In a strong warning to believers, Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of the YouVersion Bible App, has raised serious concerns about artificial intelligence misquoting the Bible. Speaking in April 2026, he said even advanced AI models fail to handle Scripture accurately, misquoting passages at alarming rates.
According to Gruenewald, leading AI systems misquote Scripture at least 15% of the time, with some error rates reaching as high as 60%. He stressed that even small changes in wording or punctuation can alter the meaning of God’s Word, which requires complete precision and reverence.
The concern goes beyond minor mistakes. Some AI tools have fabricated entire Bible verses or wrongly attributed statements to Scripture. In one case, a false quote was labeled as John 5:5, while another was incorrectly presented as the words of Jesus—despite no such verses existing.
While Life.Church continues using AI for technical purposes, it has drawn a firm line in spiritual matters. The YouVersion platform does not allow AI to answer questions about Scripture, prioritizing accuracy and integrity.Gruenewald also warned that many—especially younger users—are turning to AI before the Bible or pastors. Without solid biblical knowledge, such errors can easily be accepted as truth.
In a rapidly advancing digital age, the message is clear: when it comes to God’s Word, convenience must never replace truth. Scripture remains sacred—and not something machines can yet be trusted to handle alone.