There is a huge variety of Bible study tools out there, so what should you use? Well, I don’t think it’s as simple as me just telling you what you should use because it took me a long time trying many different tools to find what worked for me. We all have different learning styles and different daily lives, so you have to find what works for you. I’m going to share my top 5 favorite Bible study tools I’ve found so far that I like to use in conjunction with one another. Do I use other Bible study tools as well? Yes, but on a regular basis, the combo below is my go-to. Plus, I added some bonus tools at the end that I love.
The Top 5 Best Bible Study Tools I’ve Found
1. The James Method Verse Mapping Journal
The James Method Verse Mapping Journal is like a personal Bible study toolkit all in one place. It helps you break down a verse by analyzing keywords, historical context, and cross-references. This journal is perfect for visual learners who love seeing connections come to life through diagrams and charts. It’s helpful because it slows you down to really meditate on Scripture and understand it deeply, one verse at a time. Get your verse mapping journal here.
The fact that it really slows you down to dissect a specific verse and the words it contains it was really got me hooked on this method of study. God’s Word is so deep and wide and this is the best way I’ve found to dig into it. You can find something new in the same book of the Bible you have read over and over again already every time you read it. You can go back to your study notes and continue to learn more and expand on them as well.
2. Your Bible
You can do a lot of good studying with any type of Bible you have. Personally, I have a journalling Bible, the CSB She Reads Truth Bible. I have considered getting a study Bible for the extra resources, but I like my Bible so I haven’t made the switch.
Study Bibles aren’t just regular Bibles—it’s packed with helpful notes, maps, and commentary right alongside the Scripture. Whether you’re diving into the cultural background or trying to make sense of a tricky passage, it’s like having a mini Bible teacher with you. It’s a great resource for Bible study because it makes complicated concepts clearer and gives you context at your fingertips. If you’re in the market for a bible anyway, I would choose a study Bible.
3. Strong’s Concordance
I’ll be the first to tell you that the Strong’s Concordance is overwhelming and it takes some figuring out. I have it in book form and I have the app. The mobile app is much easier, in my opinion. This tool lets you dig into the original Hebrew and Greek meanings behind the words in the Bible.
Strong’s Concordance is a game-changer when you want to explore the depth of Scripture and uncover layers of meaning and cross-references in the Bible. It’s a must-have if you’re using the verse mapping journal I mentioned above, or any verse mapping method. It’s helpful because it empowers you to understand the Bible’s original languages without needing to be a scholar.
You can download the app for free for apple or android.
4. Logos Bible App
The Logos Bible App is like having a digital Bible study library in your pocket. It’s a free Bible study tool with commentaries, word studies, and even sermon archives, it’s an all-in-one resource for studying Scripture anywhere. It allows you to compare different Bible translations too. It’s helpful because it streamlines everything—no flipping through books or searching online for your in-depth studies. Just tap, and you’re ready to dive in.
Download from the Google Play Store here.
5. Bible Dictionary App
Bible dictionaries are a great resource and another key resource for verse mapping. A Bible Dictionary is your go-to for understanding key terms, places, and people mentioned in Scripture. Don’t know who the Amalekites were or what “righteousness” really means in the original language? This tool has your back.
It’s helpful for Bible study because it gives you clear, concise explanations that make Scripture come alive with context. I think a Bible dictionary is an invaluable resource that you just have to study your Bible in an effective way.
Google Play Store doesn’t seem to have this app, but here’s an alternative you can try. Disclaimer, I’ve never used that app, so you might have to try a couple of different apps to find a good dictionary app for android.
Other Bible Study Tools I Find Helpful
I use the above on a regular basis, but here are a couple more Bible study resources I also use and find really helpful for general Bible study or devotional reading.
A Prayer Journal
This is something I’ve used for years and I find it’s a great way to wrap up my Bible study. Some days, when I’m in a rush or just feeling overwhelmed, I skip the study and go straight to my prayer journal. You can use a plain notebook, a fancy journal, or a prayer journal with prompts. I’m currently using a series of prayer journals that I highlight in my post, How to Pray When You Don’t Want to.
Through the Word App
This app is a really great resource with free access to commentary on the Bible. You can choose Bible reading plans based on topics or whole books of the Bible. It takes you through reading plans that help you think deeper about what you’re reading. I love the topical studies that take you on a journey through different books of the Bible and show you have the Word of God is so connected all the through the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Get it on Apple or Android here.
The Bible App
This is one of the most popular Bible resources you’ll find. Most people have heard of this one and use it for its massive library of devotional studies, options for a daily bible reading plan, and all the different bible versions at your fingertips for comparison. It’s better than having a parallel bible that shows two translations side by side because you can
Get it on Apple or Android here.
BibleProject App
I absolutely love the Bible Project. They have such a unique and interesting way of teaching the Bible through illustration that really keeps you enthralled in the lesson. I highly recommend this to everyone. It’s also great for teens or new Christians because it makes learning the Bible and historical background much, much more interesting than traditional church books.
Get it on Apple or Android here.
Blue Letter Bible App
This app is another option for Hebrew and Greek Lexicons, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, Bible audio, maps, and devotionals. This is great for directing Bible verses and really learning biblical text. It’s a free app but they also have a program you can pay for and use on your computer that is much more involved.
Get it on Apple or Android here.
Final Thoughts
Bible study is an important part of spiritual growth and even though we all learn in different ways, I think these resources would be helpful to almost anyone. The best advice I can give you is not try to make things work for you just because they work for other people. Try out some of my suggestions and find a combination that works for you. If none of them work for you, there are so many more out there. Don’t give up on finding what help you get deeper in the Word and closer to God.
If you have any great Bible study tools to share, please post them in the comments for everyone!
