Bible Study Tools That Help You Study God’s Word Better
Equip yourself for a deeper walk with God
Studying the Bible becomes richer and more meaningful when you have the right tools to help you read, understand, and reflect on Scripture. Whether you are a beginner or have been reading the Bible for years, using a few helpful study tools can deepen your understanding and make your study time more effective and consistent.
This guide introduces practical Bible study tools — from readable translations to digital resources — that support your study, help you explore Scripture more clearly, and encourage steady growth in your walk with God. You don’t need every tool at once. Start with one or two that fit your study habit and add more as you grow. Each tool below is chosen to help you discover God’s Word with confidence and clarity.
If you are new to studying the Bible, you may also find our Bible Study for Beginners guide helpful.
Choose Bible Translations That Are Easy to Understand
There are so many bible translations today and it is easy to get confused as to which one to use. Not all Bible translations read the same. Some are word-for-word and closer to the original languages, while others are thought-for-thought and easier to read. For Bible study, choose a translation you understand clearly so you can grasp what the text says without struggling with difficult wording. Two translations beginners often find helpful are the New Living Translation (NLT) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB). For deeper study, versions like the NKJV or Amplified Bible can offer additional insight.
Understanding translations is one part of learning how to study Scripture effectively.
Use a Study Bible to Understand Context and Meaning
A good Study Bible comes packed with notes, cross-references, introductions, maps, and commentary. It’s like having a Bible teacher by your side.
There are several versions of Study Bibles available too. You can pick one that you not only understand easily, but also enjoy reading and journaling. I love study bibles because you get to spend so much more time on particular passages in the Bible. You may read a particular passage, and then read the cross references without having to go to another resource, check out the commentaries and write notes all in one place. Yes, study bibles are a bit more expensive, but they are worth it.
My top recommendation would be the Life Application Study Bible (NLT). Study Bibles are especially helpful when combined with a clear study approach.
Helpful Bible Study Apps
In todays age of technology with smart phones and tablets, there are many powerful apps you can use to study the Bible on the go. Many of them are completely free. I use the YouVersion app on my phone and tablet. Whether I am traveling on a plane, or waiting at the bus stop or train station, or when I am on a coffee break, God’s Word is never far from me. It’s right in my pocket. What’s more!! Most of these apps come with hundreds of Bible Reading Plans. 5 day plans, 30 day plans, 1 year plans, etc. You can either choose the Bible Reading plans or choose a topical plan such as dealing with depression, or overcoming fear, or Godly relationships. The options are endless. And most of these plans are short and very impactful for a quick read during your daily schedule.
Recommended Bible Apps:
- YouVersion – Offers multiple versions, reading plans, audio Bible
- Blue Letter Bible – Great for Greek/Hebrew word studies
- Logos Bible App – Deep theological tools (even the free version is helpful)
- Bible Gateway – Easy access to commentaries and dictionaries
These tools work best when paired with a simple, consistent study habit.
Concordances and Word Tools
A concordance helps you look up any word in the Bible and find where it appears. It’s especially helpful for doing word studies. A concordance provides you with an alphabetical listing of words and their corresponding scripture references. A concordance can help you understand how a same word might be used in different ways in different parts of the Bible. It helps you understand the context of the passage and thereby helps you understand the deeper meaning of God’s Word.
Best for Beginners:
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (print or online)
- BibleHub’s online concordance tools
Bible Commentaries
Commentaries are written by trusted Bible teachers and scholars. They explain verses and give context to help you understand what’s going on. Commentaries give you a deeper understanding of scripture through historical context, and the type of language used in those days of past. Using commentaries will help you identify potential misunderstandings and discover connections across God’s Word. Often times, passionate believers take every Word of scripture literally and try to apply it to their lives. Understanding the historical context will help you identify such occasions and give you more insight into why it was said the way it was said to the specific target audience.
Good starting points:
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary (classic, available online)
- Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” Series
- EnduringWord.com (clear, free commentary online)
Online Bible Study Resources
Here are some reliable websites that make Bible study easier and more insightful:
- BibleHub.com – Tools for study, cross-references, lexicon
- GotQuestions.org – Biblical answers to tough questions
- BibleProject.com – Engaging videos on books of the Bible and themes
- OpenBible.info – Helps you search verses by topic or need
Journals, Notebooks, and Note-Taking
Writing down what God shows you during study time helps it sink in. Use a regular notebook or a guided journal like the SOAP method. You can also use the Notes app on your tablet or phone. The important point is to take notes when studying the bible. It helps you remember what you study and you can always refer back to your notes later on. It will remind you of what God spoke to you when you were studying that particular passage. You can even create a prayer journal or gratitude notebook to go alongside your Bible reading.
Simple Everyday Tools That Help
Even basic tools can make your Bible study smoother:
- Highlighters and pens – For marking key ideas.
- Bible tabs – To find books quickly.
- Sticky notes – For reminding yourself of insights and questions.
These simple tools help you interact more closely with the text and make your study sessions more productive. Tools support Bible study, but understanding Scripture itself remains the foundation.
Tips for Using Bible Study Tools Wisely
Tools are helpful, but they are not the heart of Bible study. The greatest teacher is the Holy Spirit, who guides understanding as you pray and read Scripture. Start with a few tools that fit your study style and grow from there. Don’t feel you need every tool at once. Over time, as your confidence and skill increase, you can explore additional resources.
Closing Thought
The goal of Bible study tools is not to make the process more complicated, but to help you understand, reflect on, and live out Scripture with greater clarity. Start with the basics — the Bible, a translation you can read, and perhaps one or two supportive tools — and allow your study time to deepen naturally. Each small step in understanding God’s Word draws you closer to the heart of God.