How Study Bibles Appear in the App
In the Olive Tree app, study Bibles are made up of two files: the Bible text and the Study Bible Notes. Downloading the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible from the 'Cloud' tab of the Library will download both files. Here is what the Study Bible looks like in the Library:
Setting Up Your Study Bible for Parallel Reading
When you tap on the Study Bible in your Library, the app will automatically set up the two files in tandem. You will see the New International Version (NIV) open in the main window and the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes open in the Parallel window in the Study Center.
Here is an example of what this looks like in the screenshot below.
When you scroll in the Bible text, the study notes will follow along. You may notice the icons in the lower right corner. These control how the Parallel window links to the main window.
Unlinked - This icon indicates that the windows are currently unlinked. If you scroll in the main window while this icon is showing, the Resource Guide/Parallel window will not scroll along. Tapping the Unlinked icon will Relink the windows.
Linked - This icon indicates that the windows are currently linked. If you scroll in the main window, the Resource Guide/Parallel window will follow along. However, if you scroll in the Resource Guide/Parallel window the link will be broken. If you tap this icon, you will lock the window link.
Locked Link - This icon indicates that the window link is locked. When the link is locked, the link will not break, unless you tap this icon again to unlock the link.
Accessing Additional Maps, Charts, and Content
Study Bibles often come with additional content like articles, maps, charts, concordances, etc. You can find that content using the list view in the Verse Chooser.
When tapping the header, you'll find a complete Table of Contents displayed for navigational purposes.
Using Study Bible Notes in the Resource Guide
Another way to view the study notes in the app is through the Resource Guide. Open your preferred Bible translation in the main window and open the Resource Guide in the Study Center.
You will see relevant entries from the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes in the Resource Guide that correspond to your location in the Bible text in the main window.
Using the Study Bible Notes with Other Bible Translations
Another great thing about using a study Bible in the Olive Tree Bible App is that the Study Notes can be used with any Bible translation! You can pair the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes with another translation like the NKJV or The Message or you can pair the notes with a Strong's or Word Study Bible.
To do this, simply tap on the Library icon and select your desired Bible. It will then open in your main reading window.
Ways to Purchase or Subscribe
You can purchase the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible on our website here.
The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible is also included in the NIV Bible Study Pack! With a variety of resources, including maps, commentary and more, Study Packs are a great value for just $5.99/month. You can learn more and sign up on our website to start your 14-day free trial.
We hope this article has been helpful for you. If you have any further questions about using your NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, please submit a ticket to our Support team. We are happy to help you!