Is there a free audiobook of the Bible?
An audiobook of the Bible is an audio recording of the text of the Bible being read aloud. It allows people to listen to the words of the Bible, rather than reading them on a page. Audiobooks of the Bible have become increasingly popular for several reasons:
First, audiobooks allow people to experience the Bible even when they don’t have a physical copy available. This makes it convenient to listen to the Bible while commuting, exercising, or doing chores around the house. Additionally, audiobooks make the Bible more accessible for people who have vision impairments or reading difficulties.
Second, some people find it easier to absorb and comprehend the Bible when they hear it read aloud rather than reading it themselves. The dramatic performance of an audiobook can bring the words to life in a powerful way. Listening may promote deeper reflection and engagement with the text.
Third, audiobooks allow people to experience the Bible in a new way. The voice talents, sound effects, and music of an audiobook production can create an immersive experience that feels fresh and intriguing even for someone already very familiar with the Bible.
In summary, audiobooks of the Bible offer convenience, accessibility, and a compelling performance that satisfies those seeking an engaging way to experience the iconic text. With the rise of digital audio, audiobooks now provide a useful alternative for anyone interested in incorporating the Bible into their daily routine.
Official Audiobooks
There are no completely free official audiobook versions of the full Bible available from major publishers like Audible, Amazon, or iTunes. However, some official publishers like BibleStudyTools and BibleGateway offer limited selections of free official audiobooks of certain Bible books or passages.
For example, BibleStudyTools provides over 20 free audiobooks of individual Bible books like Genesis, Psalms, Matthew, and more. These are read by well-known voice actors and officially licensed. BibleGateway offers a selection of free audiobooks of highlights, devotionals, and stories based on Bible passages. But neither offers a free full audiobook version of the complete Bible.
The main options for free full Bible audiobooks are public domain recordings or electronic bibles from apps and websites. Major publishers focus on selling premium, high-quality recordings of the Bible, so free audiobooks are limited to selections rather than the complete text.
Public Domain Recordings
Since the Bible is public domain, there are many free audio recordings available from individuals and organizations. The Bible itself is not under copyright, so anyone can legally record audio versions to distribute for free.
Some popular sources for public domain Bible audio include:
- Public Domain Audio Bibles (https://publicdomainaudiobibles.com/) – offers free downloads of the World English Bible, Bible in Basic English, Reina Valera, and more in MP3 format.
- Bibles.org (https://biblesfree.org/bibles-audio.html) – provides access to listen online or download over 100 free audio Bibles including NIV, KJV, NET, ESV, and The Message.
These public domain recordings allow the Bible to be freely heard and shared. The audio quality and reading style varies since these are produced by many different individuals and groups rather than professional studios. But they provide free access to God’s word.
Apps and Websites
There are several excellent apps and websites that offer free Bible audiobooks. Some popular options include:
BibleGateway – This free website and app offers over 150 audio Bible versions in multiple languages. You can listen to the Bible text-by-text or choose an audio dramatization. The audio player allows you to adjust speed and create bookmarks.
Bible App by YouVersion – With over 500 audio versions of the Bible, this free app has the widest selection available. It includes dramatized Bibles, chapter-by-chapter versions, and study Bible narrations. You can also follow along with the text and take notes.
Audible.com – Though not free, Audible offers hundreds of Bible audiobooks with professional narrators. Subscribers get access to the full audiobook with a monthly membership.
The Daily Audio Bible – This site provides a free daily podcast that works through the entire Bible in a year. Each 20-25 minute episode includes a reading from both the Old and New Testament.
Length and Versions
The complete Bible audiobook can be quite lengthy, with recordings ranging from 70-90 hours depending on the version. The popular King James Version clocks in at around 72 hours (https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Bible-Audio-Complete-Testament/dp/B011876T6C). Other common versions like the New International Version may be slightly shorter at around 65-70 hours.
The major audio Bible versions available include the King James Version, New International Version, English Standard Version, New King James Version, and New Living Translation. The King James is the most widely available in audiobook format given its public domain status.
Abridged and dramatized versions may also be significantly shorter, condensing the content down to 10-20 hours. But for those seeking the full, unabridged text, expect an audiobook length of 65+ hours for the complete Bible.
Voice Talent
There are several well-known voice actors who have narrated Bible audiobooks. Some of the most popular include:
Paul Mims – Considered one of the best Bible narrators, Mims has narrated the New International Version and King James Version, among others. His clear and expressive reading style makes the Bible come alive.
Max McLean – McLean’s rich baritone voice can be heard reading the English Standard Version. He founded Listener Supported and has decades of experience narrating audiobooks.
Alexander Scourby – Known for his deep, resonating voice, Scourby recorded the King James Version which is seen by many as the definitive audio Bible. His narration won a Grammy award.
There are also audiobook versions of the Bible narrated by celebrities like James Earl Jones and various casts of voice actors. The narrator can greatly impact the listening experience, so reviews recommend sampling different versions to find your favorite audiobook Bible narration style.
Chapters and Highlights
Most official audiobook versions divide the Bible into chapters to match the typical printed Bible. For example, the Word of Promise Audio Bible contains over 120 hours of Bible audio arranged by books and chapters (North Arrow Shop). Chapters allow listeners to easily navigate to specific passages.
In addition to chapter divisions, some audiobook versions highlight famous or significant Bible passages by using enhanced production. For instance, The Bible Experience dramatizes the Parable of the Prodigal Son and other beloved stories with movie-quality sound design. Dramatizations bring the text to life and emphasize important narratives.
Having chapters and highlights helps listeners stay oriented when listening to the lengthy biblical text. Chapters provide easy reference points, while dramatizations call attention to critical stories and verses.
Listen While Reading
One of the best features of many free Bible audio apps is the ability to listen to the audio while reading along with the text. This provides the benefits of both reading and listening at the same time. According to Steve Jobs, “people learn better with multimedia” and this synchronization of text and audio facilitates easier learning and comprehension.
The YouVersion Bible App, for example, offers over 1,200 audio versions that can be synced to scroll along with the text as you read (1). This feature allows you to easily look up verses or words while listening. Other apps like Bible Gateway also provide the text-audio sync option.
Apps like Scourby YouBible are specifically designed for this bimodal audio-text presentation. As described on the App Store, “Studies show hearing and reading increase understanding, comprehension and retention” (2). The developer worked closely with voice artist Alexander Scourby to create the definitive audio Bible that follows along with the text.
For those wanting to get the most out of reading and listening to the Bible, the ability to sync text and audio can be invaluable.
(1) https://www.youversion.com/
(2) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scourby-youbible/id524402839
Portability
One of the main benefits of Bible audiobooks is their unmatched portability. With a physical Bible, you are limited by the size and weight of the book. But with an audio version, you can listen anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or portable audio device. As the article from The KJV Store states, “The sheer volume of the Scripture means that readers wishing to take in the full counsel of God’s Word can find themselves anchored to hefty tomes. Audiobooks lift that anchor and allow total mobility.”
This allows people to listen to the Bible while driving, exercising, doing chores, or throughout the day. As the Courageous Christian Father article mentions, audiobooks are great for “making the most of your commute.” No matter where you are, audiobooks provide easy access to the Bible. You don’t need to carry around a large book or find time to sit and read it. Just press play and absorb Scripture on the go.
Conclusion
The Bible is the most translated and printed book of all time and is now readily available in audio form as well for those interested in listening to the word of God. There are many free audiobooks of the Bible available from official sources, public domain recordings, apps, and websites. While the length and version varies, most major translations like the KJV, ESV, NIV, and others are available at no cost. The talent behind these recordings range from professional voice actors to volunteers, with many focusing on key chapters and highlights for listening on the go. With today’s technology, the Bible can be streamed, downloaded, and carried anywhere. Listeners are encouraged to find a translation, narrator, and delivery method that works for them. Listening to God’s word can provide comfort, inspiration, and guidance in faith.