diff --git a/src/main/java/org/crosswire/jsword/versification/BibleNames.java b/src/main/java/org/crosswire/jsword/versification/BibleNames.java
index 68d6740bb..10574b61c 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/crosswire/jsword/versification/BibleNames.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/crosswire/jsword/versification/BibleNames.java
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ private void store(ResourceBundle resources, BibleBook book, Map fullMap, Map sh
             }
 
             String altBook = getString(resources, osisName + ALT_KEY);
-            if(altBook != null && altBook.equals("-")) {
+            if(altBook != null && altBook.strip().equals("-")) {
                 altBook = "";
             }