Unless you are able to read the original languages, you must rely on a translation. And all translations are not created equal. Some Bible "translations" are really more paraphrases: in these, the translator "translates" more what he thinks the point is, rather than simply providing good corresponding English words and letting the reader think for himself or herself. But there are some good translations: these are dedicated to being as true as possible to the original wording, leaving the thinking to the reader. Three very popular and good English translations are the New King James Version, the New American Standard Version, and the English Standard Version. If you have to choose just one, maybe start with the ESV — it's the most recent, so its translators understand contemporary English. Otherwise, use all three — you'll soon settle into the good habit of using one primarily but constantly referring to and comparing the others also.
We highly recommend getting a real book. But while you're waiting for yours, there are many free Bible apps.
There is no substitute for simply getting into the Word. But for a guided study, consider the "Jesus: The Way" series: A simple introductory personal Bible study. Complete them at your pace and at your quiet place. Complete just one or complete all seven. Complete them and then receive feedback from GOODWORDS (or not).
To understand the Bible, we must read it. But, to state the obvious, we must not only read the Bible, we must also think about, and from, what we’ve read: “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 1.18; NASB).
SCENI examines the ways, the methods, the principles (compare: hermeneutics) that the people in the Bible itself, including Jesus Himself, used when reasoning from scripture. When we use the same methods they used, we should come to the same understanding. This is God’s plan.
SCENI is about accurately using the Bible, God’s Word, to be better servants of the Word. First, it is about using the Bible to receive the gift of salvation. Second, it is about using the Bible in the most efficient way for improving our character and conforming to the image of Christ. Third, it is about following the religious traditions God gave to His disciples and congregations, which are given not only to worship Him the right way, but also to build up faith. And fourth, it is about using the Bible to establish and maintain unity—scriptural, Word-based unity—with other believing disciples. It is about knowing God’s revealed will for what to do and what not to do. It is about accuracy. It is about consistency. It is about patience. It is about living and speaking the truth in love. It is about grace.
The best tool, the most important tool, and actually the only necessary tool is the Bible itself. And a great modern tool is multiple Bibles — that is, reading and comparing different translations. This free website has numerous translations, and it also has a word-search option.
(WARNING: This website also has numerous commentaries. So remember that commentaries are NOT the inspired words of God; rather, they are just the thoughts and interpretations of ordinary men and women. And men and women make mistakes. And worse yet, often men and women —even religious ones!— do not actually love the truth and do not interpret it the way God intended (see 2 Peter 1:20-2:1). ALWAYS compare what EVERY person says with the Bible.)
You don't have to know the original language to use this site, but because the site owner is a renowned original language scholar, you get the benefit of his work!
Have you ever wondered, "What in the world is this [insert strange word or unfamiliar place or peculiar custom here] talking about?" We all have. The ISBE has been updated, but the 1915 version still has a lot of good information, and it is free.
This is definitely not the first thing needed, but for those slower, intentional, methodical, helpful, careful looks at the different language styles of the Bible and some of the implications these different styles have on interpreting God's message, consider Hermeneutics (1961), by D. R. Dungan. "Hermeneutics" is a big word referring to the methodology of understanding (interpreting) literature and other communication. Understanding the Bible can be daunting. And while the keys include prayer and patience and repetition, God also gave us teachers (Ephesians 4:11): This book does a good job of pointing out some specifics of language in general and especially as they apply in the Bible. Give it a once-over to familiarize yourself with what it's about, and then refer back to it from time to time for some clear thinking through those sticky wickets. It's available on Amazon and many used-book sites.
GOODWORDS doesn't like to annoy. But we do like to understand any interest in our site. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.