There are so many different types of Bible study tools. Finding the right tools for you can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We will help you get started with some tools so you can find what works best for you. We have listed resources by categories and then linked to our faves! *Please note that Making Him Known is supported by you, and if you buy through the links below (blue text), we may earn a commission (but your price won‘t change). These are only recommendations and are not obligatory. There are plenty of free online resources available for you.
1. Study Bible
Study Bibles combine multiple study tools (such as a Bible dictionary and commentary) into one compact volume. A good study Bible is the MacArthur Study Bible. The NASB is found here. The NKJV is found here.
2. Parallel Bible
A parallel Bible is a great way to compare and contrast the text in various translations. This type of Bible includes multiple translations laid out in a column alongside one another. The NIV, KJV, NASB, Amplified Parallel Bible is a good one.
3. Journaling Bible
These Bibles have extra-wide margins, perfect for taking notes. This is great, so you have your notes right beside the text and can use it as a quick way to look back at what you learned. The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Black) is a go-to. The paper version is New Testament only. The digital version can be purchased on the Crossway website.
4. Digital Bible
Today, there is a Bible at your fingertips wherever you go. On any person’s Smart Phone or computer, you can download a Bible. A few we like are YouVersion (smartphone), Blueletterbible.org, and Biblegateway.com.
There are so many different translations of the Bible, but which do you choose? We will break this down for you.
1. Word for word translations.
These are known as literal translations; word-for-word translations tend to be the most historically accurate Bibles available. These types of Bibles attempt to find a one-to-one English word for every Hebrew or Greek word written in the original texts.
·New American Standard Bible (NASB)
·New King James Version (NKJV)
·English Standard Version (ESV)
2. Thought for thought translations.
Thought-for-thought versions attempt to convey meaning by translating entire phrases into contemporary language, grammar, and styles.
·Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
·New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
·Contemporary English Version (CEV)
·The New International Version (NIV)
3. Paraphrases.
Paraphrased Bible versions are the most loosely translated from Greek or Hebrew languages while attempting to capture the same overall meanings. An example of this type of Bible would be The Message Bible.
·New International Readers Version (NIRV)
There are a lot of tools to help you study your Bible and dive deeper into meanings. All of these tools can be found free online. However, if you prefer a hard copy and up-to-date volumes, we have listed some good choices below.
1. Bible Dictionary
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
2. Bible Encyclopedia
3. Commentary
Avoid commentaries until the final step of your study. If you do consult them, be very discerning, as commentaries are other’s “opinions” on God’s Word. Enduring Word is a good online commentary. They also have an app.
4. Concordance
The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
5. Bible Atlas
6. Bible Study Software and Apps
A great app is Bible Hub. Within Bible Hub, you can look up verses or chapters, cross reference, read commentaries, translate into Hebrew or Greek, and use the Strong’s concordance.
7. Audio Bible
Streetlights is a great free audio bible website and app.
As you may have concluded by now, here at Making Him Known, we are big on marking up our Bibles. We have listed below a variety of resources to help you mark it up!
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