MCP

Tools & prompts

MCP tools and prompts for Bible translation helps. All tools call the REST Data API via ApiClient.

Endpoint /v2/mcp Manifest GET /v2/api/mcp-manifest Open Playground →

Connect

Claude Desktop

claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "translation-helps": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://tc-helps.mcp.servant.bible/v2/mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Cursor

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "translation-helps": {
      "url": "https://tc-helps.mcp.servant.bible/v2/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Result envelope

Successful tools return MCP `content` (text summary + JSON string) plus `structuredContent` (the authoritative object). Prefer `structuredContent` when your client supports it. Per-tool examples below show that object. Tools that declare an `outputSchema` include optional `available` / `code` / `message` / `hints` members so the RESOURCE_NOT_AVAILABLE envelope still validates (isError remains false). Execution errors use isError: true with details in content only — no structuredContent.

Success

MCP tool result

{
  "content": [
    {
      "type": "text",
      "text": "3 version(s) for TIT 2:12"
    },
    {
      "type": "text",
      "text": "{\"reference\":\"TIT 2:12\",\"versions\":[…]}"
    }
  ],
  "structuredContent": {
    "reference": "TIT 2:12",
    "language": "en",
    "versions": []
  },
  "isError": false
}

Resource not available

isError: false — missing data is not a server failure. Tools with an outputSchema declare these fields as optional so the envelope still validates.

not available

{
  "content": [
    {
      "type": "text",
      "text": "{\"available\":false,\"code\":\"RESOURCE_NOT_AVAILABLE\",\"message\":\"…\"}"
    }
  ],
  "structuredContent": {
    "available": false,
    "code": "RESOURCE_NOT_AVAILABLE",
    "message": "No translation questions available for this reference or language.",
    "hints": [
      "Run list_resources to see what is available for this language."
    ]
  },
  "isError": false
}

Workflow tools (13)

Click a tool for parameters, example args, and the structuredContent response shape.

Prompts (4)

translate_passage

Get comprehensive translation help for a Bible passage: scripture text, notes, and key words.

reference * — Bible reference, e.g. "JHN 3:16", "MAT 5:3-12".
language — BCP-47 language code, e.g. "en", "es", "es-419".

explain_translation_word

Explain a Translation Word concept from a specific Bible passage.

reference * — Bible reference, e.g. "JHN 3:16", "MAT 5:3-12".
language — BCP-47 language code, e.g. "en", "es", "es-419".

find_translation_principle

Find a Translation Academy article about a translation principle or technique.

topic * — Translation topic or concept, e.g. "figures of speech", "metaphor".
language — BCP-47 language code, e.g. "en", "es", "es-419".

check_translation

Use comprehension questions to verify a translation draft.

reference * — Bible reference, e.g. "JHN 3:16", "MAT 5:3-12".
language — BCP-47 language code, e.g. "en", "es", "es-419".