Bible Helps
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There are many useful Bible helps available, with more all the time. While some may be too expensive to purchase, you may be able to access them at your local library or via the Internet. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives one an idea of the wide variety of invaluable helps that one could reference.
However, keep in mind that the authors may have injected their own wrong ideas and misconceptions. But overall, these references are useful tools.
While helpful, recognize that these do not represent an “officially sanctioned” list of perfect or near-perfect study aids.
Unger’s Bible Dictionary: A very thorough one-volume Bible dictionary, which is practical and reasonably priced. Unger’s now has their Bible dictionary on CD for those with computers.
The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible: While very expensive, this five-volume set is probably the best Bible dictionary money can buy. You might find it in larger municipal and university libraries. It is well worth exploring.
Manners and Customs of the Bible (By James Freeman): This book discusses Bible personalities, as well as manners and customs of a given culture at a given time in history.
The Bible From 26 Translations: This large reference work shows every verse in the Bible from at least four or five translations.
The Amplified Bible: The King James Version with modern English updates.
The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown One-volume Commentary on the Bible: Although their full commentary covers six volumes, this JFB one-volume commentary is perhaps the most highly recommended of all single-volume editions.
Adam Clarke’s Commentary: Another six-volume set. This one is also well-known and widely used. This commentary also has a condensed single-volume version.
The Companion Bible: This Bible is filled with historical, scriptural and linguistic details.
Halley’s Bible Handbook: Compact, yet filled with valuable archaeological notes and other historical background information.
Angus Green Bible Handbook: Somewhat more thorough and expensive than Halley’s Bible Handbook.
Nave’s Topical Bible: This book is ideal for tracing references when no common terms are used. Some Bible software packages have Nave’s Topical Bible integrated into their software.
The Works of Flavius Josephus: An excellent historical reference, considered by many to be the most authoritative reference to supplement the Bible. The price is reasonable.
The Bible as History (By Werner Keller): An authoritative two-part history relating to the Bible.
Baker’s Bible Atlas: This helpful tool shows geographical locations and gives detailed explanations of the culture of ancient times. Many helpful photos and illustrations are given.
Oxford Bible Atlas: Similar to Baker’s Atlas and of equal quality, with differing emphasis.
These different sources provide a kaleidoscope of spectacular information. They make Bible study not just interesting, but exciting. The titles listed here are but a small sampling of what is available. There are also a variety of websites where one can purchase such references online. Many of these and other items can be purchased “used” at a fraction of the “new” price.
Certain websites specialize in used books—and that includes used Bible reference books. Also, many of these helps are available free of charge on the Internet.----