How to Study the Bible

Getting Started

The Amplified Bible

You can find it at most any bookstore (Lifeway, Scroll, Books-a-Million, Barnes and Noble, Amazon).

It does seem a bit "wordy" for regular reading.

The only thing that I've found so far that kind of bothered me about it is that it seems to present Christ as an angel...well "the Angel of the Lord." Then again, the word angel just means "messenger" and Christ is the Message (i.e., the Word), but that's a deep one... So, really, the only problem with them doing that is people present view of what an angel is (wings and a halo).

Comparative (or Parallel) Study Bible

You can find these at most any bookstore (they are anywhere from $25 to $50 depending on features and number of translations)

Combinations include:

Dictionary

Just your standard dictionary is one of the best (yes, I said best) Bible study tools. Webster's is good; it gets most of its definitions from the Greek. (I believe Webster developed the Authorized Version of the KJV). I use a pocket dictionary from Funk & Wagnalls.

Going Deeper

KJV (or NASB) Greek and Hebrew Key Study Bible (like $30?)

As you can tell, I wasn't too pleased with it because I knew there was better out there...but it's a good beginner thing.

The main thing that I didn't like about it was the words I wanted to look up weren't linked with the corresponding number.

Advanced Study Techniques

Interlinear Greek New Testament (about $40)

There are several of these available at Christian bookstores.

I'd suggest only having one alternate translation because too many gets too hard to read/follow.

At Christian bookstores (Lifeway, Scroll) I've seen NIV and an NIV/NASB, there's also a KJV, but I've only found it online.

The only thing about this is that I don't like the Greek text that they used. It's the same one that they used for the NIV, so it cuts out a lot...and isn't very reliable. Also, an interlinear doesn't help a whole lot unless you have a lexicon or know Greek.

Strong's Concordance

Concise ($10 for paperback)

It's limited to single words, only shows a fraction of the verse, but a good tool nonetheless.

Exhaustive ($30-$50?)

It's limited to single words, only shows a fraction of the verse. So it's better, but wordy. Also, includes Strong's Definitions.

Lexicon of Greek/Hebrew definitions

Without going into the Encyclopaedia Britannica editions (e.g., 20 volumes for hundreds of dollars)

Thayer's Greek definitions (I've yet to find a book version, but I have electronic ones so I haven't looked too hard)

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Lifeway has it for $150)

Study Methods

The most important thing to do before picking up a book is pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, because He reveals all things. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12)

Typically, I study using the following methods: