The Ultimate Guide to Bible Study Resources for Beginners
Starting to study the Bible for the very first time, whether you are a new Christian or have been in church your whole life, can feel overwhelming. There are Bible study methods to learn and resources to get. I’ve been there. That’s why I created this ultimate guide to Bible study resources for beginners.
Overall, the best resources to use when studying the Bible include a study Bible, a commentary, and a Bible dictionary. These foundational resources help get the most out of Bible study. Other resources to consider include a concordance, a Bible handbook, or online tools.
Let’s explore each of these Bible study resources, what they are, what they do, and how they help in Bible study. Then you can decide which ones you want to use when you study the Bible.
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Getting Started With Bible Study
Choosing the Right Translation
Before you start gathering to many Bible study resources it is important to discover your preferred translation. Why? Because some bible study resources, like concordances for example, are translation specific. Overall, there are two main translation styles,
- Formal Equivalence: These translations are more word-for-word. They seek to stick closely to the grammatical structure of Bible passages. Examples of more formal equivalent translations include: NASB, KJV, NKJV, RSV, and ESV.
- Functional/Dynamic Equivalence: These translations are more thought-for-thought. That is, they seek to more closely capture the meaning, concepts, or ideas over the grammatical structure of the text. Examples may include: NIV, NIRV, and NLT.
As a general rule, more thought-for-thought translations are going to be more beginner-friendly translations. For example, the NIV translation is a great place to start. It is the one I typically use on this site as it is a great middle of the road translation.
If English is your second language, then you may want to read this article. It discusses the easiest to read English Bible translations, and what makes them so unique.
To find the best translation for you, I recommend you try to find the most formal equivalent translation that is still easy to read and understand. So, find one closest to the left side of the chart above that you still easily comprehend. For other tips for finding the perfect Bible translation, check out this article.
Overview of Other Resources and Necessary Tools
Now, that you’ve chosen a Bible translation, take a moment to gather other basic tools for Bible study. These are things like,
- A Notebook
- Pens/Pencils
- Highlighters (optional)
- Colored Pens (optional)
These basic tools are essential to Bible study. Especially, when it comes to taking notes, recording insights, and writing prayers. This gives you somewhere to look back on and see how you’ve grown spiritually.
Now, let’s start looking at some basic Bible study resources. The chart below provides a brief overview of common Bible study resources, which we will start to look at more in-depth later on.
| Resource | Purpose | Definition | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Bibles | In-depth study and interpretation of the Bible. | Bibles with added study aids, such as commentary, maps, and notes. | Provide historical and contextual information for better comprehension. |
| Bible Handbook | Providing general information and overviews. | A concise reference guide offering insights into the Bible’s content and key themes. | Offers a broad understanding of the Bible’s structure and message. |
| Bible Dictionary | Defining and explaining biblical terms and concepts. | A reference book containing definitions and explanations of biblical words and concepts. | Useful for clarifying unfamiliar terms and exploring biblical themes. |
| Concordance | Word and phrase research. | An alphabetical list of words and phrases with corresponding Bible references. | Useful for word studies, finding related verses, and exploring themes. |
| Lexicon | Exploring the original languages of the Bible. | Reference books containing definitions, etymologies, and usage of words in Hebrew and Greek. | Essential for understanding the original meaning of biblical terms. |
| Commentaries | In-depth analysis and interpretation of the Bible. | Scholarly writings that provide explanations and insights into biblical passages. | Offer historical context, theological perspectives, and practical applications. |
| Devotionals | Spiritual reflection and personal growth. | Short daily readings with reflections, prayers, and applications. | Encourage personal connection with the Bible and spiritual development. |
Study Bibles
Study Bible Basics
A Study Bible is a Bible that includes additional study aids like commentary, maps, and notes. As such, it is an essential Bible study resource. Think of it like the Swiss army knife of Bible study tools. It is extremely versatile and helpful, making it the most important Bible study resource.
A good study Bible will help you deepen your understanding of the historical, linguistic, and theological contexts of a passage of the Bible. This will help you dig deep and experience the Bible on your own. Common study aids found in study Bibles include,
- Study Notes: Brief commentary on individual passages or verses often located on the bottom of the page where that verse or passage is found.
- Articles: Study Bibles can include articles on numerous different topics. These topics can include things like: History of the Bible, Historical/Cultural Background, Archeology, Theology, and more.
- Maps: Most study Bibles will also include maps to help you understand the geography of where a particular passage is taking place. Some study Bibles even include illustrations to make the Bible come alive.
- Book Introductions: These book introductions provide a brief overview of a particular book in the Bible and discuss things like the author, audience, message, background, and key themes. They also typically include a nice outline of the book.
- Concordance: A list of popular or key words in the Bible and passages where they can be found.
As you can see these features make a study Bible a perfect resource for beginners. It’s like having a little bit of all the other resources combined into one. If you cannot get any other Bible study resource right now, then I’d recommend you invest in a good study Bible.
Recommended Study Bibles
If you are interested in other study Bibles, check out this article. It compares several study Bibles to help a beginner find the best one for them.
Bible Dictionaries and Handbooks
Bible Dictionary
A Bible dictionary is a dictionary that contains explanations and definitions of words, concepts, and ideas found in the Bible. These can include descriptions of people, places, or even books of the Bible. As such, they are helpful when you want to quickly understand something you came across while studying.
For example, the other day I was reading about the feasts in the Bible and wanted to know more. So, I pulled out my Bible dictionary and read the entry on the feasts in the Bible.
Bible Handbook
A Bible handbook is a resource that offers insights into the Bible’s content and key themes. Often, they will provide a brief overview of each book of the Bible, discussing things similar to what can be found in book introductions in a study Bible, but more in-depth.
Both of these resources are great places to go to gather general information to increase understanding and/or explain terms when studying the Bible. A Bible dictionary is one of the first places I turn to when I want to know more about something I came across while reading the Bible.
Recommended Bible Dictionaries and Handbooks
- Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary
- Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
- Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook
- Halley’s Bible Handbook
- Ultimate Bible Guide
Concordances and Lexicons
Concordance
A Bible concordance is a Bible study resource that lists words in the Bible and the verses where they are found. There are three different types of concordances,
- Compact Concordance: Lists only the key words and key verses where those words are found.
- Complete Concordance: Lists most words and the key places where those words can be found.
- Exhaustive Concordance: Lists every word (incl. “A”, “The”, etc.) and every place they can be found.
A Bible concordance is useful for learning more about words in the Bible and the meaning behind them. As such, concordances come in handy when you want to see what other verses mention a particular word. They also help in seeing the range of meaning for a word.
Concordances can be a little challenging to use, especially if you are new to Bible study. If that’s you, then you may want to check out this article, that will walk you through exactly how to use a concordance. Not only will you learn how to use a concordance, but you’ll see the best times to use it as well.
Are you wondering if a Bible concordance may be too much for you right now. That’s okay. Check out this article to see if a concordance is really necessary. Plus, you’ll discover key benefits and a unique alternative to a concordance.
Lexicon
A Bible lexicon is a reference tool used to explore the definitions, etymologies, and usage of Hebrew and Greek words found in the Bible. As such, lexicons can be helpful in doing intense word studies where you want to dive deep into the original languages.
Personally, I don’t have a lexicon. However, I do have a complete dictionary of Old and New Testament words which performs a similar function. That said, while a lexicon can be beneficial for the linguistic and historical contexts of Hebrew or Greek words, it may not be ideal for everyone especially beginners.
Recommended Concordances and Lexicons
- Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
- NIV Exhaustive Bible Concordance
- Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
Commentaries and Devotionals
Commentaries
A Bible commentary is a Bible study resource that notes, explanations, and insights from scholars or pastors. Commentaries come in a range of detail and can be for specific books of the Bible or the Bible as a whole. Different types of commentaries include,
- Exegetical Commentary: Scholarly and Academic
- Homiletic/Expository Commentary: Pastoral
- Devotional Commentary: Practical
If you want to know more about the differences between these different types of commentaries, then check out this article. You can not only discover the differences between them, but also practical tips for choosing a commentary.
Now if you are a beginner in Bible study, I want you to know this: Commentaries can be beneficial for Bible study and spiritual growth. But they have no impact on your closeness to God.
Don’t believe me? Then check out this article where I discovered when you should and should not use a commentary.
Devotionals
A devotional is a Bible study resource that provides short daily readings of a verse or a couple of verses with personal reflections, prayers, or applications. They can both encourage and challenge Christians in spiritual growth.
As such, devotionals can be ideal for new believers who are wanting to study the Bible for the first time. Or even mature Christians seeking encouragement in their spiritual walk.
Recommended Commentaries and Devotionals
- The New Matthew Henry Commentary: The Classic Work with Updated Language
- Tony Evans Bible Commentary
- NIV Application Commentary
- New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional
- My Utmost for His Highest
Online and Digital Resources
The rise of technology has seen the creation of many online and digital resources for Bible study. Often these resources make Bible study more accessible, interactive, portable, and cost-effective. Online and digital Bible study resources can include apps, websites, and even software.
One of the most popular Bible study softwares available today is Logos Bible Study Software. As a beginner in Bible study, you’ll find Logos Bible Software to be an invaluable companion on your spiritual journey.
With its vast library, user-friendly search tools, and the ability to access insightful courses and resources, Logos simplifies your Bible Study experience.
If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of the Bible and embark on a fulfilling study adventure, click here to explore Logos Bible Software and start your transformative journey today. With this link, you can 10% a Logos Package and five free books.
For beginners I recommend the Starter Package. This package includes 68 digital resources like,
- 9 Bibles
- 1 Study Bible
- 8 Commentaries
- 6 Devotional and Spiritual Groth Books
- 2 Resources on Maps and Illustrations
- Inductive Bible Study Workflow
- and more
Now, all of the resources and features if bought individually would total $3,356.40. But getting the Logos 10 Starter Base Package is only $294.99 ($30.57/mo.). That is still a lot of money, but remember you can get 10% off with this link.
And if that is still too much, then they have a Fundamentals Package with 28 resources for only $49.99. That’s the price of one study Bible.
Overall, a Bible study software like Logos can be a cost-effective solution to building a Bible study bookshelf.
Cost Of Common Bible Study Resources
As we are beginning to see building a good bible study bookshelf can be expensive. So, let’s take an honest look at how much these bible resources are:
| Low End Price | High End Price | Average Price | |
| Bible Dictionaries | ~$25.00 | ~$60.00 | ~$36.00 |
| Commentaries | $13.00 (for books in Wiersbe’s Be Series) | $20-50 (for NIV Application Commentary Books) | ~$35.00 |
| Bible Handbooks | ~$20.00 | ~$60.00 | ~$33.00 |
| Atlas | ~$10.00 | ~$45.00 | ~$30.00 |
| Concordances | ~$30.00 | ~$50.00 | ~$40.00 |
| Expository Dictionaries | ~$25.00 | ~$55.00 | ~$40.00 |
| Topical Bibles | ~$20.00 | ~$30.00 | ~$25.00 |
| Study Bibles | ~$35.00 | ~$60.00 | ~$46.00 |
Getting good quality Bible study resources doesn’t have to be expensive. So, let’s look at different price ranges and see the best Bible study resources to get that fit in that budget.
$50 Budget Beginner Bible Study Resources
$100 Budget Beginner Bible Study Resources
- NIV Study Bible (~$50)
- The New Matthew Henry Commentary (~$50)
$200 Budget Beginner Bible Study Resources
- NIV Study Bible (~$50)
- The New Matthew Henry Commentary (~$50)
- Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary ($40)
- Ultimate Bible Guide ($13)
- NIV Bible Concordance ($17)
- Holman Bible Atlas ($30)
Bible Study Methods
Now that we have an idea of what Bible study resources to use when studying the Bible, it’s time to briefly talk about BIble study methods. There are lots of different BIble study methods, but I want to mention three different ones,
- SOAP Bible Study: SOAP is a simple Bible study method that encourages spiritual growth by making sure you not only learn the Bible but live it as well. It is a great Bible study method for beginners and can be done with only a Study Bible or a few number of resources.
- Inductive Bible Study: Inductive Bible study is a method of Bible study that seeks meaning from the original context and applies it to life today. It is typically more academic and in-depth in structure. As such, it can require more resources.
- Lectio Divina: Lectio Divina is an ancient method of reading the Bible that seeks to bring you closer to God through a prayerful reading of Scripture. As such, Bible study resources are not required, though they can aid in deeper understanding and meditation of Scripture.
In general, you can do all of these Bible study methods with just a study Bible and a notebook. That said, Bible study resources can deepen your Bible study and make it more fun.
If you want more recommendations of various Bible study resources, including books websites, and apps, then be sure to check out the growing list at the Bible study bookshelf.
