Tag: Study

When we want to learn how to invest in the stock market, hunt desert cotton tail rabbits or start a web based business, we often buy a book that will teach us how to do it. Learning how to properly understand the Bible and apply it to our lives is no different. If you are not familiar with science of studying literature, particularly the Bible, you may want to grab a book or two on how to study the Bible.

Books on how to study the Bible explain the process of Bible study. Some of them are very technical and theoretical while others are extremely practical. I have personally read every one of the books listed below. Most of them are saying basically the same thing just presenting it in a different style, order and levels of detail. However, you should be aware that some of them have an improper view of the role of the Holy Spirit in Bible study. I consider all of them practical books that can be used by anyone. Some are so practical that they even have workbooks available to take you through the exercises step by step.

There are other great books on the subject but I tried to limit my recommendation to only practical books. (*) indicates that to the best on my knowledge these are brotherhood books.

Recommendations:

• How to Study Your Bible, Kay Arthur
• How to Study Your Bible (Workbook), Kay Arthur
• The New Inductive Study Bible, Precept Ministries International
• Grasping God’s Word, Duvall and Hays
• Grasping God’s Word (Workbook), Duvall and Hays
• Bible Study Methods, Rick Warren
• How to Understand the Bible, Robert Palmer*
• Getting to Know Your Bible, Kevin Moore*
• How to Apply the Bible, Dave Veerman

Question: What other books would you recommend? You can leave a comment by clicking here. 

Just like with any task we are going to do, whether it is rebuilding an engine, baking cookies, or studying the Bible, there are certain tools we need. Some of those tools are absolutely necessary, like a Bible. Others, while not necessary, will make the job much easier and make us more efficient. In this post we will look at several of those tools.

An Exhaustive Concordance
Most Bibles have a concordance in the back of them. However, because of limited space there are a limited number of references included in them. An exhaustive concordance lists every time every word is used in the English Bible and tells you what verse it is located in.

This can be especially helpful if you can’t remember a particular verse reverence. If you can remember at least one word from the verse you can look it up and find its reference. For example, lets say I can’t remember where in the Bible it says that we should “mortify our members.” I could easily look up the word “mortify” in an exhaustive concordance and find the reference.

Most English translations have an exhaustive concordance that you can buy separately. It is important that you use the exhaustive concordance that matches the version you are using to study from. For example, if you are using the KJV to study from you need to use the KJV exhaustive concordance.

An exhaustive concordance is also helpful in word studies since it links every English word to the word it is translated from in the original language with a corresponding number (Strong’s Number) and a brief definition.

The ability to search for specific words in the Bible is also available with any basic Bible study software, phone app and on many websites.

Recommendations:

• The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

 

The Englishmen’s Greek Concordance of the New Testament
The Englishmen’s Greek Concordance of the Greek New Testament takes concordance work to the next level. Just like an English concordance which lists every English word in the English Bible, this concordance lists every Greek word used in the Greek New Testament and gives the references where it is found. This can be helpful in word studies because it will show you how a particular Greek word is translated differently in different verses.

Recommendations:

• The Englishman’s Greek Concordance of New Testament: Coded with Strong’s Concordance Numbers

 

Bible Handbooks

A Bible Handbook is a companion to Bible reading. It is arranged in the order of the Bible and is designed to be read along with the Bible. It will provide you with an overview of the book you are reading, along with valuable background information, photos, illustrations, charts and tables.

Recommendation:

• Halley’s Bible Handbook with the New International Version—Deluxe Edition

 

Topical Index
A Topical Index groups scripture references together according to general topics (i.e. Baptism, Capital Punishment, Salvation, Witchcraft, etc). A Topical Index can be very helpful when doing a topical study. You should be aware that the verses selected to be included for a particular topic may be influenced by the compilers theological bias. So, be aware and make sure the verses listed actually apply to that topic.

The Topical Indexes I recommend are available in print and on basic Bible Study Software or online.

Recommendations:

• Nave’s Topical Bible
• R. A. Torrey’s New Topical Textbook
• Thompson Chain Topics

 

Bible Dictionaries

Bible Dictionaries will help you more fully understand biblical words than a modern dictionary will. This is because many words used in the Bible are not in common use today and some may have changed meaning over the centuries. Some of these words might include; repentance, phylacteries, cubit, cherubim and dropsy. Remember a Bible Dictionary can be very helpful, but again, definitions can be influenced by the theological bias of the authors. So, be aware and make sure to check the context.

Recommendations:

• Easton’s Bible Dictionary
• Smith’s Bible Dictionary
• New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition
• Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
• Harper’s Bible Dictionary
• Eerdman’s Dictionary of the Bible

 

Bible Encyclopedias

Bible Encyclopedias are similar to a dictionary but have much more in depth explanations for each entry. They will often include the historical and cultural background as well. They are usually multiple volumes.

Recommendations:

• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (4 volumes)
• Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (4 Volumes)
• Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (5 volumes)

 

Lexicons
Lexicon is just a fancy word for foreign language dictionary. These dictionaries are designed for people who either don’t know or know very little of the original language of the Bible but still want to go a little deeper in their word studies. They are usually keyed to Strong’s Numbers. Many of these recourses are available in print, in basic bible software or online.

Recommendations:

• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, With Greek and Hebrew Dictionary
• Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Coded with Strong’s Concordance Numbers
• A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, Third Edition
• Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical Index
• Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon

 

Commentaries
Commentaries give the authors thoughts and interpretations on biblical text. They usually have helpful background information, some word studies and insightful applications. Again, as always, but even more so here, you must be cautious of the authors theological bias. It would be wise to stick with brotherhood commentaries as much as possible, at least at first until you have a better handle on interpreting Scripture. Commentaries are the last resource you should look at in your study. Your best work will be done through original investigation. Going straight to a commentary is kind of like cheating. (*) indicates that to the best of my knowledge this is a brotherhood commentary 

Recommendations:

• The College Press NIV Commentary Series: New Testament (19 Volumes)*
• The College Press NIV Commentary Series: Old Testament (16 Volumes)*
• The Old Testament Survey Series (5 Volumes)*
• Coffman’s Commentary Series (37 Volumes)*
• The Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts of Apostles*
• The Truth for Today Commentary Series*
• Gospel Advocate New Testament Commentaries*
• Barnes’ New Testament Notes
• Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible
• C. H. Spurgeon’s Treasury of David
• Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

 

Bible Study Software
Computer Software
Every resource listed and hundreds more are all available in print form or on computer software for Mac, PC, IOS and Android. Some of this software is free while others aren’t.

The free computer software is usually made up of old public domain resources. These resources, while being old, still have much value to you as a student of the Bible.

There is also premium Bible software available but it can be quite expensive. However, with premium Bible software you will be receiving the latest recourses and Biblical scholarship available. Plus, it will contain many advanced features that the free software is lacking.

Buying a bundled package of the premium software will be hundreds if not thousands of dollars less expensive than it would be to buy each book included in that package individually in its printed form.

Recommendations:

• E-sword (PC and Mac with Crossover, Bootcamp, Parallels or VM fusion)
• Pocket Sword (IOS)
• AndBible (Android)
• Logos Bible Study Software (PC, MAC, iOS, Android)

Logos is the worlds best Bible study software and it also has a price tag to match its quality. They truly believe in the saying you get what you pay for. I have been using it for years and love it!

Question: What are some of your favorite tools in your Bible study toolkit? You can leave a comment by clicking here. 

 

As mentioned in an earlier post, the Bible was originally written in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek. That means you will be relying on a translation of the Bible, unless you can read the original languages. However, as the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat and, as anyone who has studied languages knows, there is more than one way to translate any given sentence.

While you will need a primary Bible you will also want to have a couple of other versions to use for comparative study. Sometimes the wording in one translation may be difficult for you to understand while another translation may clear it up. For example compare Colossians 3:5 in the following translations.

My Literal Translation
You all kill, therefore, the members on the earth, fornication, uncleanness, passion, desire evil, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

King James Version (KJV)
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

English Standard Version (ESV)
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

New Living Translation (NLT)
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

The Message

And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy.

From the above comparison, you can see that there is quite a difference between the different versions. Some add a lot to the text while others may be harder to understand. In this particular verse the ESV seems to strike the best balance between literalness and readability.

If you were using the KJV as your primary study Bible and had a hard time understanding what “mortify” meant in this context, after reading a couple of other versions you could be sure that it meant “put to death/kill”.

Notice that the NASB changed the main verb from “kill” to “consider.” In my opinion this is an interpretation not a translation.

As you can see from this one example, comparing translations of the Bible can be very helpful in trying to understand what a difficult verse is getting at.

Recommendations:

• Go cheap when buying Bibles for comparison.
• I would not worry too much about the quality of the binding and cover of these Bibles since they will mostly stay in one place. Standard pew Bibles will work just fine.
• Of course, if you study near your computer, tablet or smart phone you could easily and quickly use the internet or a Bible app to help with comparing different translations.

Question: Which Bible translation do you like to use for comparison and why? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

To study the Bible the first thing you will need is, a Bible. I know that is obvious, but with so many different Bibles available, which one should you choose as your primary study Bible for daily reading, memorization and for teaching and preaching from? Should you get a King James Version (KJV)? An American Standard Version (ASV)? How about the New American Standard Bible (NASB) or the English Standard Version (ESV)? What about the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT)? It can be confusing trying to decide which one you want to spend your hard earned money on.

First choose a Bible Translation
Since the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek you will be relying on a translation of the Bible, unless you can read the original languages. So the first thing you should decide on is which translation to get.

Not all Bible translations are created equal. They range from more literal (word for word) translations such as the KJV and ASV to more paraphrased versions such as The Message. The chart below illustrates where each translation fits in this spectrum.

Choose a more literal translation
For serious Bible study you will want to choose a more literal translation. This is because you are trying to find out what God actually says rather than what the translators interpreted Him to mean. As you develop your skills, you will be able to determine for yourself what God meant. However, you wont be able to do that if the translators have obscured what God actually said.

Choose a modern translation
You will also probably want to select a translation that uses modern English. The KJV and ASV, while being excellent Bibles and very literal, can be difficult to understand for people who are not accustomed to the archaic language used in them. In fact, sometimes they can be down right confusing. Some of the words and phrases used in those translations have changed meaning since they were translated. This is especially true for the King James Version.

Below are a few examples. Hover your mouse over the scripture reference to read it in the English Standard version.

• Genesis 43:25, KJV: “And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon.”
• Exodus 19:18, KJV: “And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke.”
• 1 Samuel 5:12, KJV: “And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods.”
• Psalm 5:6, KJV: “Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing.”
• Luke 17:9, KJV: “Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:1, KJV: “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.”
• James 2:3, KJV: “And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing.”
• James 5:11, KJV: “The Lord is very pitiful.”

As my primary Bible I am currently using the English Standard Version (ESV) Classic Reference Bible but I would also recommend the NASB and the NKJV as good choices for your primary Bible.

Choose a Bible that is easy to read, has a sewn binding and does not have commentary notes
Once you have decided on a translation, you will next need to decide on a format. Do you want a traditional double column format with center column references? Maybe you want one with no references or footnotes. Maybe a single column Bible with side column references. It is up to you.

The binding of your Bible is also important to consider. Bibles with a glued binding don’t usually lay open on a table top easily and often fall apart quickly. A sewn binding will usually cost more but you will appreciate it down the road when all your pages are still there. A genuine leather cover will also last significantly longer than a bonded leather cover. This is something that you will be using daily for may years. Get one that will last.

I would avoid a “Study Bible” with extra comments and notes at the bottom of every page. They may be helpful in your study but not a great choice in a primary Bible. It is too tempting to just look at the notes when we get stuck and accept what the publisher says the verse means rather than doing our own work and figuring it out the hard way.

Recommendation:
ESV New Classic Reference Bible (Black)

What about e-books and Apps?
E-books and Bible apps new comers to the Bible study scene. If this is how you would rather read and study a book, more power to you. Personally, I enjoy doing my daily reading on my iPad Mini using an app that reads aloud to me as I read along. However, I would still recommend that your primary Bible be a print addition.

If you do choose to use an iPad or other tablet be aware that they can be distracting to others if you use it in worship. Also, if you like to read at a coffee shop or in the break room at work nothing beats reading from a print version. Since a printed Bible is distinctive, others will know that you are reading the Bible and not just watching Youtube or playing Angry Birds. You might be surprised at the number of people who start up a conversation with you because they see you reading your Bible. It is more difficult to let your light shine in this way while reading on a tablet or phone.

Question: Which Bible would you recommend and why? Please be specific. You can leave a comment by clicking here.

When Joe was a young Christian he desperately wanted to follow God’s will for his life. He knew the Bible was the place to go to find it, but he didn’t know how to go about it. So, he decided that he would simply close his eyes, open the Bible and randomly point his finger at a passage. “Wherever my finger lands,” he thought, “will be God’s will for me today.” 

So, with great anticipation, he closed his eyes, flipped open his Bible and put his finger down. He read, “and he went out and hanged himself” (Matt 27:5). 

Not knowing what to make of that, he closed his eyes, flipped a few pages and tried again. This time the Lord’s “will” for him was to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). 

Completely baffled by this, he closed his eyes, flipped a few more pages and tried a third time. He found Jesus telling him, “What you are about to do, do quickly” (John 13:27).

Joe never expected discipleship to be so costly!

Obviously, this is a humorous story that, most likely, never happened to anyone, but it does illustrate the importance of knowing how to study the Bible.

As disciples who love Jesus and want to obey every command God has given us we need to be careful. We need to be careful to properly understand how to figure out which of His commands apply to us and which do not. We don’t want to end up like Joe, who attempted this without knowing what he was doing. 

Some parts of the Bible are easy to understand, easy to apply, and cause us no real difficulty, but other parts of it are not as easy (2 Peter 3:15,16).

We will all be answerable to God individually and judged by the standards of His Word (John 12:48). Therefore, we don’t want to rely solely on our preachers, commentators or the internet to tell us what the Bible means and how to apply it. We want to listen to God Himself by studying His Word and be confident that we can pull the truth out of a text ourselves. 

This series of posts are designed to help us do that. 

Question: What other, off the wall and out of context things have you heard people blame God for? You know, the “God made me…” or “God wants me to…” type of things. You can leave a comment by clicking here. 

As Christians, of course, we “go to church,” to use the common expression, but, is that enough? Jesus said the greatest commandment was to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Does just “going to church” enable you to love the Lord in that way?

The greatest commandment involves four areas of our life that must be focused on God; our heart, our mind, our soul and our strength. In essence, Jesus is saying we must love God with our total self.

So let me ask you a serious question. How would you feel if your spouse or significant other spent 1-4 hours a week listening to you, but ignored you the rest of the week, except to ask you for things? How do you think God feels when we treat Him like that?

Jesus also said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). How can we keep His commandments if we don’t know what they are? Obviously, we can’t. Even if we know His commandments we still need to be motivated and encouraged to keep them. God does this through the Scriptures (Romans 15:4; Hebrews 12:1).

So let me give you five reasons why you should study the Bible on your own.

1. You should study the Bible so you can listen to God and build a deeper relationship with Him (Psalm 119, Yes, the whole Psalm).
2. You should study the Bible so that you know the commands that you will be held accountable for on the day of judgment (John 12:48).
3. You should study the Bible so that you can be equipped to obey God’s command and be ready for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
4. You should study the Bible to confirm that what your preacher said is actually true (Acts 17:11).
5. You should study the Bible so that you can share it with others and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

“Going to church” is an awesome experience that we get to enjoy every week. Hopefully, you are blessed with the opportunity to get together with the church at least four times a week. Equally wonderful is our daily time with God as we read and study His Word.

Question: What other reasons would you list for studying the Bible? You can leave a commit by clicking here.