Proverbs 25:2 (KJV)

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”

The bible is the written word of God and was written over a period of 1600 years by 40 different people who allowed the Holy Spirit to use their lives and pens to write the heart of God. The bible, in general, reveals God’s eternal and sovereign plan to reconcile and restore the lost mankind to Himself. But it also specifically reveals God’s plan for each of our daily lives. That is why it is so essential for us to continually commit ourselves to the study of God’s word.

In this post, I would like to give you tips for doing the same. For it is the glory of God to conceal a thing and a honour of kings to search it out. And such a research is not really effortless or without hard work. It requires you to go beyond your regular bible reading plans and schedules. I hope these tools help you in your pursuit of God’s word.

1. Bible Dictionary

This is one of my favorite tools. The bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.So a particular word in the original language may take a couple of different words in English to fully explain it. The dictionary that I have been using is Strong’s Concordance. You can find some more and some very interesting dictionaries over here.

2. Bible Maps

Using bible maps is a very interesting way to study scriptures. It gives you an in depth understanding of the context in which the scripture is speaking. Almost every study and devotional bible has a set of maps at the end. The Internet has many maps to help.

3. Bible Commentary

Commentary  is an excellent source of study. However, the danger is when you depend on just one commentary for your study, it may become misguiding. Devotional Bibles and Commentaries are a very good option to study the word of God, as long as your study is in continuous submission to the Holy Spirit.

4. References Bibles

This is the best way to study scriptures. Reference bible allows you to study scriptures in the light of other similar scriptures. That is the best and the safest way to interpret scriptures. In a reference bible, you will find connecting verses and words. In your study time, go to each of those verses to get a much deeper understanding of the scripture you are studying.

5. Bible versions

Using multiple bible versions, especially parallel bibles or apps are great ways to study scriptures. In fact, it is really necessary for you to use more than one version, to get a much wider understanding of the original language. Because, no one bible version is the perfect version. I personally use New Living Translation for all practical reading and teaching purpose, while I refer to King James Version, English Standard Version and the Amplified Bible for studying.

6. Bible Blogs

If you are a committed student of the bible, you would want to continually read and improve your expertise on the same. Following blogs that discuss theology, doctrines and many such topics helps broaden your viewpoint beyond your individual denomination and your stand on doctrines. And you will know for sure why you believe what you believe. If there are false beliefs, you will be able to overcome it as well.

7. Bible Journal

This is the most important of all. It is not enough that you just read through the bible everyday. It is not even enough that you take out time and efforts to study the word of God. It is essential that you go a step further and pen down everything you study. It might not be always profound, it might not even be accurate, still it is apt for you to keep making notes, that way when you look back after a year’s time, you will be able to see the extent of your growth.

I pray that God will enable and equip you to handle his word with all maturity and wisdom.

What are the other tools that you use or would like to use in your study of the word? Please share with us below.