For Studies in Scripture ...

* WIDE-MARGIN BIBLES - I highly recommend a wide-margin Bible with no study notes. I have used one for years, and make my own notes as I study the Scriptures. Here are some choices below:

* Vaaughan, Curtis (editor), The Word : The Bible from 26 Translations (Hardcover; Baker, 1998) - A truly unique resource that many don't know about. This is centered around the KJV text, which is here in its entirity (in bold print). Differences are noted (in lighter print) for each verse, based on 25 other English translations, including the ASV, RSV, LB, Knox, YLT, Amplified, Jerusalem Bible, Sept., the Torah, NAB, and many others. A very easy to use resource that does most of the work for you! STATUS: IN PRINT.

* NON-CANONICAL WORKS - Somewhere along the line, Evangelicals got the idea that "uninspired" means "unimportant." Not so! The non-canonical works give us valuable insights into both history and also the theological climate of the times. Below are some important collections :

* Strong, James, The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Hardcover; Thomas Nelson, 1997) - The most basic key to Bible study. Every English word used in the KJV is here, with a listing of every Bible passage containing that word. Next to each word is a reference number keyed to the Hebrew (OT) or Greek (NT) dictionaries in the back. Thus, any Bible student can consult basic definitions in the original languages regardless of linguistic ability. A good tool, but I highly recommend using Strong's alongside other language tools (see below) to get the full breadth of meaning. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Also available: New American Standard Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

* Bullinger, E.W., Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (Hardcover; Baker, 1977) - An excellent resource that is exhaustive in its listing and defining of the many figures of speech used throughout Scripture. Shows where and in what way they are used. Status: partially ONLINE & IN PRINT.

*Vine, W.E., Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Hardcover; Thomas Nelson, 1996) - Gives more in-depth meaning on key words used in Scripture. Not exhaustive, but a good resource to use along with the others. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Young, Robert, Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible (Hardcover; Nelson, 1986) - Some advantages over Strong's (see above). The linguistic helps are more detailed and include listings of passages that contain the Hebrew/Greek word, as well as the various ways that the KJV translates each word. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* BIBLE COMMENTARIES - Visit the Bible Commentary Page for links to various online commentaries by book. Below are two of the best commentaries available :

* LEXICONS - Lexicons help the student of Scripture by giving in-depth information on words in the original languages, including definitions and scriptural usage. The two standard lexicons (Hebrew - OT, and Greek - NT) are both available coded with the Strong's numbering system (see above), so that the student does not need to be able to read the original languages. Both are ONLINE as well.

* BIBLE DICTIONARIES - Every student of the Bible should have a good Bible dictionary on hand. This resource defines and describes words/concepts used in Scripture that the modern reader may be unfamiliar with. Discusses customs, manners of speech, architecture, worship, art, currency, diet, and so on. Most are fairly in-depth. The two I most recommend are below. The first is a good one volume dictionary, while the second is - I believe - the best on the market (3 volumes) and well worth the cost :

* INTERLINEAR BIBLES - An interlinear offers word-for-word correspondence with the English positioned underneath the original language. Some feature a particular English translation in a parallel column. Unfortunately, the one-volume edition that I have used is no longer available. Below are the corresponding two volumes. In addition, there is also an ONLINE interlinear.

* Robertson, A.T., A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ (Hardcover, 352 pp.; Harper, 1932) - Arranges the Gospels chronologically into one harmonious narrative. STATUS: IN PRINT. OTHER CHOICES:

* BIBLE HANDBOOKS - This resource offers a wide range of helps, some of which you will find in more specific works - but other's which you won't. Cultural, historical, and archaeological information is extensive. Also, background information on the books of Scripture. Below are two standard works, Unger's being the most extensive and updated:

* Archer, Gleason, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties (Hardcover - 476 pp.; Zondervan, 1982) - Archer does a fine job of cataloging and answering all of those (so-called) "contradictions" in the Bible. I don't endorse ALL of his explanations, but most of them dissolve the seeming "difficulties" quite well. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Crockett, William D., Harmony of the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles the Books of the Kings of Judah and Israel (Paperback; Baker, 1985) - This is invaluable, and rather unique compared to the Gospel harmonies available. Crockett arranges the often-confusing historical narratives of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles in their chronological order. This makes it much easier to grasp the whole picture scattered throughout those books. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* THE TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE - A classic reference work that I seem to use every time I turn around. Imagine the center reference column of your Bible on steroids! The most extensive system of cross-referencing I have ever seen. The first choice below is the new revised version which is more extensive, and has the added benefit of cross-referencing important WORDS as well as topic. The second choice is the original, but is cheaper.

* Packer, J.I. and Tenney, M.C. (editors), Illustrated Manners and Customs of the Bible (Hardcover - 784 pp.; Nelson, 1997) - Scripture was not penned in a cultural void, and many of the practices we read about therein may mystify us somewhat. Others may go overlooked simply because we see no significance where there IS significance. This resource offers in-depth treatment of the culture-specific context in which much of the Bible was written. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Payne, J. Barton, Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy (Paperback; Baker, 1980) - A mammoth resources covering every predictive prophecy in Scripture. Includes speacial sections and charts on messianic prophecy and Revelation. Invaluable for its organization of a mass of material for easy reference and study. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* HISTORICAL BACKGROUND : I recommend the following classic sources for a wealth of information on the historical background of the world in which Scripture was written.

For Studies in Theology ...

*THEOLOGICAL DICTIONARIES - Includes listings for important persons, doctrines, movements, and so forth - dictionary style. If possible, I suggest owning a couple of different ones to get varying perspectives. These sources offer a theological education at your fingertips. The two I use most are below :

* Davis, John Jefferson, Handbook of Basic Bible Texts (Paperback - 158 pp.; Zondervan, 1984) - Davis does us all a great service by arranging passages of Scripture for purposes of doctrinal study. Arranged according to standard theological categories, and takes a non-sectarian approach (i.e., covers many different viewpoints). Designed as a "handbook," to assist YOU in "doing theology." STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Bowden, John, Who's Who in Theology (Hardback - 152 pp.; Crossroad, 1992) - This little book has helped me a great deal in my research (I keep it right here by my computer!). Lists every major player in Christian theology from the first century to the present. Each name has a short description which includes significant dates, written contributions, and life events for that person. Also includes a complete list of Roman popes and anti-popes. STATUS: OUT OF PRINT. NO PICTURE AVAILABLE

* Muller, Richard, A Dictionary of Latin & Greek Theological Terms (Paperback; Baker, 1996) - Exactly what it claims to be, though Muller limits himself primarily to Protestant theological terms. Many believers are afraid of big theological words, when there is really no need to be. Terms simply express an intended meaning. This reference will greatly aid the believer in understanding other works. STATUS: IN PRINT.

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Upon reading any of the above books, let me know what you think! Or perhaps you can recommend some "must reads" to me?

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