20 Best Bible Study Reference Books (Jan 2023 Update)

This detailed yet readable commentary, based on the new international version of the bible, is ideal for pastors, bible teachers, students, or anyone looking for a reliable help in personal bible study. now with updated contemporary covers, this classic series will reach a new generation of readers. with maps, charts, cross-references, bibliographies, book introductions, and helpful historical background, the bible knowledge commentary series addresses readers' deepest questions as it draws them into the truth and power of scripture.

The words of christ are in red, and old testament and new testament questions are found at the end of each section. there is a complete concordance that lists every bible word. there are 9,000 headings to divide the text and 35,000 commentary notes. plus, there are more than 8,000 outlines for sermons and the definitions of key hebrew and greek words are included. there is also a complete summary at the conclusion of each book and over 500,000 helpful cross chain references for study. king james version with 2 columns for kjv text and 3 columns for study notes full-color maps. complete concordance symbols marking prophetic passages symbols marking promises, commands and messages from god bible character studies.

The #1 bestseller in new testament commentaries. over 200,000 copies sold! this is the official companion study to season 1 of the chosen, the groundbreaking television series about the life of jesus. parallels each episode, connecting readers to the bible in a brand-new way. it includes: a deeper look at isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in jesus and the lives of his followers (including us!) script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from the show guiding questions for groups or individuals being chosen by jesus has beautiful and far-reaching implications–although it says even more about the chooser than the choosees. which always leads us directly to jesus.

The bestselling niv quest study bible answers thousands of your questions about the bible. get answers to the bible questions you have… and questions you haven't yet pondered! the niv quest study bible features over 7,000 notes written in an engaging question and answer format that give insight into the common, uncommon, and sometimes perplexing passages from the bible. you will have the opportunity to consider questions like "why did god send angels to jacob?," "what prevents god from hearing our prayers?," and "why does god test us?" as you explore god's word using the many study helps. – the only question and answer bible is now available with exclusive zondervan niv comfort print for smooth reading. expertly designed specifically to be used for the new international version (niv) text, comfort print offers an easier reading experience that complements the most widely read modern-english bible translation. the original quest study bible was conceived in 1989 when two publishing companies, zondervan and christianity today international, worked together to develop a bible that would answer the challenging questions that arose as people read scripture. focus groups around the united states evaluated the usefulness of potential study bible features and helped select the features that would be included in this bible. then, more than 1,000 people received passages of scripture and were asked, "what questions do you have about this portion of the bible?" their responses helped determine what kinds of questions the notes would answer, helping to create a resource that answers the questions that real people have asked about the bible. notes have been updated in subsequent releases to ensure that this bible stays relevant and current to modern readers. – features: complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear new international version (niv)over 7,000 insightful notes arranged in a unique question and answer format – nearly 350 articles investigate the most asked questions about the bible – book introductions that answer questions about each book, such as "who wrote it?," "why?," and "what should i look for?" article index and expanded subject index – single-column scripture text arranged in a modern, two-color page design – over 150 charts, timelines, and maps – a reading plan with three distinct tracks to follow – niv dictionary-concordance16-page full-color map section – exclusive zondervan niv comfort print typeface9.5-point print size – one of the best ways to learn is to ask questions as you study. the niv quest study bible guides you in that endeavor with thousands of questions you're likely to want answers to, including the top 100 most-asked questions about the bible. dive in to discover that you're not the only one with questions – and finally get the answers you've been looking for.

Connect the dots to a deeper understanding of god's word with the open bible. – the bible is a collection of 66 books written by many writers over a vast time period, and yet it's the unified word of god. available for the first time in the widely-read new international version translation, the open bible offers clean and easy navigation through the connectivity of scripture with a time-tested reference system trusted by millions. plus, the niv open bible gives you even more access to the truths of the word with book introductions and outlines that provide context and themes from beginning to end. if you are longing for a deeper understanding of scripture, this is the bible for you. – features include: topical index to the bible–this easy-to-navigate feature quickly displays the scriptural connections between more than 8,000 names, places, concepts, events, and doctrines. – the visual survey of the bible–the detailed 24-page visual overview of the bible unfolds the people, events and themes of scripture at a glance. life application notes crystallize central spiritual truths. – bible book introductions–extensive at-a-glance outlines plus a detailed overview of the overview help broaden your perspective of each book. – how to study the bible–expert advice for both personal and family bible study, plus helpful principles of bible interpretation. – the christian's guide to the new life–a complete doctrinal overview of scripture divided into 32 "christian guides," supported by hundreds of scripture references. – a guide to christian workers–powerful motivation and practical guidance for sharing the gospel–from contact to conversation, conversion, the certainty of salvation, and more. – and more: the scarlet thread of redemption, 82 prayers of the bible, read your bible through the year, between the testaments, teachings and illustrations of christ, prophecies of the messiah fulfilled in christ, the parables of jesus christ, the miracles of jesus christ, the laws of the bible, detailed maps, and still more! the exclusive thomas nelson niv comfort print at a readable 9-point print size

Grasp the full meaning behind the original greek and hebrew texts with the first-of-its-kind amplified study bible the amplified study bible features verse by verse study notes and the text of the newly revised amplified translation, using a unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages. this is paired with over 5,000 concise study notes that provide helpful, practical, application-oriented comments on passages of scripture and open the word for readers to apply it to life. – the amplified translation was created to deliver enhanced understanding of the rich nuances and shades of meaning of the original bible languages. for this kind of study, no working knowledge of greek or hebrew is required–just a desire to know more about what god says in his word. now the updated amplified translation is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. it includes more amplification in the old testament and refined amplification in the new testament. additionally, the bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. it's the same study material that amplified readers love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding. – features: a unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages – more than 5000 concise study notes330 practical theological notes draw attention to important doctrinal content in the bible and explain how to apply it every day – book introductions give background information about each of the bible's 66 books – a topical index provides an alphabetical listing of key words and study topics and their related passages – full-color maps to enhance your study – thumb indexed to make finding the books of the bible easier – leathersoft cover lays flat when open10.5-point type size

A yearlong journey through the bible to strengthen women's faith when you need to lift your spirits or tackle life's challenges, the bible is always there to offer guidance. this inspiring approach to bible study for women combines a daily reading plan with weekly opportunities to reflect, discuss, and explore how god's wisdom can be applied to your daily life. go beyond other christian books for women with: themed readings―all verses for a given week tie together with themes that relate to modern women, like persevering through challenges, moving on from mistakes, and more.your favorite translation―the included reading plans work with any translation, allowing you to use your favorite bible to connect with god more deeply.ways to study―explore the interactive questions, bible journaling prompts, and prayers on your own or in a group setting of any denomination. get to know the word in a new light and strengthen your relationship with christ in this bible study for women.

Winner of the 2016 christian book award for bible of the year.introducing the new deluxe linen hardcover edition of the illustrated study bible with a keepsake slipcase.the illustrated study bible brings scripture's message to life by giving readers an entirely new visual study experience. hundreds of information-rich windows to the bible world instantly communicate foundational truths and complex information in an understandable, compelling way for today's visual generation. the who, what, where, when, and why of the bible come alive with stunning photos, illustrations, infographics, and full-color maps integrated seamlessly with background material, study notes, and theme articles. the illustrated study bible empowers readers to draw closer to god by opening their eyes to scripture's living, powerful message.

Discover the joy of unearthing the treasures of the bible on your own! when you do a bible study, do you ever wonder if you're getting the message god wants you to get-or the message someone else thinks you need? the bible is packed with gems of wisdom for living a life that is pleasing to god. and you can discover these gems for yourself-if you know how to dig for them! drawing on over 60 years of experience from the ministry of the navigators, the navigator bible studies handbook is a classic collection of principles and methods for people who want to find out for themselves what the scriptures say. the first section of this useful handbook deals with the underlying principles for doing good inductive bible study-the things you'll need to know in order to do accurate, in-depth study of any kind. the second section will teach you some of the specific, time-tested methods of bible study the navigators have used for over 60 years. you'll learn how to do question-and-answer studies, verse analysis studies, comprehensive chapter analysis studies, topical studies, and studies on biblical characters. the navigator bible studies handbook will equip you with skills for a lifetime of studying the scriptures on your own. discover the joy of personal bible study!

Robert traina's classic methodical bible study transformed the way many people studied the bible in the latter half of the twentieth century and became recognized as the most authoritative presentation of inductive bible study available. this new work introduces the practice of inductive bible study to a new generation of students, pastors, and church leaders. the authors, two seasoned educators with over sixty combined years of experience in the classroom, offer guidance on adopting an inductive posture and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do inductive bible study. they engage in conversation with current hermeneutical issues, trends, schools, and figures as they set forth well-grounded principles and processes for biblical interpretation and appropriation. the book offers a holistic and integrated approach to the study of the bible, showing how readers can bring together the various facets and methods of biblical study to arrive at original, penetrating, well-grounded interpretation and contemporary appropriation. the process presented incorporates various methods of biblical study to help readers hear the message of the bible on its own terms. inductive bible study includes a sustained example of the entire process, using 2 timothy 3:16-17, and many examples of specific aspects or tasks of biblical study taken from passages throughout the biblical canon. it will benefit professors and students in courses on bible study methods, interpretation, and hermeneutics as well as pastors and church leaders. –publisher

Barbour's powerful kjv cross reference study bible is now available in a women's edition with a cloth-like cover. featuring 6,500 study notes and some 25,000 center-column cross references, this resource helps you understand the king james version, now in its fifth century but still among the most beloved and trusted translations available.

Winner of the 2020 christian book award for bible of the year! trusted & treasured by millions of readers over 30 years, the life application study bible is today's #1-selling study bible – now it has been thoroughly updated and expanded, offering even more relevant insights for understanding and applying god's word to everyday life in today's world. – discover how you can apply the bible to your life today – with a fresh two-color interior design and meaningfully updated study notes and features, this bible will help you understand god's word better than ever. it answers the real-life questions that you may have and provides you practical yet powerful ways to apply the bible to your life every day. – study the stories and teachings of the bible with verse-by-verse commentary. gain wisdom from people in the bible by exploring their accomplishments and learning from their mistakes. survey the big picture of each book through overviews, vital statistics, outlines, and timelines, and grasp difficult concepts using in-text maps, charts, and diagrams–all to help you do life god's way, every day. – features: (enhanced, updated, and with new content added throughout)now more than 10,000 life application notes and features – over 100 life application profiles of key bible people – introductions and overviews for each book of the bible – more than 500 maps & charts placed for quick referencedictionary/concordanceextensive side-column cross-reference system to facilitate deeper study – life application index to notes, charts, maps, and profiles – refreshed design with a second color for visual clarity16 pages of full-color maps – quality smyth-sewn binding–durable, made for frequent use, and lays flat when open – presentation page – single-column format – christian worker's resource, a special supplement to enhance the reader's ministry effectiveness – full text of the holy bible, new living translation (nlt), combining the latest biblical scholarship with clear, natural english – the words of jesus are in red letter.

It's possible to learn how to live with a faith that is so confident in god that it can't be shaken–even in the most unpredictable and chaotic times. in this five-session video bible study (dvd/digital video sold separately), bestselling author and teacher christine caine invites you to move into a deeper intimacy with god than you have ever known–and let him heal your heart and take away your fear. – including video discussion questions, bible exploration, and personal study material, caine points out the way to developing a relentless faith so that the next time life throws you a curve ball–and life likely will–you will be able to navigate your way through, still living the adventure he planned for you…and maybe even a version of the adventure that's beyond what you could ever have imagined. – sessions include: expect the unexpected – embracing god's control over our own. – unexpected people – learning how to look and see what god is doing. – an unexpected assignment – how god interrupts our carefully made plans and why. – unexpected endings bring new beginnings – focusing on what god has been up to in our lives. – unexpected resurrection – renewing our faith in the final hope. – many of us have been trained to fear the unexpected and want everything to be "under control," but god wants us to anticipate the unexpected with a faith-filled perspective rooted in trust. he has never been taken by surprise. – designed for use with the unexpected video study (9780310089322) sold separately.

Open the door to better bible study with the illustrated everyday bible companion! at 704 pages, it's big-but it's purposely designed for the average bible student, not the expert. featuring a dictionary, concordance, handbook, and explanations of bible customs-with more than 200 full-color illustrations- the illustrated everyday bible companion is an all-in-one resource for everyday bible study. concise dictionary entries are combined with a select concordance of the most important verses, while a handbook of the entire bible includes sidebars explaining the curious practices of ancient times. maps and a complete index round out the volume. don't miss the most exciting bible reference book of 2006!

The new interpreter's study bible brings the best of biblical scholarship to the service of the church. in this new edition based on the new revised standard version of the bible with apocrypha, sixty distinguished scholars have provided background and insight on the biblical text. features include extensive historical and theological annotations on the biblical text; brief introductions and outlines for each biblical book; excursuses giving further background and insight regarding particular themes and passages; and nineteen commissioned maps detailing the biblical world at various historical periods.

Discover jesus in the pages of the bible reveals the true story of jesus through the four gospels. drawn from one of the best-selling bible handbooks in history, this special jesus edition beautifully summarizes critical information, key scripture passages and personal application from the gospels. – paperbound, 176 pages – excellent small group study – five chapters, one overview and one related to each gospel writer – includes study guide, bible reading plan and “steps to peace with god” – niv text throughout

This first-of-its-kind bible handbook offers charismatic and pentecostal christians a major reference tool that provides easy access to a wealth of biblical and practical information. with an informative survey (with kingdom life insights) for each book of the bible, the unique spirit-filled life encyclopedic dictionary, the visual survey of the bible, and kingdom keys for applying the principles of the spirit-filled life, hayford's bible handbook will enrich bible study and help readers discover practical insight into living their faith.

Based on a lifetime of study and compiliation by dr. frank c. thompson, "the thompson chain-reference study bible" is a library of bible study helps in a single-volume.

The international standard bible encyclopedia, also known as the isbe, is an exhaustive biblical encyclopedia that explains in detail every significant word in the bible, and also includes historical information from the apocrypha. it provides detailed information on the language and literature of the bible world, their cultures and the historical and religious environments of the people of the bible in articles by nearly 200 scholars.

With this fully corrected, updated version of the famous strong's dictionary, bible students and teachers have access to the famous strong's hebrew and greek dictionaries in one volume. a completely new and exclusive english word index shows which greek and hebrew words are translated into specific english words and how often each translation occurs. this is the ultimate reference tool for pastors, scholars, students and those who enjoy word studies.