Behind the Text
Understand the Bible, chapter by chapter.
Study notes, history, people, places, connected verses and trusted teaching for all 1,189 chapters, right beside the text.
Free beta · works in your phone's browser
Study notes
Deep notes on every chapter
All 1,189 chapters come with verse-by-verse notes on word meanings, background and how different traditions read the text, plus links to related verses.
People, places and history
Meet the people and walk the places
A Study panel on every chapter lists the people, places and history behind it, with short descriptions, verse links and a map link for each place.
Connected verses
See how Scripture connects
Tap any verse to see where it is quoted or echoed elsewhere, from the Old Testament to the New, and jump right there.
Denominational views
Understand what different churches teach
Short, fair summaries of how Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist and other traditions read a passage, with their own sources cited.
Takeaways and things to look for
Top 10 takeaways for every book
Before you start a book, see its 10 biggest ideas and the things to watch for as you read, so you know what you are looking at.
Sermons and podcasts
Hear trusted teachers on the passage
Links to sermons and podcasts on the chapter you are reading, from teachers like Billy Graham, JP Pokluda, Craig Groeschel and BibleProject. Links open on their own sites.
Search everything
Find any verse, topic or page
One search bar finds verses, people, places, books, study notes, sermons and app pages. Type a phrase, a reference like John 3:16, or a topic.
Private recommendations
Suggestions that stay on your phone
"Recommended for you" learns from what you read and search, right on your device. Your reading history is not sent to us.
Tour
See it in under two minutes
A quick walk through reading, study notes and search.
Built for real study
Every chapter covered
Notes, history and group questions for all 66 books.
Fair to every tradition
Where churches differ, each view is shown with its own sources.
Private by design
Recommendations are worked out on your phone.
Questions
What is Behind the Text?
A Bible study app that puts notes, history, people, places, connected verses and trusted teaching next to every chapter of the Bible.
How do I get it?
It is in beta and runs in your phone's web browser. Tap "Open the app", then use "Add to Home Screen" to keep it like a regular app. The beta currently needs an invite password.
Is it tied to one church or denomination?
No. Study notes are written for Christians from many traditions, and where churches differ, the app shows each view side by side with its sources.
Are the sermons and podcasts from your partners?
No. They are link-only references to public sermons and podcasts. Behind the Text is not affiliated with or endorsed by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, JP Pokluda, Craig Groeschel, Life.Church, BibleProject or any other teacher listed.
What happens to my reading data?
Recommendations are worked out on your device. See the privacy policy for details.
Which Bible translations are included?
The app uses public-domain and openly licensed translations. The full list and sources are on the Credits page inside the app.
How do I contact you?
Email emmausbiblellc@gmail.com.