The Bible
Bible Study
The Bible comprises sixty-six books written by various authors over the
span of several millennia. The Bible's 39 Old Testament books were
written in the Hebrew language, whereas its 27 New Testament books were
written in Greek. The last Old Testament book was written prior to
400 B.C. by the prophet Malachi, while the New Testament books were
written between 35 A.D. and 100 A.D. Christians believe that the
Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God. "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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy chapter 3,
verses 16 and 17).
Bible study should be taken up with the mind and heart engaged to learn of Jesus, rather than in a merely mental manner. For Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John chapter 5, verse 39). The apostle Paul writes, in his second letter to Timothy, "Study to show thyself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy chapter 2, verse 15). These quotations are taken from the 1611 King James Version of the Bible.
Noted Bible scholar James Butler Stoney (1814-1897) offers five helpful approaches to studying the Bible:
- To ascertain the one great subject of Scripture, to the expression and development of which the whole without interruption conspires.
- In reading it, to be convinced of its plenary inspiration, and because of this, to note down every word and ascertain its meaning, which is best done by writing the word and seeing then the use made of it.
- To read a distinct book at a time and seek the leading idea or aim of it, which is easy to do, but not so easy to sustain through all the parts of the book. To connect all these points like the parts of a map is very useful.
- To take a subject and see how it is exemplified in different parts by different aspects and different characters. This gives power in the practical application of Scripture.
- To read the Bible ad lib, by which the soul acquires a color and tone. In trouble, sorrow, or conflict, it is wonderful the effect which reading Scripture will have on you — you are carried into its mind and current, almost unknown to yourself. It is change of air and scene, the best restorative power to the moral invalid. The better we understand Number 1, that is, the grand aim of Scripture, the more strength do we imbibe from reading it, even in a desultory way.
With these considerations in view, there are several good English Bible translations available, reflecting the English vocabulary at the times in which they were translated, the Hebrew and Greek texts available to the translators, and the predispositions and intents of the translators. None of these Bible versions is perfect, but the 1611 King James Version, the Darby translation, and the New King James Version are all regarded as useful for Bible study purposes.
When studying the Bible, a Bible concordance can help you quickly find verses which contain specific words. An interlinear Bible edition, which literally translates the Hebrew and Greek texts word-for-word, can provide important insights which are sometimes obscured in translation, and a Bible dictionary can help you understand the meanings and varied usages of Hebrew and Greek words found in the Bible. Some of these resources are available online while others can be purchased at your local Christian book store.
This website, Bible-Study.us, features convenient access to Christian book publishers, ministries, and educational institutions which offer various Bible translations and editions as well as online Bible study tools and printed Bible study materials.
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Bibles and Bible Study Resources
- Zondervan Bibles
For centuries, millions of people have looked for answers to life's most difficult questions in an ancient sacred text: the Bible. It has become the best-selling book in the world. Within its pages are words from God that can help you understand yourself, make important decisions, gain peace, renew hope, and experience God's love. The purpose of this website is to promote an understanding of the Bible.
www.ZondervanBibles.com - American Bible Society
The Mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. Find a good selection of Bible study resources.
www.AmericanBible.org - International Bible Society
The purpose of International Bible Society is to faithfully translate and reach out with God's Word so that people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His Body. Find online Bibles in more than 40 languages.
www.IBS.org - Hendrickson Publishers
Provides premium scholarly publications to the academic biblical studies community. Find interlinear Bibles and a selection of affordably priced Bibles in several translations and editions.
www.Hendrickson.com - Kirkbride Bible
Features the Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible which allows you to trace subjects, persons, places and ideas as they occur throughout the Bible.
www.Kirkbride.com - Grace To You
Features the MacArthur Study Bible which is well-suited for student use or bookshelf reference. Edited by John MacArthur.
www.GTY.org - Crosswalk.com
Offers a selection of Bible study tools including an online study Bible, interlinear Bible, parallel Bible, Bible commentaries, concordances, lexicons, Bible dictionaries, sermon helps, and other resources.
Bible.Crosswalk.com - BibleGateway.com
This Gospel Communications ministry features online Bible concordances for several languages and English translations. Use this free service for reading and researching Scripture online — in the language or translation of your choice! Find advanced tools for searching the Bible by keywords or verse, as well as other tools to enhance your study of the Bible.
www.BibleGateway.com - Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Features a World Wide Study Bible which organizes web-based Bible-related resources according to Scripture reference. Find commentaries, meditations, sermons, pictures, word studies, musical settings, and historical notes.
www.CCEL.org - Logos Bible Software
Logos Research Systems offers a wide selection of software tools and electronic publications for Bible study and exegesis.
www.Logos.com - Tyndale House - Doorway to Biblical Studies
Tyndale House is an international centre for biblical research, founded in a spirit of loyalty to the historic Christian faith. It is a community of scholars, working mostly at postgraduate level. It welcomes all bona fide scholars in the field of Biblical Studies.
www.TyndaleHouse.com
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