Bible Search and Real-Time AI Verse Detection

Real-Time AI Verse Detection

There are two main ways Pewbeam can automatically detect and display verses on screen using AI:

1. Direct Reference Detection

Detects explicit scripture citations in under 5 milliseconds. Examples include:

Standard: "John 3:16", "Genesis 1:1"
Spoken format: "Romans chapter 8 verse 28"
Abbreviated: "Matt 5:9", "Rev 21:4"
Contextual: Spoken phrases like "verse 10" immediately following a reference to James 4 automatically resolve as James 4:10.

2. Semantic Search (AI Detection)

When a speaker quotes or paraphrases scripture without mentioning a reference, Pewbeam's AI searches a pre-built index of 31,000+ Bible verses in 200–400ms. Common phrases are cached for near-instant results.

Confidence Thresholds

Direct References: 90–100% confidence.
Semantic Matches: 35–89% confidence.
Low Confidence (below 35%): Automatically filtered out and not shown.

Automatic Mid-Sermon Translation Switching

If a pastor verbally mentions another translation by name, for example "Read that in NLT", Pewbeam automatically switches the active translation on display.

Manual Scripture Search Modes

Book Mode

Search by exact citation. Pewbeam autocompletes book names as you type. Use number keys (0–9) to jump directly to a specific verse within a chapter.

Context Mode

Search by topic, phrase, or theme. Powered by the same AI as automatic detection, it understands meaning rather than exact keyword matches.

Supported Bible Translations

Bundled Translations: KJV, NKJV, NLT, NIV, ESV, NASB, ASV, HCSB, AMPC, AMP, and TPT come pre-installed across all accounts.
Downloadable Translations: You can access additional translations from Settings > Bible Translations Store (including Spanish, French, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba).
Original Languages (downloadable): GRC (Greek New Testament), HEB (Hebrew Bible/Tanakh)

Additional translations can be downloaded from Settings > Scripture > Bible translations.