Introduction
As we study the Bible, we may encounter unfamiliar words, historical customs, difficult passages, or teachings that require further investigation. Bible study tools can help us understand these things more clearly.
Some useful tools include Bible dictionaries, concordances, commentaries, Bible translations, maps, and study guides. These resources can provide information that helps us examine Scripture more carefully.
However, we must remember that a study tool is a resource to assist our learning. We should not accept every explanation simply because it appears in a book, on a website, or in a teaching video.
In this lesson, we will learn how to use Bible study tools wisely, examine their explanations against Scripture, and avoid depending entirely on other people’s interpretations.
Lesson 1: Begin With the Bible Passage Itself
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)
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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Paul explains the value and purpose of Scripture in these verses. Scripture provides teaching, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
When studying a passage, begin by reading the Bible itself before consulting a commentary or another person’s explanation.
This helps you observe what the text actually says instead of allowing someone else’s interpretation to determine your understanding before you have examined the passage.
Read the verses, consider their context, identify the main message, and write down any questions that arise.
After that, consult other resources when they can help you investigate further.
Practical example:
Suppose you want to understand Romans 8:1.
First, read the verse and the surrounding passage. Identify what Paul says about condemnation and being in Christ Jesus.
If you still have questions, consult a reliable commentary or Bible dictionary to explore the passage further.
Then return to Romans 8 and examine whether the explanation fits the text.
Remember: Let the passage lead your investigation. Do not begin by assuming that a commentator has already settled every question for you.
Lesson 2: Learn How to Use a Bible Dictionary
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:3–5 (KJV)
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
These verses encourage the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
A Bible dictionary is a reference tool that explains biblical words, people, places, customs, and concepts. It can help you understand unfamiliar terms or learn more about the background of a passage.
However, a dictionary entry does not automatically explain every aspect of a word’s meaning in every verse. The context determines how a word is being used.
Practical example:
You encounter the word justification while studying Romans.
You consult a Bible dictionary to learn what the term means in biblical teaching. You then return to Romans 3:21–26 to examine how Paul uses the concept in his explanation.
The dictionary gives you helpful background, while the passage itself helps you understand how the teaching functions in context.
Remember: Use a Bible dictionary to investigate unfamiliar terms, but always consider how the word is used in the passage you are studying.
Lesson 3: Understand the Purpose of a Concordance
Scripture Reading: Acts 17:11 (KJV)
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
The Bereans examined the Scriptures to determine whether what they heard was consistent with the biblical text.
A concordance helps you locate words and the Bible passages in which they appear. It can be useful when investigating a subject or comparing how a particular word is used in different passages.
Some concordances are based on a specific Bible translation. Others include original-language information that can help with more detailed study.
However, finding the same word in several verses does not mean that every verse teaches the same thing. You must examine the context of each passage.
Practical example:
You want to study the subject of grace.
Using a concordance, you locate passages containing the word, including Ephesians 2:8 and Romans 5:2.
You read each passage in context and consider what it teaches about grace.
You avoid simply collecting every verse containing the word without examining how each passage uses it.
Remember: A concordance helps you find passages; it does not replace the work of interpreting them.
Lesson 4: Use Commentaries With Discernment
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Paul instructs believers to examine things carefully and hold on to what is good.
A Bible commentary provides an author’s explanation of a passage. Commentaries may discuss historical background, the structure of a book, the meaning of particular expressions, and different interpretations.
They can be valuable, especially when a passage is difficult. However, commentators may disagree because they interpret certain details differently.
Do not assume that every commentary is equally reliable or that an author’s conclusion must be correct simply because it is printed in a respected book.
Examine the explanation, consider the evidence provided, and compare it with the passage and its wider context.
Practical example:
You are studying Matthew 24 and find two commentaries that interpret part of the chapter differently.
Instead of choosing the explanation you prefer immediately, write down the main arguments from each commentary.
Examine the surrounding verses, the historical setting, and relevant passages elsewhere in Scripture.
If you cannot resolve the difference confidently, record the question for further study.
Remember: A commentary can help you understand Scripture, but its conclusions should be examined rather than accepted automatically.
Lesson 5: Understand the Value and Limitations of Bible Translations
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV)
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
This passage describes the reading of God’s law and the giving of understanding to the people.
Bible translations communicate the biblical text in different languages and styles. Some aim to preserve the structure and wording of the original languages more closely, while others use more natural expressions to communicate the meaning.
Comparing translations can sometimes help you recognize an expression that is difficult to understand.
However, differences in wording do not automatically mean that one translation is dishonest or that the passage has contradictory meanings.
When comparing translations, consider the wording, context, and purpose of the translation. If a difference is important, further investigation may be necessary.
Practical example:
You are studying Psalm 23:1 in the KJV:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
You compare it with another translation that expresses the final phrase using the idea of not lacking what is needed.
The comparison helps you recognize that the KJV expression I shall not want refers here to lacking nothing under the care of the Lord, rather than expressing a lack of desire.
You then examine the rest of the psalm to understand the picture of the Lord as shepherd.
Remember: Translation comparisons can clarify wording, but they should support careful study rather than replace it.
Lesson 6: Use Bible Maps and Historical Resources Appropriately
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:1–4 (KJV)
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Luke explains that he carefully investigated and arranged his account so that Theophilus could know the certainty of what he had been taught.
Historical resources and Bible maps can help us understand geographical locations, journeys, political settings, and customs mentioned in Scripture.
These tools are particularly useful when studying biblical narratives, the ministry of Jesus, the journeys of Paul, or events involving different nations and regions.
Nevertheless, background information should help clarify the passage rather than distract us from its main message.
Practical example:
While studying Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts, you use a Bible map to identify the locations he visited.
The map helps you understand the geographical movement described in the narrative.
You then return to Acts to examine what happened in each location and why those events matter to the account.
Remember: Maps and historical resources provide background that can help you understand biblical events, but the passage remains essential to your study.
Lesson 7: Evaluate Online Bible Teaching Carefully
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:1 (KJV)
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
John warns believers not to accept every spiritual claim without examination.
Today, Bible teaching is available through websites, videos, podcasts, social media, and online courses. These resources can make learning more accessible, but not every teacher explains Scripture accurately.
Before accepting a teaching, examine the passage being discussed. Ask whether the teacher has considered the context, explained the relevant verses, and supported the conclusion with sound reasoning.
Be cautious when someone builds an entire teaching around an isolated phrase, makes claims that the cited passage does not support, or discourages people from examining Scripture for themselves.
Practical example:
You watch a video in which a speaker claims that a particular Bible verse guarantees financial wealth to every believer.
Instead of accepting the claim immediately, read the verse and its surrounding passage.
Investigate whether the passage actually makes that promise and whether the speaker has overlooked important contextual details.
Remember: A confident speaker is not necessarily a correct teacher. Examine biblical claims carefully.
Lesson 8: Avoid Depending Entirely on Study Tools
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:8 (KJV)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Paul warns the Colossian believers about teachings that could lead them away from Christ.
Study tools can be helpful, but depending entirely on another person’s explanation can prevent us from learning how to examine Scripture ourselves.
A healthy approach combines personal reading, careful observation, further investigation, and a willingness to learn from trustworthy resources.
You do not need to become an expert in every subject before you can begin studying the Bible. Start with the text, investigate what you can, and seek help when necessary.
Practical example:
Instead of reading only a commentary about the book of Ephesians, read the biblical text yourself.
Write down the main points you observe, then consult a commentary to explore difficult sections.
Compare the commentary’s explanation with your observations and the surrounding passage.
This process helps you develop your own ability to study Scripture rather than simply memorizing another person’s conclusions.
Remember: Use study tools to support your understanding, not to replace your own careful engagement with the Bible.
Lesson 9: Keep Track of Your Sources and Unanswered Questions
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 15:22 (KJV)
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
This proverb highlights the value of counsel when making plans.
When using study resources, it is helpful to record where you found important information. This allows you to revisit an explanation, compare different views, and distinguish a commentator’s opinion from what you personally observed in Scripture.
You should also record questions that remain unanswered instead of forcing a conclusion.
For example, you may discover that two respected sources interpret a passage differently. You can record their main arguments and continue examining the passage.
Practical example:
Your notes might include:
- Question: What is the meaning of a particular expression in Romans?
- Bible passage: Romans 7:14–25.
- Resource consulted: Name of the commentary or Bible dictionary.
- Explanation found: A brief summary of the author’s view.
- My observations: What the passage itself appears to establish.
- Further study needed: Questions that remain unresolved.
This approach keeps your research organized and makes it easier to return to the subject later.
Remember: Record the source of an explanation and remain honest about what you have and have not established.
Lesson 10: Develop a Balanced Bible Study Method
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
This verse describes God’s Word as a source of guidance.
A balanced Bible study method begins with Scripture and uses additional resources when they are helpful. It does not reject all outside assistance, nor does it treat every human explanation as unquestionable authority.
You can develop a simple process:
- Read the Bible passage carefully.
- Identify its main message.
- Examine the surrounding context.
- Record important observations and questions.
- Consult appropriate study tools if needed.
- Compare explanations with the passage and relevant Scriptures.
- Record what you have learned and what remains uncertain.
- Review your notes as you continue studying.
This method allows you to benefit from available resources while remaining attentive to the biblical text.
Practical example:
You want to understand a passage in Galatians that discusses the law and grace.
First, read the passage and its context. Next, record the questions you have. If necessary, consult a Bible dictionary to understand unfamiliar terms and a commentary to explore the historical setting.
Then return to Galatians and examine Paul’s argument across the relevant chapters.
Finally, summarize what the passage teaches and identify any questions that still need further study.
Remember: The purpose of Bible study tools is to assist you in understanding Scripture more accurately, not to replace the careful reading and examination of God’s Word.
Remember
When using Bible study tools responsibly:
- Begin with the Bible passage itself.
- Use Bible dictionaries to investigate unfamiliar words and concepts.
- Use concordances to locate relevant passages.
- Examine commentaries rather than accepting every explanation automatically.
- Compare Bible translations carefully when wording is difficult.
- Use maps and historical resources to understand background information.
- Evaluate online Bible teaching against Scripture.
- Avoid depending entirely on other people’s interpretations.
- Record your sources and unanswered questions.
- Develop a balanced method that combines personal study with responsible use of resources.
Key takeaway: Bible study tools can help us gain knowledge, investigate difficult passages, and understand historical background. We should use them thoughtfully, examine their explanations, and remain committed to handling Scripture accurately.