There are a lot of books available for studying the Bible. Look at my bookshelf if you disagree.
Even though there are so many, if you don't want a large book collection, there are a few books that will help you with most things.
1. Study Bible. My three favorite translations are the English Standard Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the Holman Christian Standard Bible. I suggest taking a little time to familiarize yourself with these translations, choose one you feel comfortable reading. You can look at them online at www.biblegateway.com or you can compare translations in a Bible bookstore. Once you have found the one you like, look for a study Bible in that translation.
Study Bibles are beneficial because they include various notes, maps, and tools that non-study Bibles do not include. Many times, if you have a question about a passage or topic, a study Bible can answer it for you so that you don't need the other tools as often.
You can also try Christianbook.com's Bible Finder if you're looking for something specific.
2. Concordance. A concordance is basically an index to the bible. Do you want to know where the Bible talks about grace? Use a concordance.
Study Bibles often include concordances at the back, but you might want an exhaustive concordance. With an exhaustive concordance, when you look up the word grace, you will find every verse in the Bible that includes the word grace.
2. Concordance. A concordance is basically an index to the bible. Do you want to know where the Bible talks about grace? Use a concordance.
Study Bibles often include concordances at the back, but you might want an exhaustive concordance. With an exhaustive concordance, when you look up the word grace, you will find every verse in the Bible that includes the word grace.
If you choose to buy a separate concordance, you should find one that matches the translation that you're using. This is not strictly necessary, but having your Bible and concordance match will make your study a little easier.
Three suggestions for concordances:
3. Commentary. A commentary of the Bible explains the Bible more in depth than a study Bible. Commentaries usually include details about the author and historical background, as well as going over scripture verse by verse.
Three suggestions for commentaries that cover the entire Bible:
If you decide you want to spend time studying a particular book of the Bible, you might look for a commentary specifically for that book. When you choose a commentary for a particular book, you can expect that it will be more detailed than a study Bible or a commentary that covers the whole Bible in one volume.
Three suggestions for commentary series that cover each book individually (I am linking you to the volume from each series that covers the book of John. Each option offers a volume for each book of the Bible.):
There are lots of other tools for Bible study, but these are a good start. I know this is a lot to take in (and purchase!) at one time, so if you're beginning your Bible study library, take your time. Find a study Bible you like, and then go from there, one at a time. The tools that you choose will impact your Bible study, so don't get in a rush.
What is your favorite tool for Bible study? What book of the Bible is your favorite to study?
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