How To Study The Bible
When we hold the Bible in our hands, we hold the
world's greatest Book. The Greek word biblos does not appear in the text of the
Bible, but when translated, it means "The Book." Those who have faith
in God and His word believe that of all the books ever made in the world, this
is the BOOK of books. The Bible is called the Book, but in reality, it is the
Book of many books.
Some of the books in the Bible are long,
and others short, but when added together, there are a total of 66 books.
The question might be asked, "Who is
the author of the books of the Bible?" There are two ways to look at the
answer to this question. First of all, God is the
supreme author of all these books. Paul sums up this truth in these words:
"All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
Therefore, every book of the Bible is "God breathed." However, we must also learn that as God
breathed His word and will, He used approximately forty men to write these books. In the words of Peter:
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will
of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy
Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20,21).
Thus God, through these men, wrote the
books of the Bible. We know the names of many of these authors, but whether known
or unknown, God guided all of them to bring beautiful harmony to His word. Without a doubt, this is one of many proofs that the
Bible is the inspired word of God.
The writing of the Bible spans a time that
stretches over approximately 1500
years — 1400 B.C.
through 100 A.D. And yet, God
guided harmony and continuity in His Book.
Most of the Old Testament is written in
the Hebrew language—a language that was spoken by the
Israelites in the land of Canaan before they were carried away into Babylonian
Captivity. However, after their return from
captivity, a few passages appear in the Aramaic
language. This was a language that was related to the Hebrew language.
For examples of Aramaic passages, see (Ezra 4:7,8,18; 7:12-26; Jer. 10:11; Dan.
2:4-7,28).
The New Testament was written in the Greek language except for a few isolated words and
sentences. Greek was the language used daily by the Hellenistic (Greek) world.
Therefore, this was a language that could be used to preach the gospel to the
world as Jesus commanded His apostles to do (Mt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15,16; Lk.
24:46,47).
With this brief background, let us now focus in on the divisions and books of the
Bible. Before we can "rightly
divide" (2 Tim. 2:15), these 66 books, we must have a general knowledge of
God's divine library.
Example
One time there was a man who visited an
attorney, and was completely impressed with the large collection of books in
his office. He asked the attorney, "Have you read all of these
books?"
The attorney answered, "No I haven't,
but I know where to go to find what I need from these books."
Therefore we need to know God's library so well that we can find any subject that we
need in our lives. Please take some time to learn about all these books. Please
study carefully the library display of God's Library found on charts on this web page.
Obviously, the Bible has two major divisions that represent two important covenants from God. The Old
Testament records the account of creation, history of sin, and a covenant made
between God and Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). This covenant involved: (1) A nation from Abraham's seed, (2) A land on which they
would dwell, and (3) A spiritual promise to bless all nations.
This first covenant was made ONLY with the seed of Abraham (later called the Jews), but it would
affect (far into the future) all
nations. Therefore, the Old
Testament is a record about the development of this nation of Israelites in
regard to their laws,
their history, the promises of another covenant, the coming kingdom,
the Messiah, and the many prophecies of their prophets.
The New Testament records the last years
of the Old Testament, the appearance of
God's Son, the ministry, promises, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension
of Jesus. It also gives the beginning and history of
Christ's church to the world.
As sinners responded in
obedience to the gospel, they were added to the church that spread rapidly in
the first century. The New Testament gives teaching and admonitions so that
Christians can grow in faithfulness to God and His Son.
The theme that runs throughout the New
Testament and culminates in the book of Revelation is that the faithful in
Christ will win the victory and enjoy eternal life.
With these two general summations of both
testaments, let us now learn their books and divisions.
(Note: Go to Charts on this web page to see a
colorful Slide of God's Library)
The Old Testament contains 39 books, and these books are often divided into four major:
(1) LAW (5 books)
(2) HISTORY (12 books)
(3) POETRY (5 books)
(4) PROPHESY (17 books).
It is important to memorize these, and especially the New Testament
books. The easiest way to learn them is to also sort them into categories.
Law (5
Books)
(1) Genesis
(2) Exodus
(3) Leviticus
(4) Numbers
(5) Deuteronomy
History
(12)
(1) Joshua
(4 - 5) 1 & 2 Samuel
(10) Ezra
(2) Judges (6 -
7) 1 & 2 Kings
(11) Nehemiah
(3) Ruth
(8 - 9) 1 & 2 Chronicles
(12) Esther
Poetry
(5)
(1) Job
(2) Psalms
(3) Proverbs
(4) Ecclesiastes
(5) Song of Solomon
Major Prophets (5)
(1) Isaiah
(2) Jeremiah
(3) Lamentations
(4) Ezekiel
(5) Daniel
Minor Prophets (12)
(1) Hosea
(5) Jonah (9) Zephaniah
(2) Joel
(6) Micah
(10) Haggi
(3) Amos
(7) Nahum
(11) Zechariah
(4) Obadiah
(8) Habakkuk (12) Malachi
Gospel (4)
(1) Matthew
(2) Mark
(3) Luke
(4) John
History (1)
(1) Acts
Special Letters (14)
(1) Romans (6) Philippians
(12) Titus
(2 - 3) 1 & 2
Cor. (7) Colossians
(13) Philemon
(4) Galatians (8 - 9) 1 & 2 Thes. (14) Hebrews
(5) Ephesians (10 - 11) 1 & 2 Tim.
General Letters (7)
(1) James (2 - 3) 1 & 2 Peter
(4 – 5 - 6) 1
& 2 & 3 John
(7) Jude
Prophecy (1)
(1) Revelation
Books of the Bible Defined
Old Testament
Law (5) (Pentateuch)
(1) Genesis (Beginnings)
(2) Exodus
(Going out)
(3) Leviticus (Spiritual
laws)
(4) Numbers (Israel numbered twice)
(5) Deuteronomy (Second or
repeated law)
History (12)
(1) Joshua - Conquest of Canaan
(2) Judges - Conquest of Canaan
(3) Ruth – A
beautiful picture of the love of a young woman for her mother-in-law after the
death of her husband. The young woman finding another husband.
(4 -
5) 1 & 2 Samuel – Birth and life of Samuel; The life and
actions of King Saul. David's reign as king, personal life, and family.
(6 - 7) 1 & 2 Kings – David Chose Solomon to become next king;
death of David; Solomon's reign; Built and dedicated temple; Queen Sheba's
visit; Solomon turns from Lord; Solomon's death; Divided kingdom; Northern evil
kings; Elijah's work; Judah's kings; Elijah is taken; Elisha continues good
works; Naaman healed; details of various kings in Israel and Judah; captivates
of Israel and Judah.
(8 -
9) 1 & 2 Chro. – Record of families; repeated records of many
events found in 1 & 2 Kings; Levite divisions; temple details; repeated
records of kings in Judea and Israel; Jerusalem falls
(10)
Ezra - Restoration After Babylonian Captivities
(11)
Nehemiah -
Restoration After Babylonian Captivities
(12)
Esther – How a beautiful woman becomes queen and
saves her Jewish people.
Poetry (5)
(1) Job (Debate on
human suffering)
(2) Psalms (A
collection of Poems/Songs - most of them by David)
(3) Proverbs (A
collection of wise sayings - most of them by Solomon)
(4) Ecclesiastes (A
sermon by Solomon the Preacher on activities of life)
(5) Song of Solomon (An
opera love song)
Major
Prophets (5)
(1) Isaiah (From Jerusalem - taught: Righteousness / captivity
warnings / return from captivity / the coming of the Messiah)
(2) Jeremiah (Weeping
prophet / taught about and experienced captivity / warned against the penalty
of sin)
(3) Lamentations (Jeremiah
wept over the coming captivity of Jerusalem / punishment for sin)
(4) Ezekiel (A
captive in Babylon / faithful to God / rebukes sin / seeks justice)
(5) Daniel (A
captive in Babylon / advisor to the Babylonian King / foretold the coming
empires: Persia, Greece, Rome)
Minor Prophets (12)
(1) Hosea (Warned Israel before their fall / begged the people
to seek forgiveness from God / they refused).
(2) Joel (Warned
Israel of their fall 100 years before it happened / he placed all the
blame on sin).
(3) Amos (a country
prophet who came to the city to turn Israel from sin).
(4) Obadiah (Foretold
the destruction of Edom, an enemy nation)
(5) Jonah (Rebelled
against God's command to preach repentance to Nineveh / later went, and they
repented, but Jonah was displeased)
(6) Micah
(Contemporary with Isaiah / same type message. He foretold Christ's birth in
Bethlehem)
(7) Nahum (Foretold the ruin of Nineveh that happened150 year
after they repented from Jonah's preaching).
(8) Habakkuk (Concerned
about unpunished sinners. God assured him, even though seemed slow, it
would happen, if no repentance.
(9) Zephaniah (Called
for sinners to repent only a short time after Habakkuk)
(10)
Haggi (Taught
God's people after they returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian Captivity.
Encouraged the building of the temple and restoring true worship)
(11)
Zechariah (Same
time and same message as Haggi)
(12)
Malachi (The
last Old Testament prophet. Foretold the coming of John the baptizer and
Jesus).
Books of the Bible
New Testament
Gospel (4) (Good News -
Glad tidings)
(1) Matthew Account of the life of Jesus; begins with genealogy
of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph, husband of Mary. A style that especially
appealed to the Jews.
(2) Mark Account of the life of Jesus; begins with John the baptizer preparing
the way for Jesus; Moves quickly between points. This style thought to
especially appeal to Romans.
(3) Luke Account of the life of Jesus; A physician; he addressed this book to a man named Theophilus; Gives the genealogy of Jesus from
Joseph back to Adam and God, Lk. 3:23-38.
Begins with announcement of the birth of John the baptizer. Luke is
thought to be a Greek, therefore, a style of writing that would appeal to
Greeks.
(4) John An
apostle, brother to James, sons of Zebedee - begins by showing that Jesus the
Word, is God, and existed in the beginning of creation and made all things.
John placed great emphasis on love.
History (1)
(4) Acts (A book of History)
Luke continues his first book, the account of the
gospel to Theophilus, and records some of the acts of some of the apostles. He
gives a record of the beginning and spread of Christ's church to the world.
Emphasizes how to become a Christian, and gives examples of conversions.
Provides accounts of the actions of some Christians. Gives a historical record
of Paul's missionary journeys.
Special Letters (14)
(1) Romans (A.D. 58 - A letter by Paul to the church at Rome)
Paul did not establish this church, but instructs them
as to being justified by faith rather than by the law. He condemns the Gentile
world and shows that both Jews and Gentiles need Christ. Paul associates
obedience to the gospel with the death, burial, and resurrection. He admonishes
them as Christians, and longs to visit them.
(2) 1
Corinthians (57 A.D. - A
letter by Paul to the church at
Corinth)
The household of Chloe told
Paul about the problems the church in Corinth was experiencing, and he wrote
this letter to correct them. They were dividing, corrupting worship, and
allowing immorality in the church. Paul gives a beautiful lesson in chapter
thirteen on love, and in chapter fifteen, on death and the resurrection.
(3) 2
Corinthians (58 A.D. -
Another letter by Paul to the church at Corinth)
A response to the acceptance
of Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. He numerates his suffering and
persecution, and verifies the importance of his God appointed work. Paul
emphasizes the importance of giving to God with the right spirit of love.
(4) Galatians (58 A.D. - A letter by Paul to churches
located in the region of Galatia)
The churches of Galatia were
drifting from the pure gospel taught by Paul. They were being threatened by
Judaizing teachers from Palestine who wanted them to continue following the Law
of Moses. These brethren, of Gaulish descent, were very fickle.
(5) Ephesians (63 A.D. - A letter by Paul to the church
located in the city of Ephesus)
This letter emphasizes the
importance of grace and faith through Jesus Christ. Paul teaches on the
importance of unity in the spiritual body of Christ which is His church. This
letter was delivered by the same messenger who delivered Colossians and
Philemon.
(6) Philippians (62 or 63 A.D. - A letter by Paul to the church located in the city of
Philippi)
This letter was
written while Paul was in prison. The church at Philippi had sent Paul a gift
by Epaphroditus and Paul expressed his gratitude. He
also included in this letter, practical Christian admonitions. He wrote about
joy, rejoicing, and steadfastness. He reminded them of the exaltation of
Christ, and warned them against false teachers. This church was also reminded
of the hope of heaven.
(7) Colossians (63 A.D. - A letter by Paul to the church
located in the city of Colossae)
Written by Paul from prison.
Epaphras had visited Paul and told him about the conditions of the church in
Colosse. Strange doctrines had been introduced involving such subjects as
circumcision, ordinances, meats and drinks, feast days, new moons, worship of
angels, and Sabbaths. Paul showed them how these things are false as he exalted
the Christ.
(8) 1
Thessalonians (52 A.D. - A
letter by Paul to the church located in the city of Thessalonica)
Timothy had brought Paul a report concerning the
problems in this church. Some Jewish enemies had attacked Paul's character, and
now he defends himself. Paul also writes about the problem of the pagan
influence of immorality, about the dead when Jesus returns, and about the
importance of them working until the Lord returns. These brethren were
encouraged to grow as Christians.
(9) 2
Thessalonians (52-53 A.D. - A
second letter by Paul to the church located in the city of Thessalonica)
A second letter by Paul only
a few months after the first one. He gives them encouragement to deal with
persecutions. He also helps them with their apprehension that the last day is
about to come. He encourages those who are idle to go to work. Paul discusses
the coming of the man of sin, and assures them that God would preserve them.
(10) 1
Timothy (66 A.D. - A
letter by Paul to the young preacher, Timothy)
A letter to Paul's true son
in the faith. He admonishes Timothy as a young preacher and minister of the
Lord Jesus Christ. He instructs him concerning fighting the good fight of
faith, men and women in the church, qualifications of elders (also called
bishops) and deacons in the church. He foretells a great falling away, and
discusses error and greed. Timothy is admonished to guard the faith.
(11) 2
Timothy (66 A.D. - A
second letter by Paul to the young preacher, Timothy)
A letter admonishing Timothy
further to be a faithful preacher of the gospel. He reminds him of his faith
and heritage, and the need to be loyal to the faith and strong in grace. This
young man is warned against youthful lusts, and how to deal with false
teachers. Perilous times were coming, and Timothy needed to faithfully preach
the word. Paul announces his approaching death and how he had faithfully
completed his assignments for the Lord. He's ready to receive the crown of
righteousness!
(12) Titus (66 A.D. - A letter by Paul
to the young preacher, Titus)
Another letter by Paul,
addressed to "Titus, my true son in our common faith." Paul also
reminds this young man of the qualifications of elders (also called bishops),
and responsibilities to deal with the unruly. As a preacher, he was to teach
sound doctrine. He is reminded of the importance of the grace of God that
brings salvation. Like Timothy, he admonishes him in all his work as a minister
of God's word.
(13) Philemon (63 A.D.
- A letter by Paul to his friend who lived in Colosse)
This letter was written from
prison at the same time that Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians. It is
addressed to his friend Philemon whose slave had escaped to Rome. The slave's
name was Onesimus, and Paul had converted him to Christ. Therefore, Paul
encourages Philemon to forgive and receive again his former slave as a brother.
Then Paul said, "But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my
account" (Philemon 1:18).
Onesimus
had helped Paul while Paul was in his chains. This help was evidently very
important to this great apostle.
(14) Hebrews (62-64 A.D. - A general epistle written by an unknown author, but thought
to be Paul)
The theme of this epistle is
to show that Christ fulfilled the old covenant and has brought in the new
one. A comparison is made between
the old law of Moses and the new living way of Jesus. Many other biblical subjects
are discussed in this book of the New Testament.
General Letters (7)
(1) James (62 A.D. - A general letter by one who is
referred to as one of the "pillars"
of the church in Jerusalem, (Galatians 2:9)
A very strict book that
encourages Christians to remain faithful to the Lord. He calls for a working
faith and condemns "faith only" as a dead faith. He deals with the
source of most problems, an unbridled tongue, and defines pure religion that is
undefiled before God as caring for widows and orphans, and keeping oneself pure
from the world. He condemns the sins of pride, lust, murder, lying, judging,
and fighting among the brethren. He reminds his readers of the importance of
prayer that is prayed with faith. The rich who do not control their wealth are
condemned, and the faithful Christians are encouraged to win sinners from their
error (James 5:20).
(2) 1 Peter (60 A.D. - A letter by Peter addressed to
the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia)
Peter begins this letter by reminding his readers of a
heavenly inheritance awaiting the faithful. They are encouraged to be holy,
since they had been purified. They had been born again by the everlasting word
of God. Therefore, they were encouraged as newborn babies, to desire the word.
Jesus, is presented by Peter as a rejected stone by man, but God accepted Him.
The readers are commanded to submit to governments, masters, and wives to their
own husbands. The suffering of Christ is presented, and they are called upon to
suffer for Him. Finally, Peter exhorts the elders among them, and informs them
that he is also an elder. Then he closes this letter by encouraging them to
have humility in their lives.
(3) 2 Peter (66 A.D. - A letter by Peter addressed to
those who have received like precious faith)
Peter begins this letter by wanting for them grace,
peace, and the knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. His readers are
encouraged to add to their faith the Christian graces, so they can avoid
spiritual blindness, and avoid forgetfulness of being purged from old sins.
Peter discusses putting off his body as he anticipates death. He refers to his
experience of the transfiguration, and also how God used holy men to give the
Scriptures. Peter condemns false doctrine and false teachers as being
deceptive, and says that the same God, who punished Sodom and Gomorrah, would
deal with them. The scoffers are declared to be false in believing that God is
slack in His promises. This led Peter to describe the Day of the Lord, and the
importance of steadfastness. He closes the book by admonishing his readers to
grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(4) 1 John (90 A.D. - A letter by John to encourage
brethren to love one another, and to
love and obey God)
John
encourages his readers to accept the message that he heard from the
beginning—that God is light. Thus, they are to walk in the light. He
reminds them that Jesus is their Advocate with the Father. The only way they
can know God is to keep His commandments. John declares that brotherly love must
be a priority. They are not to love the world with its lust of the flesh, lust
of the eyes, and pride of life. John warns them about the Antichrist, the one
who denies the Father and the Son. The ones receiving this letter are to be
faithful to receive eternal life. John calls them children of God, therefore,
they must stay out of the business of sinning. Love must always lead them. They
are encouraged to love their brethren while practicing obedience and faith
toward God. John leaves them with the fact that they can know that they have
eternal life, and reminds them that they have been born of God.
(5) 2 John (90 A.D. - A letter by John addressed to
the elder, the elect lady and her children)
This little letter is very personal. He expresses for her grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ. John rejoiced when he heard of the faithfulness of her
children, and that they were walking in truth. Then he pleads with her to love
one another, and to walk in God's commandments. Then John warns her of the
deceivers who do not confess Christ as coming in the flesh. These are
antichrist. She must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have God. Those
teaching false doctrines should not be invited into her house. John closes with
the hope of visiting her, and sends greetings from her elect sister.
(6) 3 John (90 A.D. - A letter by John addressed to
the elder, the beloved Gaius)
This is a very
short letter, but filled with many beautiful thoughts. John expresses love and
wants for him good health in body and in soul. He rejoices for the truth that
is in Gaius, and for all his children who walk in truth. John praises him for
his faithfulness to brethren, strangers, and love for the church. He was doing
well by sending God's workers on their way in a way that was worthy of God.
These were fellow-workers for truth. John condemns a man in the church named
Diotrephes who loves preeminence and would not receive John and others. This
evil man talked nonsense against John and workers, and would not receive the
brethren putting them out of the church. John promises to deal with him and his
sins. John calls upon the one to whom he is writing to accept good instead of
evil. John praises a man named Demetrius as having a good testimony. John has
other things to say to him, but wanted to say them to him face to face rather
than writing them. John hopes to see him shortly, and sends peace. He sends greetings from their friends.
(7) Jude (66 A.D. - A letter by Jude, a servant of
Jesus Christ, and the brother of James)
Jude expresses peace and love to those who had
been called and sanctified, by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
His readers are encouraged to contend earnestly for the faith once for all
delivered to the saints. He warns against ungodly men who had crept in with
ungodliness. Jude compares these evil ones who rejected authority, to
unbelievers in Egypt, to sinful angels, and to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah
who were punished. The ones whom Jude is describing will be punished. He says,
"Woe to them!" Then he proves this by what happened to others who
disobeyed God. These mockers are fulfilling what the apostles foretold. Jude
sums up these evil ones as "sensual
persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit" (vs. 19). Jude praises
the ones to whom this letter is addressed as beloved, and as being different
from the evil ones. He closes his little book with praise and glory to God.
Prophecy (1)
(1) Revelation (97 A.D. - A letter by John to the seven
churches of the Roman province of Asia)
John writes this book from the Island of Patmos where he
received a vision of the Son of Man while in the Spirit on the Lord's day. In
this vision, Jesus dictates seven letters to the seven churches of Asia. The
book is written in the style of apocalyptic literature and features highly
figurative language. It is a
message that pertains "to the things that must shortly come to pass"
(Revelation 1:1). The essence of the book describes the severe persecution of
the church, and how the faithful Christians will eventually win. After the
seven letters addressed to the seven churches of Asia were completed, John saw
many awesome visions pictured in heaven showing the raging battle between good
and evil, and the victory that will be won in Jesus the Lamb of God. The final chapters show the beauty of
heaven, the new Jerusalem, prepared for the faithful in Jesus. However, there
is also shown the opposite picture of the suffering and pain of those who follow
Satan and are lost in sin. For the saved, John sees the tree of life bearing
twelve fruits with its leaves for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2).
Near the close of this book, John gives this beautiful message: "Blessed
are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of
life, and may enter through the gates into the city" (Revelation 22:14).
Bible Study Helps
As great as the Bible is, it becomes more
effective when we learn to study.
Since it is a library of books, we need to learn how to study and
research various subjects. As we study a passage, we need to learn how to reach
out to related verses. Therefore, in this section, on "How To Study The
Bible," we will look at some tools that can help us study this Book from
God.
Please
consider the following:
Reference Bibles
Many of you are already familiar with the center
column references in many Bibles. This is by no means complete, but it will
help you find related references. Here is an example:
Electronic Bible
This little battery operated Bible
computer can be held in your hand, but it is full of intelligence. For example,
push the letters: G-R-A-C-E, then push the button Enter, and before your eyes will appear all the verses (typed out in
full) where the word grace appears. Read the first one and push the button NEXT, and the second reference will appear. Just keep punching NEXT, and go through all the verses in the Bible with the word grace.
If you want to see the verses with Grace, ONLY in the New Testament, press the button MENU, and then push the arrow pointing to the right to move to the New
Testament. Then when you push ENTER; it will open the first reference in the
New Testament with the word GRACE. Or if you want to find GRACE, only in Romans, after pushing the Menu button and the right
arrow, push the down arrow until you reach Romans. Push ENTER, and begin looking at the word GRACE in
Romans.
You can type in Romans 1:16, and this
individual reference will appear on the little screen. If you know accurately
only a few words of a verse, type these in, and it will find the verse. For
example, suppose you don't know where to find, Romans 1:16, but you know some
of its words. Just type in "not
ashamed of the gospel,"
and it will find Romans 1:16. When this little Bible finds a word, it will
flash on the screen, the number of books in the Bible where this word appears.
This is a great tool, especially if you don't have a computer with a Bible
program. Even if you have one on your computer, this little electronic one is
convenient to take to Bible class or any other place. (Note: Recent Bibles may vary in accomplishing the above).
The Interlinear Bible
Greek - English
(Coded
with Strong's Concordance Numbers)
If you are really serious about Bible
study, the Interlinear Bible is very helpful. Simply described, it has a line
of the Greek text, and immediately under each Greek word is the English word or
words. Also, the numbers that are coded with Strong's Concordance are included.
The left column, across from each verse, is the verse quoted in English. The
copy I have is by Hendrickson Publishers, Jay P. Green, Sr. General Editor and
Translator.
Even if you have not studied Greek, you
can compare the Greek to the English words.
Greek English Concordance
The Greek English Concordance that I
personally use is by J. B. Smith, and is composed of charts describing in
detail each word in the Bible. Here is how to use it:
There is a complete index in the back of
the book that contains every word that appears in the book. It has the
pronunciation of the Greek in English. To illustrate, let us look at the word LOVE, and remember, the same principle is used on all other words in
this book.
In the index we find:
love, 25 agapao, 135
(then go to near the front of the book and find chart No. 25, agapao occurs 135
times)
26
agape, 86 (go to chart 26, agape occurs 86 times)
2309
thelo, 1 (go to chart 2309, thelo occurs 1 time)
5268 phileo, 22 (go to chart 5268, phileo occurs 22 times)
Each chart gives the number of times the
word occurs in each book of the New Testament, and gives the references. For
example: agape occurs one time in
Matthew (Mt. 24:12). In John, it occurs six times: (John 5:42; 13:35; 15:9,10,
13; 15:13). The chart also indicates if the same Greek word is translated into
a word other than love. This is also a great tool for learning various words in
the New Testament.
Bible Dictionaries
The Bible Dictionary is especially helpful
for looking up a fast reference to Bible characters, Bible cities, and major
Bible events. Most of the entries not only tell about the person, city, or
event, but it gives many Bible references that can be pursued for a deeper
study.
A Bible Concordance
In more expensive Bibles, you may find a
brief Bible Concordance. It is very limited, but can often help you find a
Scripture reference when a more detailed Concordance is not available.
The more ideal Concordance is a complete
Bible Concordance. This is usually a large book containing thousands of Bible
names and subjects. These books are especially valuable to those who do not
have access to a computer with some type of "On-Line Bible" program.
On-Line Bible Program
Those who use a computer for Bible study
and writing, find the On-line Bible program (for a Mac) a great blessing.
Basically, the program can find words, names, phrases, and references in the
Bible. For example: Type in the name "David," and you will receive
the following information if you set the range for the entire Bible: The name
David appears 972 times. Following this information, all 972 verses are quoted
with the name in each verse highlighted in RED.
When you set the range for any book or
books in the Bible, then the name David will appear ONLY in the chosen book or
books. If you are studying the book of 2 Samuel, you can set the range for 2
Samuel. There will be quoted in RED every verse
in 2 Samuel where the name David
appears.
If you are writing a Bible lesson or a
Bible article, when you want to quote a verse, you don't have to type it. Just
hit one or two keys and a dialog window will open. Type in the reference you
want, click on OK, and the verse or verses will be placed
in your lesson or article.
Depending on the program you are using,
all kinds of word research, Greek and Hebrew references, and many Commentaries
on the Bible are available. These things and others, make this an excellent
tool for Bible study. (Note: Similar Bible programs may vary in names
with these and other options).
Self-Teaching New Testament
This is a three-volume set of books by
Benny B. Bristow, especially designed for Bible teachers and their students.
The Bible text of these books is in bold face type with brackets [ ] of definitions, references, and short
comments inserted. As teachers instruct, all this information is before their
eyes. Perhaps, the best way to explain the details of this tool is to show you
an example.
1 Pet. 4:15 But let none of you suffer as
a murderer, [one who willfully takes
the life of another—shameful under the Old Testament as well as the New
Testament, Ex. 20:13; Mt. 5:21,22] or as a thief, [one who takes without permission, that which
belongs to another—it is in all ages of time, shameful, Ex. 20:15; Eph.
4:28] or as an evildoer, [one who
commits all kinds of sin] or as a busybody in other men's [people's] matters [troublesome meddler—associated with tale
bearing, gossiping, and lying].
1 Pet. 4:16 Yet [in contrast to suffering shame from these four
evils] if anyone suffers as a Christian, [an adherent to Jesus—this word appears two other times in the
New Testament, Acts 11:26; 26:28] let him not be ashamed, [all who wear this name should never be ashamed even
if persecuted for wearing it] but let him glorify God on this behalf [in this name—because there is no other name
under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12].
Bible Commentaries
Finally there are commentaries on the
Bible. In these books, each individual verse is usually considered and
commented on. These could be compared to a teacher or preacher speaking on
particular verses. The context is considered and often compared to similar
verses, illustrations from both the old and new testaments are used, and many
references are quoted. Obviously, commentaries are great tools for Bible study
if the author is true to the teaching of the word of God. However, commentaries
can be used to promote false doctrine. Therefore, one must be very selective to
obtain and study the ones that are most correct. Just as the message of the
preacher must be considered by God's standard, the Bible, the same is true with
various Bible Commentaries.
In all of the tools that we choose to help
us study the Bible, we must always live by the rule that Paul gave to Timothy:
"Be diligent
to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth" (2
Timothy 2:15). —BBBristow