I’ve grouped the methods of study in four broad categories. I may not be correct since I’m not a bible study expert. But here are the four groups:
A. Character Study
B. Narrative Study
C. Reflective and Big Picture type Studies
D. Verse Analysis or Word Study
TOOLS FOR BIBLE STUDY
In addition to the usual tools I have listed down below, try out this online tool: e-Sword – The Sword of the Lord. e-Sword is feature rich and FREE: All the available Bibles, commentaries and dictionaries are readily viewed; create your own “parallel Bible” with up to any four translations; easily compare the various translations to see how they rendered the Greek or Hebrew manuscripts, etc
A. Basic Study Bible: should be an accepted standard version for Bible study
Standard version:
reliable
based on original manuscripts; faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek texts (translation is either word for word or idea for idea)
accurate
Examples of standard versions:
Revised Standard Version [1946/1952]: Modern revision of the KJV; literal, word for word translation; least interpretative; fidelity to the Original Text ; New Revised Standard Version
King James Version; New King James Version (word for word)
Jerusalem Bible [1966]: idea for idea translation; fidelity to message; uses contemporary language
New American Bible [1970]: literal translation; fidelity to text, archaic, based on original language; somewhat interpretative
New International Version [1973/1978]: word for word translation
Good News Bible [1966] and Today’s English Version [1976]: reliable and understandable; quite interpretative
Free Translations / Paraphrases:
dynamic equivalence
to supplement and enrich
gives insight into the meaning of words; explains through synonyms
Examples of free translations:
Phillips
Amplified Version
The Living Bible
B. Dictionary
Ordinary dictionary (e.g., Webster’s, Oxford): for definition of words and getting new insight into meanings
Bible dictionary: good reference material for specific and theological meanings of certain words (e.g., Dictionary of the Bible by Fr. John McKenzie, S.J.)
C. Concordance (e.g., Cruden’s, Strong’s)
For cross-references (related passages)
Contains an alphabetical index of topics (persons, places, things, subjects)
D. Background Materials
For gaining insight on culture, politics, geography
Maps, illustrations
In-depth treatments of particular topics
E. Commentaries
Results of studies of scholars, exegetes
Interpretations given by others of particular passages; to be compared to own findings
Should be considered as a last resort; we would like to discover for ourselves.
Studying a Book
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Before you begin to read assigned book, divide a sheet of paper in half.
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Entitle the left half of the sheet, The author: his characteristics, convictions, and concerns. Entitle the right half, The readers: their characteristics, problems and concerns.
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As you read, jot down things you learn about the author and his readers from what the author says and the things he emphasizes. Don’t go into too much detail. Write down some of the obvious things. This is your first time through the book and you are to gain just a brief look at the author and readers. If there are several of you in your study group, you might divide the chapters. All of you should read the entire book, but each would be responsible for one chapter in terms of what you learned about author and readers. Afterwards, you are to share with each other what you discovered in your first reading.
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After this first reading, try to summarize in a few statements what you think is the author’s purpose for writing this book.
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Using your tools, do a more detailed research on the author (including the date and place he wrote the letter) and his message.
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Share your findings to the group.
