One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of studying the Bible is realizing just how many tools God has given us to dig deeper. The Bible isn’t meant to stay on the surface, it’s alive, layered, and rich with meaning. Unlocking that richness often begins with paying close attention to the words themselves.
Check out our Complete Collection of Learning How to Study the Bible (Exegesis/Hermeneutics)
Why Words Matter
Words carry weight. They shape meaning, highlight repeated themes, and reveal God’s heart. When you come across a word that’s puzzling, emphasized, or used multiple times, that’s your invitation to pause and dig deeper. This is where word studies become powerful.
Word studies help us:
- Notice repeated words or phrases (God often repeats Himself for a reason).
- Unpack figures of speech that might be lost in translation.
- Clarify confusing or difficult terms.
- Connect ideas across different parts of Scripture.
When we take the time to explore words, we discover layers of God’s message that we might otherwise miss. And thankfully, we don’t have to do this alone—there are incredible resources that can guide us.
Resources for Word Studies
Here are a few tools worth exploring (some free, some paid):
- StudyLight.org (great for quick lookups)
- LOGOS Bible Software (a powerhouse tool with free & paid versions)
- Bible Dictionaries (helpful for historical and theological definitions)
- Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic dictionaries (to uncover original language meanings)
These resources don’t replace the Spirit’s guidance, but they do help us engage Scripture with accuracy and care.
Scientific & Artistic Approaches
Now, let’s talk about how we approach Scripture. Some of us lean heavily on the “scientific” side of study, we want systems, logic, facts, and structure. Others of us lean toward the “artistic” side, we connect with emotion, story, and creativity. The truth? We need both.
Scientific Reading
The scientific method keeps us grounded. It helps us approach the text without bias, look at it systematically, and follow a careful exegetical process. This is where we dig into history, grammar, and context to uncover what the author intended.
Artistic Reading
But reading the Bible is also art. Think about how communication works:
- Locution: what’s being said.
- Illocution: what the speaker is doing with what’s said.
- Perlocution: how the audience is meant to respond.
This is where relevance theory comes in—every text assumes some shared experience between the author and their audience. Paying attention to tone, imagery, and human experience brings Scripture alive.
When science and art work together, we don’t just study the Bible with our minds—we encounter the God who speaks through it.
Choosing a Translation
One of the first practical questions people ask is: Which Bible translation should I use?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Word-for-word: ESV, NASB (great for accuracy)
- Thought-for-thought (phrase by phrase): NIV (helpful for clarity)
- Paraphrase: TPT, The Message (use sparingly—okay for devotional reading, but not as your main study Bible😅, think of these as devotionals or how you’d view a kids Bible, accurate in story but not for developing theology or studying the Word.)
And yes, let’s talk about the KJV. While it was groundbreaking in its day, it was also politically influenced (It is in the name…King James…. It was written with less access to ancient manuscripts than we have now. Today we have more accurate translations available, so it’s wise to use more up to date versions.
Commentaries
Commentaries are like having a conversation with people who have spent their lives studying Scripture. They’re not infallible, but they can help us see details we might miss.
Types of commentaries include:
- Critical: word by word in the original languages.
- Exegetical: word by word in English, with notes on Greek/Hebrew.
- Explanatory: idea by idea, condensed for quick reading.
- Abridged: broad summaries, usually 1–2 volumes.
Before picking one, check the author, publisher, date, and theological perspective. Different branches (conservative, moderate, progressive, liberal) approach Scripture differently—know where they’re coming from before you lean on their insights.
Internet Resources
The internet is packed with free resources for Bible study. Some of my favorites:
- Bible Gateway (for comparing translations)
- Study Light (word studies, dictionaries, commentaries)
- That the World May Know (historical/cultural context)
- Bible Places (archaeological & geographical insights)
Pair these with software like LOGOS, and you’ll have a strong toolkit at your fingertips.
Studying the Bible isn’t about collecting trivia—it’s about transformation.
Whether you lean more scientific or artistic, whether you’re a word-study nerd or just learning how to pick a translation, the goal is the same: to know God more deeply.
As we grow in handling His Word rightly, we not only gain knowledge—we gain discernment, confidence, and intimacy with the Lord. And that’s the kind of equipping the Church desperately needs.
Invest in your own Biblical Studies Library!
Buckle up for our final session in this series!
In Christ,
Cosette
