BOOK LIST
You can view my library for free. :)
Many have asked about the Bibles and books that I use to study, so I decided to just list them here. This list is not exhaustive, but for the most part I believe these books will help anyone seeking to understand more about the Bible and the Christian faith in general.
Updating this list is a work in progress. Your grace is greatly appreciated.
Study Bibles
A common question I am asked on this blog is, “What study Bible do you use?” Allow me to preface the rest by stating that I am in no way the expert on all things Bible, and there is no formula for understanding who God is and what His word says. I encourage everyone to seek God for themselves and discover the Bible reading and studying experience that best works for them and where they are in their walk with the Lord and their season of life.
With that being stated, I honestly have a few study Bibles and when I dive deep into a particular study I rarely use just one. My favorite, however, is the NLT Illustrated Study Bible. I have used it for years and I can never recommend it enough. (If you prefer a hard copy, like myself, I am pleased to inform you that the new release is now smyth-sewn! Say it with me, people! No more Bibles falling apart!)
Another favorite is the Life Application Study Bible. I think this was the first study Bible I truly devoured. This one is now in its third edition, which I don’t have, but I’m sure it’s pretty good. I would recommend this study Bible to anyone who is just starting their walk with the Lord. There are many study aids (notes, charts, graphs, cross-references) that give deeper understanding of the Bible text while also encouraging application of what is being read. I highly recommend it.
The Life Application Study Bible also has a chronological version, the Chronological Life Application Study Bible. This is also a popular study Bible and now has a second edition. The new edition has been updated with insightful information concerning the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. (A chronological Bible is one that has the text arranged in the order in which its events occured. Many people prefer this approach to the Bible because it makes the overarching narrative of the Bible easier to grasp.)
The One Year Chronological Study Bible is another one that I recommend. This one is designed to be read in a single year. Though the study aids are not as in-depth as the previously listed Bibles, this one is divided into clear daily reading portions and also includes corresponding reflection and application questions at the end of each reading. I sometimes use these as journaling prompts.
About Translations
You may have noticed that most of these Bibles are in the New Living Translation. That is the translation that I prefer to read, but it’s not the only one. There are several English translations available, and many have their own study Bibles. These, however, are the few that I choose to study and can recommend as good resources. I should note, however, that the Life Application Study Bible also comes in a few different translations. So, if the NLT is not one of your preferred translations you may be able to find it in a translation that better suits you and your needs.
Outside of the NLT, I recommend the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). This is the translation most Bible scholars use, and is mostly used in academic settings. In general, though, I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the Bible’s original languages, Hebrew and Greek. This will yield the greatest understanding of the text.
Bible Dictionaries
Bible dictionaries are one of the most important tools a Bible student can add to their shelf (or electronic device). There are several out there, but these are my preferred go-to resources.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary — This is the second edition of one of the most popular Bible dictionaries. (I still use the first edition, which I purchased nearly twenty years ago.) This is a very easy to understand dictionary—my first choice for those just starting deeper Bible study. The articles are thorough, but not too heavy, yet adequate enough for academic settings.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary — This is an academic dictionary, but don’t be intimidated by it. It’s a thorough resource, also available on Logos.
Lexham Bible Dictionary — I think this one is my favorite. It’s very lengthy, so lengthy that it only comes in digital form. I access mine through Logos (which I think you should also get—it’s free). But just about anything Bible related that you want to research can be found here. There are over 7,000 articles included, which you can quickly search through via the Logos software.
Lexham Theological Wordbook — This is another digital resource available through Logos, and is invaluable when it comes to Bible word studies. It’s organized according to concept, defines Hebrew and Greek words for you, and also groups related words together to make your study time faster and more thorough. Lexical information is also included.
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
A superb way to become familiar with Scripture is to use cross references. Many study Bibles include cross-references in their notes, which is a decent way to start. However, to use cross-references for deep Bible study, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is the tool you want to add to your arsenal. This is a thick book, so make room for it on your desk. (Unfortunately, Logos does not have the new edition available yet, but the old edition is available, circa 1992. I have it and it’s pretty good, but I definitely plan on getting this new expanded edition soon.) I must warn you, however, that the text in this book is small. And I mean really small. If you have sensitive eyes or are prone to headaches from squinting, you may want to bypass this new edition and get the previous release from Logos. Either that, or invest in a magnifier.