Python Bible API Example: Fetch a Daily Verse with Requests

Build a scheduled Scripture fetch script in Python — secure, production-ready, and cron-compatible.

Last updated: February 2026

What You Will Build

• A Python script that fetches Scripture from a JSON Bible API
• Secure API key handling using environment variables
• Automatic daily execution via cron
• File-based JSON storage for caching or downstream processing

Prerequisites

• Python 3.9+
• requests library
• A free BibleBridge API key

pip install requests

Step 1: Secure Your API Key

Never hardcode API keys — use environment variables instead.

export BIBLEBRIDGE_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Step 2: Python Bible API Example (requests)

import os
import requests
import json
from datetime import date

API_BASE = "https://holybible.dev/api/scripture"
API_KEY = os.getenv("BIBLEBRIDGE_API_KEY")

if not API_KEY:
    raise RuntimeError("Missing BIBLEBRIDGE_API_KEY environment variable")

params = {
    "bookID": 43,
    "chapter": 3,
    "verse": 16,
    "version": "KJV"
}

headers = {
    "Authorization": f"Bearer {API_KEY}"
}

response = requests.get(API_BASE, params=params, headers=headers, timeout=10)
response.raise_for_status()

data = response.json()

if data.get("status") != "success":
    raise RuntimeError("API returned an error response")

output_file = f"scripture-{date.today().isoformat()}.json"

with open(output_file, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
    json.dump(data, f, indent=2, ensure_ascii=False)

print(f"Saved verse to {output_file}")

Example API Response (JSON)

{
  "status": "success",
  "type": "single_verse",
  "version": "KJV",
  "book": { "id": 43, "name": "John" },
  "chapter": 3,
  "data": {
    "verse": 16,
    "text": "For God so loved the world..."
  }
}

Step 3: Schedule Daily Execution (Cron Job)

0 7 * * * /usr/bin/python3 /path/to/daily_verse.py >> /path/to/log.txt 2>&1

Common Errors & Fixes

• 401 Unauthorized – Missing or invalid API key
• requests.exceptions.Timeout – Increase timeout value
• ModuleNotFoundError: requests – Run pip install requests
• Permission denied (cron) – Check file execution permissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a free JSON Bible API?

Yes — you can sign up for a free API key and begin building immediately.

Can I fetch multiple verses?

Yes. The API supports ranges and full chapter queries. See the Bible API documentation.

Can this run on a server?

Yes. This script works with cron, systemd timers, and cloud schedulers.

Related Tutorials

• JavaScript Bible API Example (Node.js)

Next Steps

• Store verses in a database
• Send daily devotional emails
• Build a reading plan generator
• Deploy to a VPS or serverless platform