6 Bible Study Tools: Expanded

When you open God’s Word, He speaks–every time! Are you listening? In order to understand Him, we must listen well. Listening with expectation and prayer, without rushing, and with Bible study tools can really help.

Bible Study Tools

What Bible study tools do you regularly use? These can be print, online, or even methods which enable insight. I previously shared a couple of tools, i.e. methods: Disciple with R.O.P.E.S. and Teach Disciples to Use S.O.A.P. These two are simple methods which when aided by journaling can aid your listening, application, and obedience.

Along with these methods (and others like it), other tools may help. Allow me to remind you of some essential print and online Bible study tools:

  1. Bible(s). You may find multiple translations beneficial, but the one that becomes your “study” Bible can help you recognize patterns and consistent word use, etc. Stick with one for at least a year.
  2. Bible dictionary. Even an English dictionary can enlarge your understanding of words, but a Bible dictionary will place the words closer to the correct setting than an English dictionary alone. Develop the habit of underlining and looking up key words. Journal them.
  3. Concordance. A concordance will offer additional scripture references for use of a word. Studying additional references can enlarge your insights into words, customs, places, names, and more. Allow the Bible itself to answer many of your questions.
  4. Commentaries. These add background and context to the passage. Make sure to do your own study before leaning on commentaries so you develop good Bible study habits. In other words, allow God to speak before you ask a commentary writer to do so.
  5. Maps. These add much visual and spatial understanding to places, distances, events, and more. Many Bibles have maps, but you might also benefit from a Bible atlas.
  6. Journal and pen. Write insights in your Bible or in a journal. If using a Bible, some are printed today with margins intended for notes. The key here is writing down questions, insights, and prayers in response to what God says in His Word.

There are many other useful Bible study tools. Which other ones do you find helpful and why? Leave a reply to share your comments. Study God’s Word. Seek to understand and apply what He says. Use tools to help you listen carefully. Make disciples!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.