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DESCRIPTION
MacSword is a free & open-source application for research and study of God and His Word. It is developed specifically for Mac OS X, and is localised in French, English, German and Swedish.
It allows you to read and browse many different bibles translations in different languages from Hebrew to Albanian. As well as reading devotionals, commentaries, dictionaries and lexicons, it also supports searching and advanced features such as services so that you can access the Bible in any program.
MacSword uses the Sword project at http://www.crosswire.org/sword/ . This is an open source project whose purpose is to "to create an ever expanding software package for research and study of God and His Word". This provides the back-end functionality to handle the bible texts and provide features such as searching.
There are now over 200 modules in 50 languages that are all available from the Crosswire Bible Society. Including bibles, commentaries, lexicons, dictionaries, books and devotionals.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 2.1.0-463:
- Notes system. Left sidebar has a new category "Notes". Notes basically are RTF text files manageable in MacSword. They can be created, moved and deleted from MacSword and are integrated into MacSword as tabs or windows. Bible references can be added to note's text which will show the reference target as tooltip or in the preview window. This should give a bit of word processing capability without the need of another software like TextEdit.
- A different font can be chosen for every module.
- Left sidebar is more iTunes like with new drawer icons.
- Headings (pre-verse and book/chapter introductions) are now displayed when enabled.
- The latest version of the SWORD engine including developer utilities.
- Two main menu items have been added that create/remove symlinks to the SWORD module utilities in /usr/local/bin folder.
- Fixed problems with right sidebar width settings.
- Finally we have support for morphology modules.
- Many of code cleanups, refactorings and general fixes.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
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| MacSword User Reviews (75 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Jan 9 2010 |
PHALERON There are some problems with Notes: - When Notes are dragged into Folders, the original note remains where it was, creating thus duplicates. - Editing both Notes and Folders is neither easy or obvious Having said this, I am very happy with the direction and progress of MacSword. I am spending less time with OnlineBible and more with MS. Great work!
(Version 2.1.0-463) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
 | Jan 9 2010 |
MANFRED BERGMANN Renaming Notes and Folders works similar to renaming Files in Finder: - double click but with a delay that doesn't open them - hit return on a selected Folder or Note
(Version 2.1.0-463) | |
 | Dec 15 2009 |
POKIDOKI I was very surprised that a religious tool is named "Sword". Is that the way christians want to evangelize? I hope not, that had been too often the case.
(Version 2.0.7-290) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Dec 15 2009 |
BIG MAC XXL Christians call the Bible their sword. Therefore a Bible program is their sword also. Eph 6,17 "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
(Version 2.0.7-290) | |
| Dec 15 2009 |
MACLOVER1.1 Damn I thought the SWORD was reserved for the Qran and its sweet as pie followers lol Guess all biggots are warriors then in the end. Not sure that what was Jesus intended... I may be missing something though... I'm only an atheist.. what do I know ??!!! Maybe Peace rhymes with Nobel Peace Price Afghanistan War Monger United Nations Security Council Muppet Head In God We Fight... OK people you want a fight... I'll fight religions to the end then ! SERIOUSLY !! And I don't want to hear the "Sword as a symbol of knowledge"... and bla bla bla. Why not a machine gun then ? This is f***** !
(Version 2.0.7-290) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Dec 15 2009 |
BIG MAC XXL Christians call the Bible their sword. Therefore a Bible program is their sword also. Eph 6,17 "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
(Version 2.0.7-290) | |
| Jan 9 2010 |
FAIRMEADOW "Christians call the Bible their sword. Therefore a Bible program is their sword also." Which, by inference, makes this program a work of fiction?
(Version 2.1.0-463) | |
| Nov 13 2009 |
MANFRED BERGMANN As requested a .dmg download is now available via SourceForge or the MacSword web page. This download includes a readme and the module installer howto screen cast.
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Nov 12 2009 |
DP-G4-450GUY Alright! This edition works in Snow Leopard 10.6.2. Installer still needs work - a ReadMe txt file is needed badly. After scouring the various web sites, I found the Movie instructions (which a ReadMe should state the URL for) and pulled down the latest zip's of the texts I wanted - I manually installed them - makes life easier but good work on the module-installer function. One complaint - it's irksome that after selecting a text, I have to type a chapter to get it to open in the workspace - the start of the text should just appear - then if I want to skip ahead and so forth, I can type in what I want or choose it from the right-side panel. IMHO. Looks like the application is on the right path. Needs better instructions in a ReadMe text instead of having to go to a wiki, a home page, et al - or at least the ReadMe should give the direct URL's to these pages.
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Nov 12 2009 |
DP-G4-450GUY Ignore the open-text comment - I see the right-side panel stays open from the last session - so I have a TOC readily available - happy with that.
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| Nov 12 2009 |
DP-G4-450GUY AGAIN, no read me file in the installer. (Mannfred, even drag-n-drop installs are known as the installer, as far as the DMG is concerned - that's standard Mac lingo.) It would take VERY little effort to write a small text file on how to intall the modules. Copy/paste the relavent parts of the web page or forums into a text file and bundle it. I'm going to play with this latest update and hopefully it will work. I loved the old 'sword and really want this application up and going like the old days. SL 10.6.2
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| [ 3 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Nov 12 2009 |
MANFRED BERGMANN I really can't understand what the issue is with installing modules. The "Help" main menu has now all relevant places where to find help. We also have now a screen cast on our web page that shows how to install modules.
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| Nov 12 2009 |
DP-G4-450GUY Mannfred, it's because as a Mac user, I expect the "Macintosh experience" - ease of use being part of it. The app is very easy to use - no complaints there. But a ReadMe with a list of the relavent URL's would be a great edition to have so I don't have to go hunt them down. I'd even bundle the instruction-movie you made into the installer - the additional size is neglible and it is very helpful.
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| Nov 12 2009 |
MANFRED BERGMANN Alright, I will think about making a DMG bundle with some more stuff on it.
(Version 2.0.4-283) | |
| Oct 26 2009 |
SOUTHPAWAMI The recent update fixed the problems, and the software works great. It is presently significantly better than 1.x ever was. The developer is right, problems should be reported through proper procedures first, so the developer has a chance to work on these problems before he sees everyone in the world seeing a problem he could have fixed had he known about it.
(Version 2.0.2-271) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Oct 24 2009 |
IGREG Very unstable & search is not working.
(Version 2.0.2-271) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Oct 18 2009 |
SOUTHPAWAMI This update broke it on my OS X 10.5 which was updated, not freshly installed from 10.4. Not sure why it's broke. I deleted it, downloaded the lasted from macsword.com and it still didn't start up. I'm guessing, though I could be wrong, that this update fixed snow leopard stuff and broke leopard stuff. Doesn't load up enough to update, so, I guess I'll have to keep checking back.
(Version 2.0-261) | |
| [ 6 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Oct 19 2009 |
MANFRED BERGMANN Version 2.0.1 had a problem only on Leopard (10.5) systems. It wasn't possible to open a Workspace window.
(Version 2.0.2-269) | |
| Oct 20 2009 |
SOUTHPAWAMI Developer... I was figuring it was a 10.5 issue only. As 10.4 isn't supported anymore as far as I know. The prior macsword I was speaking of crashed after the update, then would not start. I had to go into Application Support through the Library to delete the MacSword folder before it would load up again. After that, it did start, the window just would not display. I deleted the Sword folder as well, but to no avail, it would simply start up and never display a window. I'm sure you've fixed the problem already, and I'll be downloading this version in a moment.
(Version 2.0.2-269) | |
| Oct 22 2009 |
TOMEG I have *never* gotten MacSword 2 to work. I first downloaded v. 2 beta longer than a year ago, having enjoyed using v. 1. I have installed updates to 2 as they have come along, hoping maybe I could get the app to open at some point in development. But, NO. Not once nor ever has it successfully opened. Instead, with each and every install, I have had exactly the same result: on first launch, the app icon bounces 3 or 4 times in the dock, then quits, I always get the standard system alert 'MacSword quit unexpectedly. Click Reopen to open the application again. Click Report to see more detailed information and send a report to Apple.' When I click Reopen, again the app's icon appears in the dock momentarily, then disappears, and that's it. I have tried everything I can think of, including: trash the app along with its associated files/folders on my hard drive, and Secure Empty Trash, then download move the app from my Downloads Folder to Applications, click to open the app afresh; and it crashes exactly the same as before. I have performed this ritual a great many times, same procedure each and every time an updated version has become available. Nada. Zip. No change. Believe me, I have been thorough, dogged and determined to eventually conquer this problem, and have done everything I know, consulted with other users taking their advice when it seemed appropriate and safe to do so. I have used Easy Find to root out any and all associated files, etc., each time with success. As if this weren't the full extent of it, a year ago I (coincidentally) bought a brand new 24" iMac 2.8 GHz 4 Gigs Ram (Max), with a brand new La Cie external hard drive (which works beautifully with Time Machine); OS 10.5 then Snow Leopard when it first came out, installed every Security Update and System Update as it was released - now 10.6.1. [Aside. Boy do I love Snow Leopard, like no other OS X version since 10.1.] Obviously I'm missing something but I don't know and can't imagine what it might be. I should have written this Troubleshoot in MacUpdate a long time ago, but, you know, I have faith that a capable sincere developer will eventually catch most if not all the problems, and fix them. I hope writing this will lead (or at least progress) to a solution for my problem. But now I'm really stumped. (I hate to admit this, since half the fun of owning a Mac is getting more and more involved in the cause to keep Apple at the forefront, and hopefully assist others as I have so many times been assisted to my great pleasure and satisfaction.) And I need help again. I have faith I will get it, and blessings on this project no matter my difficulties. Tom G
(Version 2.0.2-271) | |
| Oct 23 2009 |
Why do you not write to me directly or to our support forum or to our users mailing list? A problem description and a crash reporter log and I most probably could have told you what the problem is and how to work around it. The reason that I can't catch all issues simply is that some don't occur in every environment. Since our resources in time and test machines is very, very limited this project, as all open source project lives from helping users. This help doesn't need to be in coding but can simply be issue reporting.
(Version 2.0.2-271) | |
| Oct 23 2009 |
With all respect, *I HAVE POSTED THE SAME ISSUE* (though I admit not as rich in historical data) to the crossforge forums). I'm sorry I did not use the crash reporter as you suggest; but, you see, since I could not get MacSword 2 to open in the first place - its crashing every time on launch I as I have described - I saw no crash reporter. I'm also sorry I did not write to you directly on the matter. I confess I really expected my problem would have surfaced long ago from other users experience, and the appropriate fix would have been made. It may sound like nothing other than magical thinking on my part, but, since the program is widely used and popular, and the issue so basic, and my own system setup unremarkable, I thought watchful waiting was the more prudent course of action. So, yes, it is my fault and I'm sorry if this has upset you so much. As to informing you personally at last, consider my previous post your reference to the issue I request help with. It's not often I fall down in my responsibility as a very long-time Mac user and enthusiast, but a mistake it was and I've learned a valuable lesson. Thanks. Please tell me the most expedient way to allow you to reply to me personally. Sincerely, Tom
(Version 2.0.2-271) | |
| Oct 23 2009 |
I couldn't remember you posted this on the Crosswire forums already. Sorry for that. If you remember that thread, just open it up again or create a new one and I'll try to hunt things down with you. This issue has most probably to do with an old MacSword 1 module installation base which for some unknown reason crashes MacSword 2. There are some reports of users for this but I'm just unable to reproduce this problem on my two test machines.
(Version 2.0.2-271) | |
| Sep 29 2009 |
DP-G4-450GUY STILL does not work! I don't understand why the developer continues to issue public updates for Snow Leopard that just do NOT work. Sure, bugs are expected in alpha/beta/Release Candidates but they should basically WORK. For one thing, the installer come with no Read Me or anything, Secondly, the CrossWire page does not correspond with the actual program - example, it calls for creating a "Sword" folder under App Support - but the program creates a MacSword folder. This is pure laziness not to get your FAQ/help/support pages in line with the application. Secondly, what is stated as far as modules are concerned under preferences doesn't even exist in the application! There is still no accurate, simple instructions for getting the application pointed towards the modules or where to put Developer, spend some time getting your ducks in a row, PLEASE. This used to be a wonderful application. I'm getting very worried about its future.
(Version 2.0rc4-246) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Oct 3 2009 |
MANFRED BERGMANN The application works on Snow Leopard as it does on Leopard. Why do you say it doesn't work? Providing only an application bundle is a normal case on Mac OSX systems. There is no need for an installer. You just drag&drop it so somewhere, then it is installed. The CrossWire pages are not updated because MacSword 2 is not officially released yet. I agree that we need to update our wiki pages and such. But simply put the resources are limited, our spare time is limited. This is an open source software and project. Jump in and update those FAQs or the wiki. I don't understand what you write about the modules. If you don't know how to install modules that just write to our mailing list or our forum or actually there are enough forum posts which explain exactly how it works.
(Version 2.0rc4-246) | |
| Oct 3 2009 |
MANFRED BERGMANN As for what you say about the "Sword" folder and modules. Please have a look at our wiki page. Even though it is not up to date it explains how to install modules using the module installer. http://www.crosswire.org/wiki/Frontends:MacSword
(Version 2.0rc4-246) | |
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