Bible Basics

Top Tools for Enhanced Bible Study: Extra-Biblical Resources

• Jacqueline Williams Adewole • Season 2 • Episode 33

Share episode

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have you ever wondered how to unlock deeper understanding of the Bible? Join us on the Bible Basics Podcast as we reveal the transformative power of extra-biblical resources.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
1. Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias   
o   Unger’s Bible Dictionary
o   New Unger’s Bible Dictionary
o   Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible
o   Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary
o   Anchor Bible Dictionary
2. Commentaries 
o   Bible Knowledge Commentary
3. Maps and atlases 
o   Holman Quick Source Bible Atlas with Charts and Biblical Reconstruction
4.  Original language resources
o   Strong's Concordance
5. Historical and cultural background books -
o   Halley’s Bible Handbook
o   Complete Bible Handbook 
o   Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Time Lines
6.  Bonus Resources
o   Major Bible Themes
o   Hard Sayings of  the Bible

RELATED EPISODES
Bible Types
Historical / Cultural Context
Literary Context

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Jacqui:

Greetings listeners. Have you ever felt like you're a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical or linguistic contexts that shape these ancient texts? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, we're going to explore some extra-biblical resources, those invaluable tools that can enhance our study and appreciation of the Bible. Well, welcome everyone. I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where weekly, we break down the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks. Before we get into the details, let me share a personal story.

Jacqui:

Years ago, when I first started taking Bible classes under Mrs Juanita Smith, I noticeda common theme with me and some of the other students. Despite most of us being churchgoers, we felt like we were only scratching the surface of the Bible's rich narratives and profound teachings. We longed for more context, more depth and more connection to the world in which these texts were written. That's when our instructor introduced us to the power of extra-biblical resources. Today, we'll explore five types of resources that can enhance our study of the Bible. These are dictionaries and encyclopedias, commentaries, maps and atlases, original language resources and Bible background handbooks. Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias offer detailed background information on people, places and events. Commentaries provide verse-by-verse analysis and interpretation. Maps and atlases help us to understand the geographical context of biblical stories, while original language resources help us to uncover the nuances of the text in Hebrew, aramaic and Greek originally, of the text in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek originally. Finally, we'll examine historical and cultural background books that illuminate the everyday lives and customs of biblical times, and if you stay to the end, we'll throw in some bonus resources. With these tools in hand, we'll be equipped to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the scriptures.

Jacqui:

Let's start with one of my favorites Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias. These are like having a personal tour guide through the ancient world. Imagine reading about the city of Jericho and then being able to look up detailed entries about its history, geography and significance in a Bible dictionary. Suddenly, those walls tumbling down take on a whole new meaning. The dictionary I use regularly is the Ungers Bible Dictionary. I noticed when I went online that it's been updated. It's now called the New Ungers Bible Dictionary. It has over 67,000 entries and is supplemented with detailed essays, colorful photography and maps. It also includes dozens of charts and illustrations to enhance our understanding of God's Word.

Jacqui:

Another great Bible dictionary is the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Its best feature is that it makes it easy for non-academics, lay people like me, to understand the big picture and then dive into the details. It's very approachable. Now one of the most comprehensive Bible dictionaries is the Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary. It provides extensive articles on a wide range of topics, from archaeology to theology, written by experts in their fields. This resource is incredible. This resource is incredible. For instance, if I look up the book of Obadiah in Baker's Encyclopedia of the Bible that we just talked about, I'll get a 1,300-word article. That's great for giving me an understanding of the book. But in Anchor Yale the entry on the book of Obadiah is more than 2,700 words long more than double the length of Baker's. This is an advanced level resource that also has an advanced price. If you're looking for a used version with a better price, you might find a book under the title Anchor Bible Dictionary. It has the exact same content as the Yale version, only the publisher has changed.

Jacqui:

The second type of resource is the commentary. These are books where scholars provide verse-by-verse analysis and interpretation of biblical texts. They can range from highly academic to very accessible. I highly recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary resource that's detailed but still readable for anyone, from pastors to someone like me looking for some reliable helps in personal Bible study. I'm especially enjoying the comprehensive yet understandable coverage of the Psalms in this commentary.

Jacqui:

Maps and atlases are another invaluable resource. The places in the Bible are real places in our world. While some of the cities still exist, many of them are no longer in existence. For those that are still there, for practical reasons, many of us are unable to physically travel to visit these sites. For these reasons, maps and atlases are very useful in helping us to better understand the Bible. Understanding the geography of the Bible can transform your reading experience. The Holman Quick Source Bible Atlas with Charts and Biblical Reconstruction that's a long title. Well, it's a wonderful tool that provides detailed maps, charts and illustrations. It shows the journeys of biblical figures such as Abraham, the locations of significant events and the changing political boundaries over time. It even includes reconstructions and cutaways of significant structures such as Solomon's Temple. I have this resource in the Kindle version, and the pictures are stunning. This resource in the Kindle version and the pictures are stunning.

Jacqui:

Now let's talk about original language resources. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, aramaic and Greek. While translations are incredibly valuable, sometimes understanding a keyword in its original language can open up new insights. Furthermore, there are inevitable losses in translations from one language to another. An exhaustive concordance, like Strong's Concordance, indexes every word found in the Bible and lists every reference where those words are found. It also shows which Hebrew or Greek word is translated for every occurrence of every English word. That gives us easy, instant access to the original biblical languages. One memorable moment for me was when I was studying the word hesed H-E-S-E-D in the Old Testament Psalms. This Hebrew word is often translated as loving, kindness or steadfast love, but its full meaning encompasses loyalty, love and covenant faithfulness. Discovering this richness deepens my appreciation for God's relationship with his people.

Jacqui:

Lastly, let's not forget about historical and cultural background books. These provide context about the daily lives, customs and social structures of biblical times. Customs and social structures of biblical times. I use two Bible handbooks for this. There's the Halley's Bible Handbook. It's excellent for this purpose, offering cultural and historical notes on every passage in the Bible. Then there's the Complete Bible Handbook, which provides a lot more cultural background. One book I can't do without is the Rose Book of Bible Charts, maps and Timelines. It includes over 200 reproducible Bible charts, maps and timelines. On top of that are overviews on popular Old and New Testament topics, illustrations and diagrams. This book contains thousands of facts that will definitely enrich your study and understanding of the Bible.

Jacqui:

As promised, before we close, I'd like to introduce two bonus resources. First, the book Major Bible Themes. This classic work covers 52 essential biblical truths and teachings, including topics such as the Holy Spirit, the nature of the church and the second coming of Christ. It's designed for study at any level, making it accessible, whether you're a new Christian or someone seeking to deepen your understanding of doctrine. Each chapter includes questions for discussion and review, providing a comprehensive guide to exploring biblical doctrine. If you're looking to establish a stronger foundation for your faith or enhance your ability to witness to others, major Bible Themes is an invaluable resource. The second is a resource called Hard Sayings of the Bible. It contains explanations of over 500 of the most challenging verses to test the minds and hearts of the Bible reader, for example, in Exodus 1, 15 to 21,. Were the midwives right to lie? Hmm, one of the things I like about this book is that there are cases where more than one point of view is put forward. This is because scholars do not always agree on the best solution to certain difficulties, nor do they always agree on the meaning or interpretation of the same text. This provides the reader the opportunity to think through for themselves which solutions best satisfy their questions.

Jacqui:

As we wrap up today's episode, let's recap. Extra biblical resources like Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias, commentaries, maps, original language tools and historical background books can significantly enhance our understanding of the scriptures. And don't forget about the bonus resources as well. They all provide context, depth and insight, helping us to see the Bible in a richer and deeper light. In a richer and deeper light. Remember, studying the Bible is a journey. It's okay to have questions and seek out resources to help you along the way. Let's keep 2 Timothy 2:15 front of mind. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. The more we understand the world of the Bible, the more we can appreciate its timeless truths and apply them to our lives today.

Jacqui:

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of extra-biblical resources. I hope you found it inspiring and encouraging. If you're interested in knowing more about these resources or how to purchase them, I've included links in the show notes, in addition to finding these resources in the form of hard copy, new or used books. In the form of hard copy, new or used books, many are available as apps, online websites and digital books. I always like to caution listeners, however, to stick to highly recommended or widely accepted resources.

Jacqui:

There are many heretical resources online and in print. When in doubt, consult a respected spiritual mentor like your pastor or Bible teacher. If you have any questions or want to share your experience with these tools, feel free to reach out. You can reach us directly using that first link that's in the show notes. If you found this episode helpful, informative or inspirational in any way, would you please share with someone you know who needs to hear it? You can do that by sharing the podcast website, bible-basics. org, or you can click on the share button right where you're listening. Now, for those of you listening on YouTube, go ahead and like, subscribe and leave us a comment. In closing, may the grace and peace of God be with you now and always. Music, thank you, thank you.