Question by Random Lurker: What are the study aids and tools for Biblical Interpretation?
What I mean is, what are the GENERAL or STANDARD study aids and tools for Biblical Interpretation?
Segregate the study aids from the tools.
If you were to REALLY study the Bible, what things will you use besides the Bible itself?
I would really appreciate your answer.
Best answer:
Answer by bar_enosh
Prayer
Commentaries on various Bible books
Bible encyclopedias
Concordances
Old Testament Hebrew text
New Testament Greek text
Different Bible versions in my language
And more prayer.
Give your answer to this question below!
Originally posted 2011-08-01 09:16:58.
One would have to have a good concordance, I use Strong’s. One would need a good background in history, failing that, the internet is a good tool. One should also have a number of translations, actual books make it easier, but again the internet can suffice. Also a fair understanding of psychology and human nature is a great help, but that usually comes with a specific higher education or a lifetime of experience. Last but not least, your hermeneutical standards will have a big effect on what you read and understand, and those schools of thought differ greatly. Good luck in your studies friend.
strong’s exhaustive concordance
the interlinear bible by j.p.green written in english ,hebrew,chaldean and greek and all coded to strong’s concordance
bullinger’s companion bible – because it contains all the info and history necessary in its notes and appendixes to explain what the translators and sopherim have removed or added to the original hebrew,chaldean and greek texts
I agree 100% with bar_enosh. I would also add that it takes humility to admit that what you’ve always believed (if it’s contrary to what the Bible really teaches) might possibly be wrong or inaccurate. Also needed, is the ability to reason. The fact that many people cannot reason, keeps them from truly understanding the Word of God. And most important is prayer. It would be hubris on our part to think we could understand God’s Word, without God’s help!