I love a well-stocked kitchen. I am not only talking about the food but the tools, pots, pans, knives…that help us prepare to feast on the meal we prepare. When I sit down to study my Bible I need some good resources to help me feast on the meat of God’s word. We all do. There are some great ones out there but you may not know where to find them or what may be helpful for you. Today, I have prepared a list of good resources to help you go deeper in your Bible Study. You can find all the Articles in this series below:
Tip #1: Do Not Be Afraid of the word of God
Tip # 2: Prayer is Really Important in the Study of the Bible
Good Resources for Deeper Bible Study
A Good Translation of the Bible
There are so many translations and different study Bibles you and I can choose. It can be overwhelming. I am not an expert when it comes to the different translations on the market but my choice is the NASB, New American Standard Bible, a word for word translation of the original Greek and Hebrew writings. You can read about the translation here: Got Questions.com/What is the New American Standard Bible. I have used this translation for about 13 years and it still remains my favorite. It is my go-to for Scripture memory, study, and daily reading. The King James translation is one I also have on hand to help with my study. When I am preparing to write my studies I use it for word study. (We will discuss word studies in a different article.) Here are a few other translations that are good to have on hand, and few that are not.
- The ESV: English Standard Version: Also a word for Word Translation. Very close to the NASB.
- The AMP: Amplified Version: Good for understanding word meanings. Hard to use for casual reading.
Translations to Use With Caution: Or do not Use at all!
- The NIV: New International Version: Thought for Thought Translation. Easy to read but…Please read an overview of this translation in the above link.
- The MSG:The Message: I do not recommend this one at all. It is not a translation nor a paraphrase. Read an overview in the link above.
Be informed about what translations are good. If you need help in understanding how to choose one read this article at Got Questions.com/ What are the different English Bible versions?
A Good Study Bible
You have picked a translation now you need a good study Bible. My favorite is the NASB, New Inductive Study Bible. I am a note taker and I mark up my Bible! This version gives me a way to write and mark. I wrote about why this is my Favorite Study Bible in another article. Follow this link to read Why it is my favorite:” Why I Reccomend the New inductive Study Bible.”
A Few More Recommendations
I have not used these Study Bibles but I am looking at them for future use. You may want to check them out as well.
- ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print: Wide margins for note taking and large print.
- ESV Scripture Journal: Text of scripture on one page opposite blank page for writing. Here is a review on youtube for this journal: ESV Scripture Journal
A Systematic Theology Book
I spent many years of my Christian walk with no idea what I believed. I relied on what my parents believed. Not a good place to be. You and I must own our faith. The Bible is and will always be our first place to learn any doctrine and truth, no question about that. But, there are men who have written Systematic theology books in an orderly coherent way. These books can help you and me understand the doctrines of our Christian faith. My second recommended resource is a good Systematic Theology book. Wayne Grudem’s, “An Introduction to Systematic Theology” is the one I use. I have read through it several times and try to read through it every year. The book begins with an introduction to systematic theology and covers topics on sin, justification, regeneration, the Doctrine of God… it covers it all!
As I was doing research for this article I found an online PDF copy of Wayne Grudems Systematic Theology. If buying a copy is not in the budget this is perfect!! (I do not know anything about this site so be careful as you navigate through it)
A Strong’s Concordance
If you want to add a level of depth to your study I recommend a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. James Strong took every word of the King James Version, numbered the words and indexed them for us so we can look up the meaning of the word as used in the original Greek and Hebrew text. You can buy one online or pick them up very cheap at a used bookstore. “Bible Study Tools” offers a free online version: Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.
A Good Commentary or Two
In my opinion this should be your last go-to source. Commentaries are a good resource. However, remember they are man’s interpretation of a Scripture text. I can almost guarantee you that you can find someone who will back up what you think. Do not look for that. Find someone who stays true to the text of God’s word, the whole text of God’s word.
If you use a commentary I recommend using more than one. Using more than one will give you a greater depth of knowledge and it will also be a safeguard against false doctrine. Always be in the habit of reading your Bible. When you have the word of God in your heart and mind you will know if something someone else says is not right. You may not immediately know why but you know something is not right. That is a time to pause and go back to the Word.
I do not have a stack of commentaries on my bookcase but I do have a favorite online site, “Precept Austin” I go to often. You can find commentary on every book of the Bible. My favorites are Albert Barnes, John Calvin, John Gill, and John MacArthur.
Do you have any other resources that have been helpful for you? I would love to hear what they are!!
Thank you for this weeks tips! I am encouraged to know as far as good grounded resources for bible study I have a few you mentioned here. I also use the NASB & ESV versions. I tend to go back & forth between the two:) I also use a AMPLIFIED for word study. I do have a A old hardcover STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE with Greek & Hebrew Dictionary that was giveyto me from my brother 27 years ago as a young Christian . I also have a VINES COMPLETE EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY I just picked up at the flea market for .50 cent. This post was very helpful & very encouraging. I look forward to your tips every Monday. God bless you Lisa for what you do here ! I thank God that you are 🙂
Rachael, you are very welcome! You do have a great stock of resources. I forgot about the Vines, it is a good tool as well! I forgot to mention that I also use Zodiates Word study boxed set for the Old and New Testament. It is a bit pricey unless you find it at discount bookstores, yard sales, or flee Markets! Thank you for your encouragement! Have a great week!
Another great post! Thanks Lisa =) I enjoy them all!
Strong’s is indispensable – I’ve used it for years, and can’t imagine being without it. The amount of work that went into it is mind-boggling though, isn’t it?
I used the NKJV nowadays, after 30+ years of the KJV. I still refer to the KJV from time to time still though. My husband uses the KJ3, a very literal version, and we find it helpful to put them all together. He also learnt some Koine Greek, which I find useful =)
Thank you, Betsy! I am so thankful these tips are helping! Love the Strong’s. Yes!! All of the time and work that he put into this tool, amazing. Like you said, “mind-blowing!” I have not heard of the KJ3? Will have to check it out. Knowing Greek can be so helpful! I tried to learn it a while back but did not keep up with it!
The KJ3 was translated by Jay P Green.