Bible Study Tools: What Are They?

Do you have questions about what Bible study tools are best? That's what this discussion is all about.

Are you looking for the best Bible translation? It's here. Do you want the coolest commentaries. We've prepped that as well. We've tried to be as thorough as possible.

We even have a whole page dedicated to basic resources for those starting out. Click here for these Bible study tools for beginners.

I recommend reading this whole page to get a basic idea of what tools are available and what tools are necessary. But if you don't have time to read it all, bookmark it for later and click here for a chart of the tools mentioned in this piece.

And now, the main attraction. Let's take a look at what Bible study tools are best.

What Kind of Tools Are They?

Let's talk about what they are first. What kind of tools are they?

They come in all shapes and sizes, just like tools in a tool belt. We have tools for every situation. Cutting tools cut. Hammers pound. Wrenches turn and tighten. Sanders make everything really smooth.

If you're more into the kitchen scene, bowls are great for holding and mixing things. Cast-iron pans are the best for frying. Spatulas churn while whisks whisp. And plastic wrap! Who could live without it? It's like duct tape for your kitchen!

You get the picture.

So goes tools to study God's Word. There are a variety of them. We just need to know how to use them and in what situations they are most effective. They are something valuable for different situations. But you wouldn't use a hammer for a drill, would you?

Just like the old joke goes, "This is NOT a drill!"

Having these in your tool belt will help you satisfy the principle in 2 Timothy 2:15.

What we're about to focus on are truly tools. They just don't build houses or create delicious meals. In this case, they build us as believers and create stronger ties to our God by helping us understand God’s Word more deeply.

While Scripture itself is sufficient, these resources provide a number of benefits. Context, clarity, and insight make study more effective. That's exactly what these tools do for us. They make what's clear even easier to understand!

In other words, you will greatly benefit from these next few pages!

Core Bible Study Tools

Study Bibles

This is by far one of the most necessary tools in any believer's tool belt. Every believer should have one simply because they are so convenient. Let me explain.

A study Bible combines the biblical text with notes, introductions, maps, and cross-references. It's a self-contained Bible library. And it's all in one volume!

It's one of the most accessible tools for beginners, while also offering depth for advanced students. But don't forget. You have to choose your favorite Bible translation first. Click here to see what the best version of the Bible is.

If you want quick and clean tips on what's in a text, a study Bible is the resource for you. For more information, visit our page on what a study Bible is.

Commentaries

If you want to ratchet down (see what I did there?) and get a little more, commentaries should hang from your Bible tool belt. They provide more detail than a study Bible.

Commentaries provide verse-by-verse or book-by-book explanations written by scholars and sometimes pastors. They go much deeper into explanations of Bible verses and passages.

They come in all shapes and sizes. Devotional commentaries have lots of application and focus on the practical side of Bible study. More technical works like critical and exegetical commentaries cling to the original languages. They explain the text from the ground up -- starting with the original languages.

Expository commentaries are probably the most practical. They go deeper than devotional commentaries but still explain the details of the text. In a way, expository commentaries bridge the gap between practical and technical.

If a study Bible is your hand saw, then get out your power saw and start slicing through the Word. Cutco can't match this cutlery!

Bible Dictionaries and encyclopedias

Bible dictionaries and Encyclopedias are very different tools. They do the detail work, cleaning up the rough areas like a sander.

Bible dictionaries define terms, places, and people found in Scripture. They also provide cultural and historical background, making them useful for quick reference when encountering unfamiliar words or concepts.

These valuable resources help fill in the blanks left empty by commentaries and study Bibles. To put it another way, dictionaries are the icing for the delicious cake of Bible study.

We've gone into more details on these valuable tools. Click here to see more!

Concordances

A concordance is an index of words in the Bible. It contains references you can look up for further study. It functions well as a topic studies power tool, tracing themes like “faith” or “grace” through the whole Bible. Concordances also serve as a gateway to word studies in Hebrew and Greek.

I still recommend these, even though Bible software and apps (see below) have essentially replaced them. If you aren't handy around a computer, this is the best tool to use for simple searches and in-depth word studies that don't require a Masters in Biblical languages.

Of course, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance outshines them all.

Bible Software

Some hate computers with a penchant, claiming they hinder the learning process. They take away from the tactile learning experience, making Bible study more an academic pursuit than a passionate search for the truth.

Although I understand their point, I disagree with their premise.

First, passion comes from the head and heart, not from the fingers. The Holy Spirit motivates the faculties, no matter what the learning media.

I agree, paper helps the learning process because of touch. Saying that it's a necessity in Bible study is a stretch by religious luddites who see too much in too little.

With that said, I do most of my study from this category. Why?

They are simple, powerful and easy on the back. For someone who had back surgery, that's a plus!

But I digress.

Digital platforms such as Logos Bible Software, Accordance, or e-Sword allow you to search Scripture quickly. Instantly, you can access commentaries, and explore original language tools. And you can do this AND leave your 50 ton library behind!

Bible software is ideal for pastors, teachers, and serious students who want a comprehensive library at their fingertips. I highly recommend this tool.

Maps and Charts

The last necessary tool looks like two. It's not, at least not normally. Both resources often dwell together in complete harmony in one volume. Often, you'll find them in the back or scattered throughout your study Bible.

Maps and charts bring the biblical world to life. Maps help you visualize journeys, battles, and regions. Charts simplify complex themes such as genealogies, prophecies, or parables. These visual aids make study more engaging and memorable.

Nelson has the best offering in this category. Their Nelson's Book of Maps and Charts have few rivals. Holman also has a great resource in this group.

Additional Resources

Bible Handbooks

With the invention of the study Bible, these Bible study tools lost popularity. They are like a larger version of that resource. In my mind, they still play an important part in the study process.

With Bible handbooks, you don't have lug around large volumes. They tend to almost fit in the palm of your hand. While study Bibles give a concise view of the text, handbooks offer overviews of each book of the Bible, including outlines and themes, something not all study Bibles provide. Both are excellent companions for deeper study. But Bible handbooks still stand as an important tool to use.

One notable (granted, very dated) example is Halley's Bible Handbook. If you want to go beyond study Bibles but don't have time for commentaries, go with Bible handbooks.

Cross-Reference Systems and Topical Indexes

Cross-referencing tools show how Scripture interprets Scripture. They group references by similar themes, organizing them by Bible books.

Topical indexes organize verses by subject and are normally alphabetical. These tools are especially useful for thematic studies, such as exploring Christ as Shepherd or the theme of redemption. They also fill in the blanks study Bibles and commentaries leave empty.

Language Tools

Let me change the analogy for a moment. Those who are old enough remember black-and-white televisions. We had a few of those growing up. But most of ours were color.

What a difference. The small, black and white sets showed little detail, forcing us to miss the most important parts of our favorite shows. Color let us take in every detail of the experience.

That's the original languages. That's why these tools (yes, back to that analogy) are so important. The limitations of modern languages shade some of the meaning of the original languages. These tools bring them out in full color.

This is by far my favorite category. Unfortunately, these massive, scholarly volumes are heading toward the rummage sale of Bible study, right next to the black-and-white televisions!

So what's the issue? Sure, these Bible study tools give the deeper meaning of what the Bible is saying. They aren't portable. Most people don't have a working knowledge of classical languages anymore. And Bible software does the heavy lifting for most.

But if you're interested in digging really deep (with your Bible shovel, of course) lexicons, interlinear Bibles, and parsing guides might scratch that itch you can't reach any other way. Hebrew and Greek words burst out in full Technicolor. And there's nothing better than doing the hard labor of excavating God's Word one word at a time.

Bible Background Resources

These are great. They come in a variety of resources. Some are commentaries. Some are handbooks (like Halley's). All give the cultural implications to the Bible.

Why is this important? The heart of Bible study is discovering what the original intent of the author (both divine and human) is. Resources that explore ancient cultures, artifacts, and writings help put you in the author's "shoes." The biblical world comes alive when you can see how the people actually lived.

Devotional and Group Guides

Devotional guides are a lighter sort of Bible study tool. They offer daily readings and reflections. Group study guides provide structured lessons for small groups or church classes. Both help bridge study with application in daily life.

Choosing the Right Bible Study Tools

So what's the minimum for good Bible study?

Beginners should start with a good study Bible, a concordance, and a dictionary. Most Bible's have some kind of concordance, but an unabridged copy like Strong's is a must.

Intermediate students can add commentaries and maps and experiment to see if Bible software is for them. Advanced students may explore language tools, Bible software, and archaeological resources.

The key is to remember that tools serve Scripture. They are meant to illuminate God’s Word, not replace it.

So What?

Links Mentioned on This Page

Find the best Bible study tools for beginners.

What is the best Bible commentary?

What is a study Bible?

Find your favorite translation!

Homeward bound? Click here for the homepage!

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