Study Tools

A Closer Look

I am a Christian and always wondered how I could get to know the bible better. So over the years I have picked up some awesome resources that help me to understand and study the bible better than I ever had before. When using these tools I have been able to study the life of Jesus and it has allowed me to gain a solid foundation and understanding of the life and times that He had. Within these tools you will find dictionaries that will help you translate the exact meaning of the words that you are reading, sometimes the meanings that we’re used to when your translation was written is different than it is now.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. ^{2 Peter 3:18 ESV}

Listed

Concordance an alphabetical index of the principal words of a book, as of the Bible, with a reference to the passage in which each occurs; an alphabetical index of subjects or topics. This is a tool that helps find all of the places where there is reference to that word. For instance if wanting to study Angels it will show every passage in the bible where the word angels are talked about. This is invaluable information when digging into the bible and trying to get a complete understanding.

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.^{Proverbs 18:15 ESV}

Insight

Commentaries are invaluable tools that through history have been written to help people understand what they are reading, remember that this is the authors translation of what the bible says it is very important to read the bible to know what it says. A commentary of the bible is defined as a set of explanatory or critical notes on a text. Looking at the definition helps give insight of what these commentaries are they are a resource that can be used to help gain understanding of what you are reading. Something I do though before I consider what some of these bible commentaries are is to research who the authors are, what they represent, and what they were about. There is a lot of information out there that can only be explained one way, it is wrong.

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. ^{2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV}

Perspective

Devotionals are short little stories or examples of how the bible can be applied to some aspect of our lives. They give something to think about and provide a quick little taste of the bible to focus on. A lot of people will start their day with a devotional that they like so they can start their day with a little bit of scripture. Others will read one before bed so they are sleeping with God close to their heart. It is all a matter of opinion and what works for you. I will throw in thought to think about, they do not replace reading the bible, they are just quick bits and pieces that give a little insight or are uplifting but do not replace the bible.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ^{Joshua 1:9 ESV}

You Can See

Graphics cover tons of information in the bible from maps that show where the Israelites were on their 40 year journey from Egypt. To the areas that Jesus walked and traveled. There are some that show the ruins from the colosseums of the time that Jesus lived and what they look like now. There are illustrations and examples of the tools, pottery, and clothes that were used. The library that can be found of graphics is immense but it gives one the feeling of what it was like in biblical times.

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” ^{Revelation 1:7-8 ESV}

Identified

Reference the action of mentioning or alluding to something; the use of a source of information in order to learn something; provide (a book or article) with citations of sources of information; mention or refer to. This includes items like the one already mentioned the concordance, also dictionaries, encyclopedias, and search tools by topic and verse, parallels (to see what other versions say). There are so many tools that we now have at our fingertips. The internet has opened up so many opportunities to study the bible, but it has also created the opportunity to twist what it says. I will use social media for an example, I seen this awesome quote “from the bible” that I wanted to share, I always research them before I share, when I looked it up the verse had nothing to do with what it said in fact it was opposite. So always read your bible so that you will never be deceived, be aware that there are some networks that put out “biblical” documentaries that teach opposite of what is taught in the bible. I cannot say it enough know your bible it explains the true character of Jesus not something that is someone’s suggestion. Just a little suggestion when reading the bible start in one of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John or find a bible reading plan. When you do this you will not burn yourself out by the end of just a few of the beginning chapters of the bible. I am not saying do not read the Old Testament, it still is relevant today, I am saying start in the New Testament so that you get to know Jesus; His character, feelings and passion.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.^{Romans 12:2 ESV}

Internet Resources

Click the links below to check out each one of these tools they will help you learn the bible better then you ever have before.

Bibles	Commentaries	Cross Reference	Devotions

Dictionaries	Encyclopedias	Maps	Photos

	Reading Plan	Topic Search

Click on the name to go and use resource.

A all in one resource for those of us that still own a desktop, laptop or Apple iPhone, and iPad check out eSword.

Citations:

ESV

Thesaurus

Dictionary

Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hope. Accessed 20 May. 2020.

Open bible info

Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

Esword

“Sword: Free Bible Study for the PC.” Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary , e-sword.net/.

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.