Just as a prospector uses certain tools in his search for gold nuggets, so must the serious Bible student utilize essential resources in his search for Scriptural truths. Listed below are some helpful tools for meaningful Bible study.
Concordances
These are alphabetical lists of every English word that appears in the Bible (traditionally the most popular is the King James Version). They enable Bible searches to locate all passages that contain the word of interest. They also identify the Hebrew or Greek word from which it was translated, give its definition, and states other English words that were used in translating. Concordances are helpful in locating and comparing Scriptural passages. (Check out How to use the Concordance in the drop down menu under "Study Tools" above.)
Lexicons
These study aids provide definitions, meanings, and usages of Hebrew and Greek words found in the Bible. They help in understanding the origins and root meanings of the Hebrew and Greek languages. Additionally, Lexicons give the context and cultural meanings intended by the authors, identify parts of speech, verb tenses, and roots of words. You can search for free Lexicons on google.
Interlinears
These are Bibles that have the original Hebrew and Greek text with the corresponding English renderings listed below each word. They help in seeing how each word was translated into English.
Bible Dictionaries and Handbooks
These are reference works containing encyclopedic Bible entries that typically concern people, places, customs, and beliefs. They may also contain Biblical maps and summaries of the individual books of the Bible.
Etymological Dictionaries
These books identify the origins, history, and meanings of words. They are helpful in discovering the changes that have occurred in the meaning and usage of words. (Think about it; just 50 years ago it was a GOOD thing to say you were feeling "gay".) Word meanings can change rapidly and it has been over 500 years since the KJV of the Bible was written in 1611.
Software
-There are a number of computerized software programs available that assist in reading, studying, and in some cases discussing Biblical texts and concepts. They are geared more toward word and phrase searches, accessing study Bible notes and commentaries, referencing various Bible translations/versions, and cross-referencing similar passages and topics. Some make available the concordance and or Lexicon. These programs are great resources for those who do not have access to the actual reference books (which can add up to a big financial investment).Biblehub.com (a free app.) is a very good software program and is available for the PC, Apple and IPad. Besides the complete Bibile it includes a Concordance, an Interlinear and a Dictionary and much more!(A real "nugget" in and of itself!) You might like the free app. e-Sword.com as well.
Websites
Ben Williams offers a treasure chest of Bible Studies and Booklets he has written and/or shared over the last 30 years or more. www.benwilliamslibrary.com is the website where you can find the Kingdom Bible Studies which Bob Becker and Ben Williams developed many years ago. Enjoy them FREE OF CHARGE!
Sheldon Emery's tapes, booklets, pamphlets can be found at: www.sheldonemrylibrary.com. This gold mine of information is loaded with "nuggets" you will find most stimulating. A lifetime of learning...FREE OF CHARGE!
Word of Caution: Be aware that all resources may contain personal bias based on ideas and beliefs of the authors. Diligent care & prayer must be used to make sure such bias doesn't adversely affect the truth of the Scriptures. Happy Hunting! Bob & Mary Lou