Ever since I got my own study Bible, I became more excited learning about the Word of God. Honestly, before I was gifted one I really never knew it existed.
Today I am excited to share with you some tools and supplies to elevate your Bible study. I will share some tools you can save and invest for and also lots of free resources you can use.
Because of reading the Bible and reflecting every day, I noticed that I would like to dig deeper into it. I’ve been praying so much for God to lead me to more resources to better understand His Word.
I’ve done a lot of research about doing Bible study and have found that many pastors and Bible scholars or teachers have recommended tools to help them study and understand the Word.
I would be honest that I have no experience with some of these tools yet. But I would like to take you along the journey so we both can learn together.
These are not based on chronological order. Grab your pen and notebook because there’s a lot of good information in this post. Let’s start!
First: The Most Important Thing – Your Bible
Bible study tools are not meant to replace the Bible but to help us study and understand it.
There are different kinds of Bible like study Bible or journaling Bible in different versions and translation.
A journaling Bible provides a wide space for you to draw, doodle or right down your thoughts. A study Bible has commentaries, notes, few maps, introductory material and historical background.
Take note that a study Bible provides commentaries which can sometimes be distracting if you are doing study like the inductive method. If you have other tools in your arsenal, you can use those first before reading the commentary from the study Bible.
But based on my experience, study Bible is what really helped me love to read the Bible. Maybe because it’s the only tool I have at that time.
Second: Different Bible Translations
By comparing different Bible translations, you can find the many possible meanings and usages of a word that you might probably miss.
Choose the translations that will make you most comfortable.
You can buy a paper version but thanks to technology you can do it online for free. Different Bible apps have different translations too.
This one from Bible Gateway is very convenient. You can compare different translations at the same time which is pretty neat.
Third: Exhaustive Concordance
A concordance is an index to a book. It is usually arranged in an alphabetical order and shows the location of each word in the book.
An exhaustive concordance contains every reference to every word of the Bible version on which it is based.
There are several exhaustive concordance you can buy online. Choose a concordance that is geared to your primary Bible version.
Since I am reading NIV Bible, I chose the Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance. If you are serious about doing Bible study, consider saving for your references and treat them as investment.
I opted for a physical book because I like having something to hold on to.
I got some books from Thriftbooks.com. I am not affiliated with them but I am so happy to find great books there. I got a concordance which is still in great condition for only $9.49 instead of paying $39.99.
I am so excited to dig in this concordance and share some tips with you soon. But technically, here are the important features of this NIV exhaustive concordance.
It has the main word, number of times it’s mentioned, other spellings and related word list, biblical reference and some more.
You can also do it online for free. One example is the BibleGateway. Go to Study then Keyword Search. Type a word that you are looking for, the version you are using. It tells you the times it’s mentioned in Old Testament and New Testament. It also shows the Bible verses where you can find them.
Fourth: Bible Dictionary
It explains many of the words, topics, customs, traditions and also gives us historical, geographical, cultural and archeological information.
Some of them are illustrated or have drawings in them. These are great for looking up the original Greek/Hebrew words in scripture.
Bible Study Tools also has a Quick Reference Dictionary which will come handy during your study.
Fifth: Topical Bible
It categorizes the verses of the Bible by topics instead of by words. Choose a version that you are most comfortable with.
I have the NIV Nave’s Topical Bible which I also got from Thriftbooks. Instead of paying $29.99 I got it for $4.50 and it looks brand new.
It combines the most useful features of a Bible handbook, Bible dictionary and Bible concordance. This is a good resource if you would like to do thematic and topical Bible study.
Sixth: Bible Maps or Atlas
This will help you understand the geographical locations, distances, missionary paths and contexts so you will have better comprehension of what’s happening during that time.
You can buy a paperback or you can find something online like from Bible History website.
Seventh: Commentaries
They explain and interpret the meaning of the Biblical message by analyzing the words used, background and provide some cross-references. They are great when you don’t understand what you are reading.
Commentaries are great resources but it is good to do your own study first before reading the commentary. That way you will have the opportunity to discover the meaning on your own and be able to reflect while you study.
Once you have done your own treasure hunting in the Word then you can read the commentaries to see what other Bible scholars have to say about it.
There are tons available as books and also online.
Eight: English Dictionary
Sometimes we think we know the meaning of a word but just aren’t sure. It’s always helpful to have a dictionary to help us gain clarity with the meaning of the word. You can get a paperback but there’s always a free dictionary online.
Ninth: For the Supplies
It’s always good to have a Bible study journal or notebook allotted for this. Some people use different colors of pens and highlighters.
There is something really powerful in writing down the thoughts and insights God has given you.
I could personally say that I can process things better when I write them down in my journal. It gives me the opportunity to learn from them again when I stumble upon them months or years later.
It’s Just Start of Your Journey
This is not an exhaustive list. I am sure there are other more helpful tools for Bible study. But these are the essentials that can really help us to understand God’s Word further.
You don’t have to use them all at the same time. Each tool has its own use based on the Bible study method you choose.
I will have different series of Bible study methods coming up soon. Make sure to subscribe to my e-mail list so you will get notified when I post them.
As I said, many of these tools are also available online. But if you would like to invest in physical versions, consider saving for them or look for some used versions online. This topic makes me really excited. I am still learning and I cannot wait to share what I learn with you.
Please comment down below what kind of tools you use for your Bible study.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi! I’m Kaye, a journal enthusiast. My blog is dedicated to sharing practical tips to help you gain clarity and purpose as you get closer to Jesus. Read along!
Thank you so much for this, love your blog and will be pulling out my concordance and Naves this weekend to get going. I think the only 2 things I don’t have are the Bible dictionary and the Maps or Atlas so thank you so much for the links to find some online.
May God bless your studies, you and your family 💜