Tip 008 – Use the Right Tools

The Bible is deep—use the tools that help you dig. When it comes to Bible study, many people assume that simply reading the text is enough. While reading your Bible regularly is foundational, studying it well often requires a few trusted tools. Just like you wouldn’t build a house with your bare hands, you shouldn’t try to build a deep understanding of Scripture without the right equipment.

Think of it this way:

Using Bible study tools is like trying to learn a new language without a dictionary, grammar guide, or teacher. Sure, you could try to figure it out just by listening and guessing, but it would take years—and you'd miss key meanings, tone, and nuance. The Bible was written in ancient languages, to ancient cultures, with specific contexts in mind. Reference tools act like your translator, guide, and cultural interpreter all in one. The better your tools, the more fluent you become in understanding God’s Word.

So, what makes a reference tool worth using? There are two major things to look for:

1. It should be written by a specialist.
   If you want to understand the deeper meaning of Hebrew in the Old Testament, use materials written by a Hebrew scholar. The same goes for Greek, theology, or biblical history. Specialists bring clarity that general knowledge can’t.

2. It should be up to date.
   Biblical scholarship continues to grow. New archaeological discoveries, linguistic research, and cultural insights are constantly emerging. As a general rule, any resource over 20 years old may be outdated. That doesn’t mean it's useless—but it might not reflect the most accurate or recent scholarship available.

Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s talk about the “what.” Here are five types of reference tools you can start using today to elevate your Bible study:

Bible Dictionaries

These are like mini-encyclopedias focused specifically on terms, people, places, and concepts found in Scripture. When you come across a name or word you don’t fully understand, a Bible dictionary can give you cultural, historical, and theological background to deepen your understanding.
Tip: Use a dictionary that’s keyed to your translation (like ESV or NIV) for better alignment with what you’re reading.

Bible Atlases and Maps

The geography of the Bible matters. Understanding where something happened can often shed light on why it happened or what the author was communicating. A Bible atlas will help you visualize journeys, battles, and regional dynamics that bring the story to life.
Example: Seeing the steep, rugged road from Jericho to Jerusalem changes how you read the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).

Commentaries

Commentaries provide verse-by-verse explanations written by scholars. They often include context, original language insights, and theological reflections. Not all commentaries are created equal, so choose ones that are academically respected and aligned with your study goals.
Tip: Start with a trusted series like the NIV Application Commentary or the ESV Expository Commentary.

Bible Encyclopedias

Where a dictionary gives brief entries, an encyclopedia goes deeper. These are helpful when you want a fuller study on topics like covenants, Jewish feasts, the history of the early church, or ancient customs.
Tip: Use these when you're doing thematic studies or teaching others.

Cross-References

Many Bibles include cross-references in the margins or footnotes, pointing to where similar ideas or related passages show up in other parts of Scripture. This helps you let Scripture interpret Scripture—one of the safest and most powerful ways to study the Bible.
Tip: Don’t skip these. Following a few cross-references can open your eyes to the Bible’s internal unity and depth.

Conclusion:

Studying the Bible is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. And like any meaningful pursuit, it’s worth doing well—with the right tools. You don’t have to become a scholar overnight, but starting with a few trusted resources will radically improve how you read, understand, and apply God’s Word.

So the next time you sit down with your Bible, don’t come empty-handed. Grab your tools, open your heart, and start building a deeper relationship with Scripture—one insight at a time.