Part 3: Tools Needed for Effective Bible Study

Just like we need tools for other jobs, tools are important for studying the Bible.

The original Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

1. Study Bible

a. A translation you are comfortable reading and that is trusted for studying.

2. Different Translations

a. ESV (English Standard Version): One of the top choices for studying because it strives to keep accuracy to the original language while remaining clear and readable.

b. NASB (New American Standard Bible): Strong for detailed study, committed to the original language, though less readable than the ESV and some other translations.

c. NIV (New International Version): Very readable and popular. Good for general study; some argue it is slightly less literal than the NASB and ESV.

d. NKJV (New King James Version): A strong choice for Bible study if you value the literary style of the KJV but want clearer modern English without losing its text.

e. KJV (King James Version): Traditional and close to the original text.

f. LASB (Life Application Study Bible): Great for beginners because it is easy to read and understand. It also gives notes on what the passage means for personal application.

g. The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: Allows you to trace back to the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation.

Concordance

1. Strong’s Concordance: Lists every word in the KJV. Helps you find every verse where a word appears and study its original meaning.
2. The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance: Best for newer translations; includes definitions from Vine’s Dictionary and extra cross-references. Easier to use and understand.
3. Young’s Analytical Concordance
4. NIV Exhaustive Concordance: Works with the New International Version Bible and includes Hebrew and Greek dictionaries keyed to Strong’s numbers.

Digital Options

1. Bible Hub: Includes concordances, commentaries, and lexicons (a lexicon is like a dictionary for the original Bible languages and helps you break down meanings more simply).
2. Blue Letter Bible: Links every word to Strong’s numbers and definitions.

Bible Dictionaries

1. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Great for visual learners and historical content.
2. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary: Focuses on word meanings in the original Greek and Hebrew.
3. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Comprehensive entries with illustrations and maps. Recommended for students and serious Bible readers.
4. Holman Concise Bible Dictionary: Easier to understand and budget-friendly (around $15).

Commentaries

1. The Moody Bible Commentary: Easy to understand with practical applications.
2. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: A verse-by-verse commentary by Dallas Theological Seminary.
3. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Clear, life-application-focused, and insightful.
4. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (6 volumes): Older English but rich in devotional insight.
5. The Tyndale Old and New Testament Commentaries (48 volumes): Concise, clear, and easy to understand.

Online Commentaries

1. Bible Gateway
2. Bible Hub
3. Blue Letter Bible
4. StudyLight

Recommended for Beginners

1. Nelson Compact Bible Commentary (about $11 at Walmart)
2. Nelson Quick Reference Chapter-by-Chapter Bible Commentary: For quick reference and not for deep study.
3. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary

Journal

1. Helps you remember what you learn.
2. Writing causes us to slow down and think, which leads to asking questions and turns studying into a relationship.
3. Journaling is a conversation with God on paper—a form of prayer that turns study into fellowship.
4. Journaling shows your growth. By looking back at old journals, you can see answered prayers, which builds faith and helps you grow.

Bible Journaling Guide

1. Write the verse or passage you are studying.
2. Write what you notice about the passage.
   • Who is speaking?
   • What is happening?
   • Are there key words, commands, or promises?
3. Write how this verse applies to your life today.
   • What is God showing me about my heart, actions, or faith?
   • Do I need to repent by changing my beliefs or actions?
4. Write a prayer to respond to God.
   • Write a prayer of thanksgiving.
   • Write a prayer of repentance, asking for forgiveness and strength to trust and obey Him.

You may be thinking that’s a lot of books—and you’re right. But they are long-term investments in your spiritual journey.

1. Buy one at a time.
2. Ask for them as Christmas or birthday gifts.