eBiblicious is a Javascript API for eBible.com, for which a WordPress plugin is available that detects inline Scripture references and provides the text in mouseover “tool-tip” windows. For example, mousing over Phil 4:6 should present the text in a pop-up. When writing a post, you merely include text that is a valid Bible reference and the eBiblicious plugin converts it automatically. 1 Samuel 2, Hebrews 11, and Matthew 3:1-5 are all valid forms that are converted.
eBiblicious Options
There are several options available to customize the plugin behavior. Four modes are available: Mouseover, Snippet, Link, and Study. The mode controls what replacement text is substituted when a Scripture reference is detected in a post.
Mouseover Mode
Mouseover mode, of course, is in use above. When the reader runs the mouse pointer over the linked Scripture reference, the text pops up. Clicking the link opens the text in eBible’s quickview format. Within the popup is a link to view the text in the eBible study browser.
Snippet Mode
Snippet mode inserts an inline div within the post, as shown below. The div is of a class, which can be restyled by the user.
Link Mode
Link mode create a link to the text in eBible quickview link. This is the basic view that shows the verse, notes that others have attached, topics, and links to bookmark, email, view in the study browser, and to send to a Facebook friend or post in your Facebook profile.
Study Mode
Study mode creates a link to the text in eBible’s study browser, where the verse will be highlighted and displayed in context with the surrounding text. Right-clicking a verse opens a context menu from which you can browse commentaries (most require a subscription, but the King James and Matthew Henry commentaries are free to use. In the screenshot below, the Henry commentary is open to Philippians 4:2-9.
Translation
You can choose which translation is used. I prefer NASB and ESV for their literal but modern translations, but others are available as well. For this plugin, NASB, MSG, KJV, NKJV, ESV, HCSB, NCV, SpaRV, and ItalRV are all supported.
CSS Styling and Other Options
You can also choose whether to include the default CSS stylesheet, which class name with which to mark the references, and the class in which to search for references.
Other options include whether to open links in a new window, which API version to use.
Developer Keys
To use the eBiblicious API, you must get a developer key by registering (for free). This works pretty much like Askimet and the WordPress.com Stats plugins.
What About Scripturizer?
Scripturizer is another good WordPress plugin that marks up Scripture references in posts, linking them to BibleGateway.com. There is nothing wrong with either plugin in this respect; they both work as advertised.
However, I prefer the eBiblicous plugin. Certainly not for the name (yikes), but the pop-up text, flexible link options, and use of eBible.com.
Overall
Overall, I think the it’s a nice plugin that offers a genuine benefit. Of course, more options to allow fine-tuning through the WordPress admin interface would be nice, but that’s just looking a gift horse in the mouth.
