1- ESV Study Bible
This study bible was released about a year ago and it is head and shoulders above any other study Bible I have seen. First, it is in the ESV translation which is the best translation to study in (in my opinion). Secondly, they have used some of the finest biblical scholars and commentary writers to provide the study notes and articles.
If you want to purchase one of theses, I'd recommend the Trutone imitation leather. It's reasonably priced and more durable than the bonded leather or the hardcover. |
2- A good Bible Dictionary
Bible Dictionaries have tons of articles on many different topics in the Bible. They have good introductions for each book of the Bible as well as entries for people, places, things, topics, themes, objects, etc. in the Bible.
For example: I opened one of mine up to a page in the P's and found Pergamum, Perizzites, Persecution, Perseverance, and Persia.
See the list below for a few good Bible Dictionaries. |
3- How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
This is a great, easy to read overview of how to read and understand the Bible. Gordan Fee and Douglas Stuart are leading scholars of the NT and OT respectively. They discuss how to read, study, and understand the different type of literature contained in the Bible. They also talk about Bible translations, commentaries, and other study tools. |
Where to buy
You can pick these and other books at any of the local Christian Bookstores.
I usually purchase all of my books online from either amazon.com or cbd.com (Christian Book Distributers).
Amazon has free shipping for orders over $25. |
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ESV Study Bible, TruTone, Mahogany Trellis Design
By Crossway Books & Bibles
The ESV Study Bible includes more than 20,000 notes, written specifically for the ESV Study Bible. These notes focus especially on understanding the meaning of the text, giving answers to frequently raised questions, and providing theological, historical, and archaeological background—all for the purpose of helping readers to understand the Bible in a deeper way.
The ESV Study Bible also provides a wealth of additional resources. Thus the introductions to each book include essential information about the author, date, and place of writing; an extensive chart of key themes; a summary of how the book fits in with the rest of the biblical storyline; a description of literary features; an outline of the book; and a large full-color map showing the setting of the book.
Another unique feature is the inclusion of over 50 helpful articles on topics such as the authority and truthfulness of the Bible, reading the Bible for application, the Bible in worship and prayer, the reliability of the biblical manuscripts, the relationship between archaeology and the Bible, an overview of biblical theology, and many more.
Other key resources include a system of 80,000 cross references and a concordance (which together facilitate easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes). In addition, over 200 color charts, located throughout the Bible, provide clear, concise presentations of essential information.
Features: - The ESV Bible text is set in highly readable 9-point type, in a single-column, book-text format.
- Section summaries are highlighted for easy location throughout the notes. Summaries provide an overview of each main section and correspond to the outline shown in the introduction for each book.
- Over 200 full-color maps printed throughout make events and places in the Bible come to life.
- Over 25,000 notes focus especially on understanding the Bible text and providing answers to frequently raised issues. Words from the Bible text are printed in bold for easy reference.
- Over 80,000 cross-references provide easy access to key words, passages, and themes throughout the Bible.
- Numerous diagrams bring fresh understanding to key places and events in the Bible, based on the best, most recent historical and archaeological research.
- Over 200 charts provide concise, "at a glance" summaries of important themes and teaching.
- Free ESV Online Study Bible available with purchase
- Finest quality European Bible paper
- Durable Smyth-sewn binding
- Presentation page
- Family Record pages
- Ribbon marker
- Gold page edges
- 7" x 9.75" x 2"
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How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
By Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart / Zondervan
Understanding the Bible isn't for the few, the gifted, the scholarly. The Bible is accessible. It's meant to be read and comprehended by everyone from armchair readers to seminary students. A few essential insights into the Bible can clear up a lot of misconceptions and help you grasp the meaning of Scripture and its application to your 21st-century life.
Covering everything from translational concerns to different genres of biblical writing, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth is used worldwide. In clear, simple language, it helps you accurately understand the different parts of the Bible---their meaning for ancient audiences and their implications for you today---so you can uncover the inexhaustible worth that is in God's Word. |
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New Bible Dictionary Third Edition
By Inter-varsity Press
This updated, third edition of the New Bible Dictionary is a reference work ideally suited for people of all ages and backgrounds. Trusted for over 50 years, it now includes the latest research in biblical studies, ancient Near Eastern studies, and archaeological finds. One hundred of the most important articles have been revised and rewritten. All of the bibliographies have been revised, taking into account the vast increase in publications since the second edition was released. Also included is essential background information on the history, geography, and customs of Israel and its Middle Eastern neighbors.
The New Bible Dictionary will increase your knowledge and understanding of God's Word. It's a great reference book for schools and colleges, theological and Bible college students, ministers and laypeople, teachers and professional scholars--everyone who wants to know and understand the Bible better.
Features:
- Over 2,000 entries on the Bible's books, people, places, key words, and major doctrines
- Maps, family trees, charts, and illustrations
- An index with 10,000 entries
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Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded
By C. Brand, C.W. Draper & A. England / B & H Publishing Group
The Holman Bible Dictionary edited by Trent C. Butler has become one of the best-selling Bible reference tools since its publication in 1991. Now this revised, updated and expanded edition called the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary offers even greater value to Bible students and teachers with over 250 new articles, new maps and charts, and 90 new contributors. This book is designed both for those who need information quickly and those who want in depth treatments of hundreds of topics. Each entry begins with a brief definition of the word followed by more detailed information. Through its more than 700 full-color graphics, this book brings readers right into the world of the Bible and enables them to better understand the Scriptures.
Features:
Exhaustive definitions of people, places, things and events-dealing with every subject in the Bible
Over 700 full-color photos, illustrations and charts.
Unique scale drawings and reconstructions of biblical places and objects based on careful archaeological research.
Over 60 new, full-color maps with map index
Major articles on theological topics, collective articles on plants, animals, occupations, etc.
Pronunciation guide for all proper nouns and other hard-to-pronounce words.
Up-to-date archaeological information from excavations in Israel.
Timeline that compares biblical history to world history
Summary definitions that begin each entry for quick reference.
A variety of Bible translations used-the only dictionary that includes the HCSB, NIV, KJV, RSV, NRSV,REB, NASB, ESV, and TEV.
Many articles based on the original languages, but written in a user-friendly style. Technical language and abbreviations are avoided.
Extensive cross-referencing of related articles
"Quicktabs": marginal alphabetical guides for quick and easy location of information
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