JavaScript Bible API Example: Verse of the Day Bot (Node.js)

Fetch a random Bible verse using a JSON Bible API — then schedule it daily with Node.js and cron.

Last updated: February 2026

What You Will Build

This tutorial demonstrates a production-ready JavaScript Bible API integration — including secure environment variables, error handling, and scheduling.

• A Node.js script that fetches Scripture from a JSON API
• A curated random verse selector
• A cron-scheduled daily Verse of the Day job
• An optional Discord webhook integration

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+ – native fetch support
• A free BibleBridge API key
• Basic familiarity with JavaScript

mkdir verse-bot
cd verse-bot
npm init -y

Step 1: Secure Your API Key

Never hardcode API keys — use environment variables instead.

export BIBLEBRIDGE_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Step 2: JavaScript Bible API Example (Node.js)

"use strict";

const API_BASE = "https://holybible.dev/api/scripture";
const API_KEY = process.env.BIBLEBRIDGE_API_KEY;

if (!API_KEY) {
  throw new Error("Missing BIBLEBRIDGE_API_KEY environment variable.");
}

// Curated verses to avoid incomplete passages
const VERSES = [
  { bookID: 19, chapter: 23, verse: 1 },
  { bookID: 43, chapter: 3, verse: 16 },
  { bookID: 20, chapter: 3, verse: 5 }
];

function pickRandomVerse() {
  return VERSES[Math.floor(Math.random() * VERSES.length)];
}

async function fetchVerse(ref) {
  const params = new URLSearchParams({
    bookID: ref.bookID,
    chapter: ref.chapter,
    verse: ref.verse,
    version: "KJV"
  });

  const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}?${params}`, {
    headers: {
      Authorization: `Bearer ${API_KEY}`
    }
  });

  if (!response.ok) {
    throw new Error(`API request failed (${response.status})`);
  }

  return response.json();
}

async function run() {
  const ref = pickRandomVerse();
  const verse = await fetchVerse(ref);

  const formatted =
    `${verse.book.name} ${verse.chapter}:${verse.data.verse}\n` +
    `${verse.data.text}`;

  console.log(formatted);
}

run().catch(console.error);

Example Output

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Step 3: Schedule with Cron (Daily Execution)

0 8 * * * /usr/bin/node /path/to/verse.js >> /path/to/output.log 2>&1

Optional: Send to Discord via Webhook

const DISCORD_WEBHOOK = process.env.DISCORD_WEBHOOK;

await fetch(DISCORD_WEBHOOK, {
  method: "POST",
  headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
  body: JSON.stringify({ content: formatted })
});

Common Errors & Fixes

• 401 Unauthorized – Missing or invalid API key
• 429 Too Many Requests – Rate limit exceeded
• fetch is not defined – Upgrade to Node.js 18+
• ECONNRESET – Network timeout or firewall issue

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a free Bible API?

Yes — you can sign up for a free API key to begin development.

Does this return JSON?

Yes. All Scripture responses are returned in structured JSON format.

Can I change translations?

Yes. Modify the version parameter (for example: KJV, NIV).

Can I fetch multiple verses?

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

Next Steps

• Integrate into a Discord bot
• Send daily devotional emails
• Deploy as a serverless function
• Expand your curated verse list

Explore the full JSON Bible API documentation for advanced endpoint usage.