Bible Reference Linker

Bible Reference Linker

Enter references like Gen_33:17; Lev_23:34; 2Sa_11:11; and press Convert.


Converted links will appear here.

“Copy Markdown” will copy a markdown-formatted list (each line: `[Genesis 33:17](https://…)`).

Drop-down version selection affects the Bible.com links. Each reference also includes a StudyBible.info comparison link.

Bible Reference Linker – User Manual

1. Overview

The Bible Reference Linker is a web-based tool designed to simplify and accelerate the process of generating clickable, study-ready links for Bible references. With this page, users can take a list of abbreviated Scripture references, expand them into full book names with chapter and verse, and instantly convert them into working links to both Bible.com and StudyBible.info.

This tool is ideal for teachers, students, preachers, and anyone engaged in in-depth Bible study who desires quick access to passages in multiple study resources. This was originally created to parse references from e-Sword into fully clickable links for adding into a notes file.


2. Features

  1. Automatic Book Name Expansion

    • Converts standard Bible abbreviations (e.g., Gen, Lev, 2Sa) into full book names (Genesis, Leviticus, 2 Samuel) for clear display.

  2. Clickable Links Generation

    • Each reference generates two links:

      • Bible.com: Direct link using the selected Bible version code.

      • StudyBible.info: Comparison link showing the passage, including verse ranges.

  3. Bible Version Selection

    • Users may select from a dropdown of popular Bible versions such as:

      • The Scriptures 2009

      • English Standard Version

      • King James Version

      • Legacy Standard Bible

      • Tree of Life Version

      • Wycliffe in Modern Spelling

    • The chosen version code dynamically updates the Bible.com links.

  4. Flexible Input Format

    • Accepts semicolon-separated, comma-separated, or mixed lists of references.

    • Handles underscores, spaces, and numbered books (e.g., 1Ki, 2Sa).

    • Accepts chapter ranges (e.g., 23:34-43) and displays them correctly.

  5. Markdown Copying

    • Generates a formatted Markdown list for easy pasting into documents, teaching notes, or websites.

  6. Responsive and User-Friendly Interface

    • Clear, uncluttered design.

    • Immediate preview of converted links.

    • Buttons for conversion, clearing, and copying with helpful alerts.


3. How It Works

The tool performs the following steps internally:

  1. Input Parsing

    • Splits the user input into individual references based on semicolons, commas, or vertical bars.

    • Normalizes abbreviations and cleans stray punctuation.

  2. Book Name Resolution

    • Converts short abbreviations to full book names for display.

    • Matches user input to known books, including numbered books (1 Samuel, 2 Kings, etc.).

  3. URL Generation

    • Bible.com: Replaces colons in chapter:verse with periods for URL compatibility. Inserts the selected version code from the dropdown.

    • StudyBible.info: Preserves the original colon format and includes verse ranges as entered.

  4. Display Rendering

    • Shows both clickable links per reference in a neatly formatted list.

    • Small code underneath each link shows the raw URL.

  5. Markdown Generation

    • Copies all links in Markdown format to the clipboard for easy use in teaching materials or digital content.


4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Enter References

  1. Locate the text area labeled “References (semicolon-separated)”.

  2. Input your Scripture references, using standard abbreviations. Example:

     
    Gen_33:17; Lev_23:34; 2Sa_11:11
    • Acceptable separators: semicolon (;), comma (,), or vertical bar (|).

    • Numbered books should include the number prefix (e.g., 1Ki_20:12).

Step 2: Select Bible Version

  1. Find the dropdown menu labeled “Select Bible Version.”

  2. Choose your preferred version. Example:

    • Default: The Scriptures 2009 (code 316)

    • Other options: KJV, ESV, LSB, TOLV, Wycliffe Modern Spelling.

Note: The selected version affects only the Bible.com links.

Step 3: Convert References

  1. Click the “Convert” button.

  2. The tool will generate a list of clickable links:

    • Bible.com link: Uses the selected version code, replaces colons with periods for URL safety.

    • StudyBible.info link: Preserves the full book name and verse format, including ranges.

Step 4: Use or Copy Links

  1. Click any link to open the reference in a new tab.

  2. To copy all references as a Markdown list:

    • Click “Copy Markdown”.

    • The list will be copied to your clipboard, formatted like:

       
      - [Genesis 33:17 (Bible.com)](https://www.bible.com/bible/316/GEN.33.17) [StudyBible.info](https://studybible.info/compare/Genesis 33:17)
  3. Paste the Markdown into your document, website, or teaching notes.

Step 5: Clearing Input

  • Click “Clear” to erase the text area and output, resetting the tool for new references.


5. Tips and Best Practices

  • Book Abbreviations: Use standard abbreviations (Gen, Lev, Deu, 1Ki, 2Sa). Avoid uncommon or ambiguous forms.

  • Verse Ranges: Enter as chapter:verse1-verse2. Display keeps the full range; Bible.com uses periods for URL compliance.

  • Copying: Use the Markdown copy function to save time and avoid manual formatting.

  • Multiple Versions: Change the dropdown to see the same references in different Bible versions. Links will update after clicking Convert.

  • URL Verification: Bible.com links open in a new tab; check that the correct version and passage are displayed.


6. Example Usage

Input:

 
Gen_33:17; Lev_23:34; 2Sa_11:11; 1Ki_20:12-16

Dropdown Version Selected:

  • The Scriptures 2009 (316)

Output:

  • Markdown copy will produce:

 
- [Genesis 33:17 (Bible.com)](https://www.bible.com/bible/316/GEN.33.17) [StudyBible.info](https://studybible.info/compare/Genesis 33:17) - [Leviticus 23:34 (Bible.com)](https://www.bible.com/bible/316/LEV.23.34) [StudyBible.info](https://studybible.info/compare/Leviticus 23:34) - [2 Samuel 11:11 (Bible.com)](https://www.bible.com/bible/316/2SA.11.11) [StudyBible.info](https://studybible.info/compare/2 Samuel 11:11) - [1 Kings 20:12-16 (Bible.com)](https://www.bible.com/bible/316/1KI.20.12-16) [StudyBible.info](https://studybible.info/compare/1 Kings 20:12-16)

7. Support

For questions or enhancements, consider:

  • Ensuring your book abbreviations are standard.

  • Refreshing the page if a conversion error occurs.

  • Checking that your browser allows clipboard operations for Markdown copying.


8. Summary

The Bible Reference Linker provides a seamless method to:

  • Expand abbreviations to full Bible book names.

  • Generate accurate, clickable links for multiple platforms.

  • Switch between popular Bible versions.

  • Produce ready-to-use Markdown for study guides, sermons, or teaching materials.

It brings together clarity, speed, and versatility in one simple, elegant interface — a faithful companion for serious Scripture study.

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