BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES By Category
BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES By Category
BIBLES
The Amplified Bible: Translated by France Siewert, this resource “amplifies” the message of the biblical texts by giving several synonyms for the major words, so that the various shades of meaning can be seen.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV): Produced in 1995 by the American Bible Society, the CEV is a translation, not a paraphrase, produced in common English language. It is especially a strong version for younger readers and those for who English is a second language.
The Cotton Patch Version of Luke and Acts and the Cotton Patch Version of Paul’s Epistles: In the late ’60s, Clarence Jordan of Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia, produced these lively paraphrases because, he said “we need to have the good news come to us not only in our own tongue but in our own time.” By giving a “Southern drawl” to these new Testament texts, Jordan enables the reader to feel personally involved. Read these if you want a fresh perspective.
The English Standard Version (ESV): This version, endorsed by several conservative Christian leaders, provides an “essentially literal” yet literarily graceful translation. Popular among those in Reformed traditions, this version draws from its predecessor, the Revised Standard Version. Excellent for both personal study and public reading.
The Good New Bible: Today’s English Version: This translation of the United States Bible Societies “seeks to state clearly and accurately the meaning of the original texts in words and forms that are widely accepted by people who use English as a means of communication.” It’s a good version to use for reading long passages of narrative, though not as useful for intensive analysis of individual verses and words. A good Bible for young people and those for whom English is a second language.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB): Holman Bible Publishers, the oldest Bible publisher in America, assembled an international, inter-denominational team of a hundred scholars, editors, stylists, and proof-readers, all of whom were committed to biblical inerrancy, to provide a Bible based on an “optimal equivalence” style of translation. Very popular within the Southern Baptist denominations, the HCSB offers another modern translation in clear English that includes a more literal approach.
The King James Version (KJV). The classic translation of 1611, this is also known as The Authorized Version, though it was never formally authorized by any ecclesiastical body. The KJV has a richness of language that is hard to beat, especially in the Psalms.
The Life Application Bible: One of the most popular study Bibles available, the Life Application Bible combines insightful scholarship with relevant application for the everyday reader. With helpful book introductions and reference resources, students will obtain an everyday person’s perspective for top-level communication.
The Living Bible: This excellent and popular paraphrase came about when author Ken taylor began rewriting portions of the Bible in a way that his children could understand. Like the Good News Bible, it uses simple, plain English and is good for overview and repeated reading.
The Message: The Message is Eugene Peterson’s unique paraphrase of Scripture, particularly insightful in the Psalms and Prophets. Available in several styles, it is intended as an introduction to the Bible for those without a Bible background or as a fresh rendition for those seeking a renewed perspective.
Nave’s Topic Bible: Have you ever wished that you could read back-to-back all of the major passages on a topic? Orville nave has reorganized the Bible in just that manner. He gives verses on more than 20,000 topics and subtopics, arranged alphabetically. This volume can be a timesaver!
The New American Standard Bible (NASB): This is one of my favorites for a study Bible. It is one of the most accurate English translations, though for that reason it sounds a bit wooden in places. Excellent for the steps of Observation and Interpretation.
The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes: Ken Taylor’s classic paraphrase puts Bible stories in language that young children can understand. It makes extensive use of a question-and-answer style of telling the story, so that children are engaged in the narrative. This colorful volume is a great way to get children started in the Word.
The New English Translation (NET): As the Internet boom emerged, a group of the top evangelical seminary and college professors committed to provide an online Bible translation free of charge to the general public. With over 60,000 notes and extensive comments on ancient culture and language, the NET Bible provides a wealth of resources to the serious Bible student. Accessible at www.bible.org.
The New International Version (NIV): The product of a broad-based coalition of translators, the NIV aims at a marriage between accuracy and clarity. It is one of the more readable translations.
The New Life Version (NLV): Available since 1969, it continues to be one of the most readable and most understandable Bibles without sacrificing accuracy. It is not a paraphrase, but basic English for those with reading difficulty or young readers.
The New Living Translation (NLT): In 1996, a broad range of evangelical scholars were gathered to provide an improved version of Ken Taylor’s Living Bible. The result has been an excellent translation based on the goal of setting out to render the message of the original texts of Scripture into clear, contemporary English.
The New King James Version (NKJV): The NKJV was produced “to preserve the original intended purity of the King James Version in its communication of God’s Word to man.” If you like the King James but struggle with its Elizabethan English, this is a very helpful translation.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): The NRSV updates the RSV, based on linguistic and archaeological developments such as the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls in the 1940’s. Its English is clear and is note-worthy for its attempt at gender-neutral renderings.
The New Testament in Modern English (Revised Edition): This paraphrase by J.B. Phillips is one of my favorites. It is extremely readable and lively, excellent for getting a preliminary overview of a book.
The Revised Standard Version (RSV): Published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches, the RSV gained its title from the fact that it revised The American Standard Version of 1901, which in turn was a revision of the King James. This translation will be familiar to many in the mainline denominations. It is not a bad piece of work, but there are now better translations available.
The Ryrie Study Bible, expanded edition: With over 2 million copies in print, the Ryrie Study Bible has equipped a generation of Bible students and teachers with over 10,,, practical and historical notes and a wealth of theological insights. Now expanded with new sections covering church history, the history of the Bible, and Bible doctrine summaries, this resource offers an amazing array of uses for personal use and in-depth teaching.
The Scofield Reference Bible: C.I. Scofield was a turn-of-the-century pastor, teacher, writer, and lecturer who wanted to “facilitate the study and intelligent use of the Bible.” To that end, he packaged a comprehensive system of footnotes, cross-references, headings, and other helps with biblical text. The result was an enormously popular volume that has become the grandfather of study Bibles. The Scofield Bible is synonymous with dispensational theology, the theological system he used to interpret Scripture.
The Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible: A classic for Bible students, the Thompson Chain Reference system contains over 100,000 topic references in over 8,000 chain topics, helping make detailed topical study and teaching preparation higher in quality and efficiency. This popular study Bible is also known for its archaeological supplements, charts, diagrams, and illustrations.
Today’s New International Version (TNIV): A 2005 revision of the highly popular NIV text, the TNIV is based on advancements in biblical scholarship, clarity, and gender accuracy to engage the 18- to 34-year-old age segment with the mystery and wonder of the Bible.
Tomi dePaola’s Book of Bible Stories: An internationally known illustrator of more than two hundred children’s books, Tomie dePaola lends his inimitable style to this fine collection of Bible stories for children. The text is the NIV translation, and the illustrations are in color. This is an excellent way to help your children to start reading scripture.
BOOKS AND ARTICLES
Mortimer Adler and Mark Van Doren, How to Read a Book: This is a classic that you can’t afford not to read. Adler covers the rules of reading various kinds of literature. You’ll approach Bible study from an altogether different perspective after reading this guide.
E.W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible: Figurative language can trip up the uninformed reader. Bullinger simplifies things by giving a comprehensive overview of the kinds of figures used in Scripture. Turn to this useful 1,100-page guide if you find yourself mystified by biblical imagery.
Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah: A nineteenth-century Oxford scholar, Edersheim devoted seven uninterrupted years to research the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day. Though this work is not light reading, it is accessible to the average person. If you are studying the gospels, his information and insights prove invaluable. This was originally published as two volumes; Eermans has reprinted it in one.
Norman Lewis, How to Read Better and Faster, 4th edition: This is a superb workbook for upgrading your reading skills. Filled with exercises to improve reading speed and comprehension, it makes a good companion to Adler’s How to Read a Book.
Leland Ryken, The Literature of the Bible. A professor of English at Wheaton College, Ryken (who consulted on the ESV) has probably done more than anyone else to make modern-day Bible students aware of the literary dimensions of Scripture. This book will change the way you look at the Bible by introducing you to the crucial importance of genre.
CONCORDANCES
MOST major Bible Translations (such as the RSV, NRSV, NIV, NAS, NKJV) have their own concordances. Most translations are also online with a concordance keyword search at www.biblegateway.com. There is a link to “biblegateway.com” on my ministry website at:
http://www.godsbreathpublications.com/bible-study-online-resources/www.godsbreathpublicatdions.com.
The NKJV Macarthur Topical Bible: This work includes over 100,000 passages, 20,000 topics, all cross-referenced with subheadings for an enormous wealth of material for topical searching.
Nelson Phrase Concordance of the Bible: This interesting volume from Thomas Nelson Publishers is a twist on the concordance genre. Rather than list individual words, it gives you bible phrases keyed to five major translations. That can be a timesaver when you are searching for a phrase rather than an individual word.
The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: The work of James Strong, this and Young’s are the two concordances that Bible students have traditionally used. However, if you are using a modern translation, you need to find a concordance for that version (Thomas Nelson, 1990).
Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Robert Young’s one-volume commentary is one of the classic reference works of Bible Study.
What Does The Bible Say About…The Ultimate A to Z Resource: A modernized phrase “concordance” offering a unique approach, this A-to-Z guide includes several contemporary topical listings such as “ecology” and “bottom line.” Users will find it most helpful for illustrative purposes and unearthing details on current even topics.
Wordsearch Computer Bible: This is a “turbocharged” concordance that will appeal to you if you have a computer. It allows you to search for up to nine words and phrases simultaneously. Wordsearch can be a tremendous timesaver. It heralds a new generation of Bible study tools based on electronic technology. NOTE: “Wordsearch” is now blended with Logos Bible Software so if you wish to use Wordsearch you will need to contact Logos. I have included the following link to Logos on my website. Once you click on the link below you will find LOGOS in the list of online resources: http://www.godsbreathpublications.com/bible-study-online-resources/
BIBLE DICTIONARIES
An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: The product of W. E. Vine’s lifetime work, this dictionary is extremely valuable for word studies. Vine lists the English words (from the KJV and RSV), and gives the Greek words from which they are translated. He comments on the usages to explain their meanings in context.
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded: The Holman Bible Dictionary edited by Trent C. Butler has become one of the best-selling Bible reference tools since its publication in 1991. This updated and expanded version includes over 700 full-color graphics, excellent articles, summaries, and easy-to-read Bible maps.
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary: This fine reference work was edited by Herbert Lockyer, known for his “all” studies, such as “All the Men of the Bible,” “All the Miracles of the Bible,” and “All the Occupations of the Bible.” Written in simple, readable English, the articles include four-color photographs.
The New Bible Dictionary (Revised): This excellent reference, originally edited by J.D. Douglas, was revised in 1980. It is really an encyclopedia of biblical studies, and includes illustrations, genealogical tables, maps, plans, and other information that brings the text alive.
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded: With over 67,000 entries and 1,400 pages of research, including color photography, comprehensive Bible land maps, and detailed essays, this updated classic is a must for serious Bible students.
The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary (Revised): Edited by Wheaton scholar Merrill Tenney, this volume contains the expertise of more than sixty-five contributors. It offers information on the biographical, chronological, geographical, and historical context of the biblical subjects.
BIBLE HANDBOOKS
The Book of Life: This twenty-four-volume set by Gil Beers is ideal for young people. Featuring color illustrations and photographs, it takes the reader through the entire Bible in a captivating, informative way. It includes the entire NIV translation in large print and a comprehensive index for quick reference. If you have children or grandchildren, I recommend this encyclopedic resource as an outstanding gift.
Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible: Edited by David Alexander, this 680-page work is illustrated in color. It’s an excellent one-volume reference work on the background of the biblical world.
Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties: Gleason Archer deals with the apparent contradictions in Scripture. If you come across something that puzzles you, turn to this book for insight and background information.
Halley’s Bible Handbook: It was Henry Halley’s conviction that everyone ought to read the Bible daily, and to that end he put together Halley’s Bible Handbook as an introduction to the Scriptures. It’s a useful, compact pocket guide to biblical studies.
The Handbook of Bible Application (for the Life Application Bible): This handbook, by Neil Wilson and the editors of the Life Application Bible, provides excellent topical summaries and outlines on hundreds of issues both ancient and contemporary. With extensive cross-referencing and citations of multiple translations, this book serves as a great application and support resource for personal and group Bible study preparation.
The Handbook of life in Bible Times: This concise work by J.A. Thompson includes both color illustrations and maps.
The MacArthur Bible Handbook: An excellent yet concise work, John MacArthur’s handbook includes the fundamental facts about each book, its context, author, theme and purpose, its contribution to the Bible as a whole, a detailed outline of the book , and how Christ is presented. It also offers numerous charts, maps, graphs, and reading plans on key topics.
The New Unger’s Bible Handbook: Completely revised with Gary Larson, this new version includes 750 pages providing detailed entries, hundreds of full-color illustrations, photographs, maps, diagrams, and charts, making it one of the most comprehensive single volumes available today.
The World of the Bible: A. S. Van Der Woude and others have put together a fine encyclopedia on the history and culture of the biblical world. This makes a terrific background study for understanding the context of biblical passages.
What the Bible Is All About: Bible Handbook: An updated version of the classic work by Henrietta Mears, this completely updated and revised handbook features excellent outreach articles, selected readings, and short book overviews to open each chapter, a helpful glossary, several Bible reading plans, and new maps and charts.
ATLASES
An Introduction to Bible Geography (Revised): This little paperback is a brief primer on Bible lands by Howard Vos, offering a dozen articles on regions in the Near East. If you’ve never studied the geography of the Bible, this would be a good place to start.
Baker’s Bible Atlas: This atlas gives you the tools to reconstruct the scenes of history, containing excellent full-color maps and color photographs. Additional chapters trace the ongoing history of Bible lands, emphasizing the work of modern archeologists.
Biblemaps.com: This CD-rom resource provides over 150 Bible maps that can be used in Powerpoint-like presentations, class notes, and personal study to visually communicate digitally (www.blbemaps.com).
Holman Bible Atlas: Thomas Brisco’s atlas features hundreds of color photos and maps that show you the land, sites, and archaeology of the entire biblical world. A special addition is the chronological focus, noting every time period from the Patriarchs to A.D. 300.
Kregel Bible Atlas: a brief, amazing combination of photography and geography edited by Tim Dowley, noting several features of daily life in Bible times along with corresponding photographs and insightful notes.
The Macmillan Bible Atlas: Two Jewish scholars put together this outstanding atlas, one of the most accurate in existence. It features 262 maps and commentary on the religious, military, and economic aspects of the biblical world.
The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands: Barry Beitzel has created a beautiful presentation of the geography and terrain of biblical lands. he includes not only maps, but pictures and diagrams illustrating features of the Near Eastern world that affect our understanding of Scripture.
Rotation.org: This an online community of Sunday School teachers and church staff sharing
free and premium Sunday School lesson plans, creative ideas, and discussion. They are also the official website of the Workshop Rotation Model (WoRM), a creative way to organize and teach Sunday School. They are volunteer-led, ecumenical, non-profit, ad free, and funded by their Supporting Members. They allow you to borrow what you need and share what you can in their Bible story resource forums. You can receive a free Registered Membership or become a Supporting Member for full access to their creative “Writing Team” lesson sets, 18 Bible story software programs, the Vallotton Gospel Images Collection (Not associated with Kris Vallotton), and more! Learn more about them and the Rotation Model.
The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Atlas: Edited by E.M. Blailock, this 491-page atlas is a favorite of many Christians, pastors and Bible professors, because in the center are maps with overlays to do comparison studies of the changing geography.
COMMENTARIES
Ancient Christian Commentary Series: This creative series by InterVarsity Press collects the viewpoints of several Christian leaders throughout church history, providing a tremendous wealth of quotes and observations in one location.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Produced by a number of faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary, this two-volume set gives a sound introduction to the books of the Bible. Based on the NIV translation, it discusses matters such as authorship, recipients, date, theme, and purpose of each book.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: This twelve-volume series by Frank Gaebelein offers a fine commentary on the biblical passages. If you have access to a theological library, consult this resource as a guide to your interpretive studies.
Galatians: The Charter of Christian Liberty: This is the only commentary on a single book of the Bible that needs to be mentioned. Written by Merrill Tenney, this work is particularly instructive because it approaches Galatians using ten different methods of Bible study. If you want to learn from one of the masters, study the book of Galatians using this commentary as a guide.
The Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentary on the Bible: This is a handy tool to have because editor Charles layman has packaged the articles into a single volumne.
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: A growing series of 25-plus volumes provides a lifetime of Bible study on the New Testament. For pastors and communicators, these commentaries offer extensive cross-references, historical, cultural, and language notes, and teaching outlines for a wide variety of uses.
OTHER RESOURCES
Biblical Archaeology Review: Published every other month by nonprofit Biblical archaeology Society, this periodical reports on archaeological findings and research that affect biblical studies. The articles are written at a level that anyone can understand. Back issues are especially helpful for researching subjects you are studying in Scripture (www.biblicarchaeology.org)
The Great Age of man Series: Time-Life Books has put together a series on the great civilizations in history, including ancient Egypt, Classical Greece, and Imperial Rome. Although the editors take a thoroughly secular approach to their subjects, the material is presented extremely well and offers a general background to some of the cultural and historical aspects of the biblical account. The pictures are especially helpful. This series is out of print, but there are numerous sources online where new and used copies can be found.
The National Geographic Magazine: Don’t forget this popular publication of the National Geographic Society. From time to time it features articles on places and topics related to near Eastern and biblical studies. The photography alone is worth the price of a subscription (www.nationalgeographic.com).
Walk Thru the Bible’s “Keyword Learning System.” A set of flash chards to help you memorize the names of the books of the Bible. Each card has the name of the book, a memory device called a “keyword,” and a brief overview of the book’s content (www.walkthru.org).