor |
| Support | Free Support and Training | Free Support and Training | Free Support and Training |
| Price You Pay | Free | $ 9.99/mo. ($99/year) | $ 14.99/mo. ($149.99/yr). |
So, which of these subscriptions are best for you? Well, that depends on your budget, how many resources you want, and how often you believe you’ll use Logos Bible software.
Here’s what’s wonderful with Logos. You can choose a subscription, and if you decide to later you can add books or libraries. Adding books and libraries is completely optional.
The Logos Bible Software free edition offers a limited set of books and basic Bible study tools. If you are curious about Logos Bible software but not quite sure if you want to spend the money, then start here.
The Logos free edition offers some great resources like:
- Lexham English Bible
- Faithlife Study Bible Notes
- Lexham Bible Dictionary
These are amazing free resources that are high quality and Biblically sound. You can take your Bible study habit far with just the free version of Logos Bible study software.
That said, some features, like the Factbook we discussed earlier, may feel limited. This is because they work with the number of resources you have available. So, the more resources you have, the more helpful the Factbook will be. So, let’s look at the Logos Fundamental package.
Logos Premium Subscription is a good entry point for those who are new to Logos Bible study software. It provides essential resources and basic study tools that will help you learn to experience the Bible in new and exciting ways.
This package offers more resources like commentaries and dictionaries that will make Logos more helpful for you. Some key commentaries and dictionaries they offer are:
- Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
- The New Bible Commentary
- Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
- A Concise Dictionary of Bible Origins and Interpretation
- Dictionary of Bible Themes
- Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
- Pocket History of Theology: Twenty Centuries in Five Concise Acts
There is a reason I want to highlight these again. Some of these you can find for free online, such as the Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Others are old and dated. The only one on this list I have found really helpful is the New Bible Commentary.
So, if you have the free version of Logos already, or you want more resources, I’d recommend one of two things. Either, get the Premium Subscription and then get other resources you want individually. Or get the Logos Pro Subscription. So, let’s take a look at it now.
The Logos Pro Subscription expands on the Premium Subscription with more resources, study tools, and additional features. It offers so many more commentaries and general bible study books. And remember, the more resources you have, the more helpful the Logos Software will be.
Each of these packages is designed to cater to different users needs and preferences, while seeking to balance affordability and functionality. To help you even further, I’ve partnered with Logos so that you can get an extended free trial to see which version of Logos Bible Software is best for you.
Getting Started With Logos
Logos Bible Study Software is available on Mac, Windows, IOS, Android, and as a web application. You can download it on your computer and mobile devices. Logos Bible Software uses a Logos account. So, you’ll need to create an account with Logos to sign into the software. You can create a Logos account here.
Once you create an account, you can install the Logos Bible Study Software. Here is a video from the Logos team on how to install the software.
Once you have the software installed, you can go and get a subscription to access the full range of features including AI tools from the Logos Website. Then when you open the software again, your resources will all be their and ready to use. So, let’s talk basic user interface and navigation.
User Interface and Navigation
In Logos, the main navigation panel is on the left hand side of your screen. Here you will find the most helpful tabs. The tabs include,
- Search Box
- Home
- Library
- Search
- Bible
- Factbook
- Documents
- Guides/Workflows
- Tools
Then you can customize some quick links and tabs you may open frequently, below that. Check out this image to see what it looks like.
Overview of Logos for Beginners
Honestly, one of the biggest problems people have with Logos Bible Software is that there is a steep learning curve to how it works. This has gotten better over the years and thankfully Logos provides numerous resources to help you learn Logos. You can check out this video for beginners here.
Another helpful resource in learning to navigate and use Logos Bible Study Software is the QuickStart Guide. Every download of Logos comes with a quick start guide taught by Morris Proctor, a certified Logos trainer. You can find this Quickstart guide in your Logos App or here on YouTube.
Advanced Libraries for More Resources
Logos has a lot of other variety of packages called libraries that you can purchase in addition to a subscription. This is entirely optional but will allow you to own the resources you use in the subscription. Typically these libraries are more suited toward Pastors, seminary students, professors, and scholars. However, some of them contain some pretty amazing additional features. Let’s take a quick look at these libraries Logos offers.
| Feature | Starter | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bibles | 4 Resources | 8 Resources | 18 Resources | 22 Resources | 29 Resources | 33 Resources |
| Commentaries | 6 Resources | 15 Resources | 29 Resources | 176 Resources | 471 Resources | 815 Resources |
| Dictionaries and Encyclopedias | 4 Resources | 5 Resources | 6 Resources | 10 Resources | 11 Resources | 13 Resources |
| Devotional and Spiritual Growth | 2 Resources | 7 Resources | 7 Resources | 12 Resources | 16 Resources | 45 Resources |
| Apologetics and World Religions | 2 Resources | 2 Resources | 3 Resources | 5 Resources | 6 Resources | 13 Resources |
| Pricing | $27.99 | $62.99 | $244.99 | $594.99 | $1,049.99 | $2,099.99 |
Obviously, these packages vary in prices, but remember they will help you own the resources you use. Remember, when I bought 6 books for my Bible study for $242 dollars. Well check this out.
| Aspect | Print Resources | Logos Silver Library |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Resources | 6 Books | 63 Books |
| Cost | $242 | $244.99 |
If I spent that $242 dollars on a Logos Library, I could have owned 63 books. That’s 10 times as much!
If you are curious to see what exactly each of these packages have to offer, you can check out Logos’ helpful comparison tool.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Use
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your Logos Bible Software as a beginner.
- Start with Basic Resources:
- Begin by exploring the built-in resources and basic tools to get comfortable with the software.
- Utilize Pre-Set Study Plans:
- Take advantage of Logos’ pre-set study plans and guides for a structured approach to your Bible study. Use the Basic Bible Study Workflow for step by step instructions in Bible Study and gain confidence doing it.
- Master Basic Navigation:
- Learn essential navigation shortcuts to quickly move between different sections of the software.
- Use Highlighting and Notes:
- Make the most of the highlighting and note-taking features to mark important passages and jot down personal insights. Honestly, this is something I need to work on.
- Explore the Library:
- Familiarize yourself with the vast library of resources available. Use filters and tags to organize and find relevant materials.
- Your library is important, but don’t get overwhelmed by the number of resources. Let the Logos Guides and Factbook do the work of searching those resources for you.
- Create Collections:
- You can choose your preferred Bible and create a preferred list of resources. Do that. You can learn how to do that in the Quickstart guide.
- Utilize Passage and Topic Guides:
- Experiment with Logos’ Passage and Topic Guides to enhance your understanding of specific verses or theological concepts.
- Take Advantage of Community Tools:
- Explore the Logos Forum and ask for help on there if you need it.
- Learn from Video Tutorials:
- Watch beginner-friendly video tutorials to grasp foundational concepts and make the learning process more interactive. Check out Logos’ YouTube page for great and helpful videos
- Customize Your Layout:
- Tailor the software layout to suit your preferences. Experiment with different panel arrangements for a more personalized study environment.
- Sync Across Devices:
- If using Logos on multiple devices, ensure your settings are synced for a seamless study experience across platforms.
- Stay Updated:
- Regularly check for software updates to access new features and improvements. Logos frequently releases updates to enhance user experience.
- Experiment with Search Queries:
- Get comfortable with the powerful search functionality. Experiment with different search queries to locate specific passages, topics, or resources.
- Take Advantage of Training Resources:
- Explore Logos’ official training resources, including webinars and online courses, to deepen your understanding of the software.
My Beginner Story With Logos
Let me tell you about my journey with Logos, as a beginner Logos user. I first purchased Logos a while ago. I knew I had this blog and I love to study the Bible. I also am a Children’s Director at my church. So, I ended up choosing the Silver Package of Logos.
After I bought it, it was months before I really started using it. Here’s why:
- Honestly, I kinda forgot I had it. Oops.
- Also, it is a hard software to learn to use without help. So, I gave up.
- I was overwhelmed with the number of resources and books in the Library.
So, it was literally months (maybe a year) before I started using it. It wasn’t until I watched the Quickstart Guide, that I felt really comfortable using it. Even now, I’m just beginning to get comfortable using it as a resource.
Now, I get excited to explore Logos and learn new things, not only about the software, but about the Bible as well.
There are a few things I want to share with you, that I’ve learned from my personal experience with Logos.
- One, don’t buy more than you need. Start off with the Premium Subscription and then buy the books you’ll use individually (only if you want to own them).
- Learning how to use Logos takes time. So, just spend some days watching the Quickstart Guide and playing around on the software.
- Don’t feel like you have to use Logos the way anyone else does. Logos does a lot, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Find a way to use Logos that fits your Bible study routine and habit.
Key Takeaways
Whew! We’ve covered a lot. So, here’s a quick Takeaway of what we’ve covered:
- Logos Bible Software offers a vast digital platform for comprehensive Bible study.
- Pros include an extensive library, powerful search capabilities, cross-references, and community support, while cons involve a steep learning curve, higher cost, resource intensity, limited free resources, and mobile internet requirement.
- Suited for a wide audience, Logos is most recommended for seminary students, pastors, and scholars, and should be considered by everyday Christians serious about in-depth Bible study.
- Three main packages for beginners are the Free Edition, Premium Subscription, and Pro Subscription each offering varying resources and tools to cater to different needs and budgets.
- Helpful features for beginners include the Factbook for detailed information, highlighting and note-taking capabilities, Passage Guide for relevant results, and the Basic Bible Study Workflow.
- Tips for efficient use involve starting with basic resources, utilizing pre-set study plans, mastering navigation shortcuts, using highlighting and notes, exploring the library, and taking advantage of community tools and video tutorials.
If you are a pastor and want to know if Logos is right for your ministry, then be sure to check out this article where I compare Logos to Accordance Bible Software to discover the best one suited for sermon prep.
