Digital Study Aids

When it comes to studying the Bible, there are many times that the kind of resources available to us are significantly limited due to several factors such as cost, availability, and physical space.  While I will never lose my love for holding a physical copy of a book in my hands, there are some significant benefits to using digital study tools.  So, what kind of digital tools are available to help with Bible study?

Many of you will be familiar with the ESV (English Standard Version) Bible translation.  They also have a web-based and app-based platform with excellent - free - study tools.  Included with the Biblical text is the "cross-reference tool" that shows you other Bible passages where a similar word, phrase, or topic, is found.  You can also do a traditional search of the Biblical text - just as you would use a concordance.  In addition to the Biblical text, you can view the ESV Global Study Bible, along with the Hebrew Old Testament text and Greek New Testament text (in an interlinear format).  A free Audio Bible is included.  You also have the ability to take notes, and follow predefined reading plans.

At the time of writing, by subscribing to the "Basic" plan, you can expand your access to ESV resources to include some 13 additional study Bibles.  By subscribing to the "Basic + Commentaries" plan, you can gain access to the two commentary series "Preach the Word" and "The ESV Expository Commentary" (both of which are conservative, scholarly, accessible series).

Certainly the free edition of this resource is worth exploring.  I use the app on my phone regularly when I do not need the full capabilities that Logos Bible Software provides.

I got my first digital library with Logos Bible Software in 2007 while attending Bible college.  Over the years I have added quite a bit to that library.  Some of the key features of Logos are:

• Original language tools (you don't have to learn Hebrew or Greek to dig into the meaning of words)
• Bible Translations (you can easily compare translations side-by-side)
• Study Bibles (you can have multiple study Bibles open at one time)
• Commentaries (you can quickly research what Bible scholars have commented on the particular passage you are studying
• Bible Dictionaries (these provide key insights into major biblical topics or portions of the Bible)
• The Factbook (this is a "one-stop-shop" for a quick summary on whatever you are research - e.g. if you search "King David" - you will find articles from your resources, key Scriptures, related media, etc)
• Theology Books (you can study the major sweeping doctrines of the Scripture with tools such as Systematic Theologies) 
• And much more!

Not only are these tools available on your computer, but you can also access these resources through an app on your phone or tablet.

The biggest downside to Logos Bible Software is the cost.  If you do not intend to utilize the tools, it is not worth the investment.  However, if you enjoy using digital resources, and if you plan to dig deep into the studying the Scriptures - you may want to consider looking into Logos Bible Software.  I personally use it nearly every day.

Similar to ESV.org, "Bible Hub" provides free resources on both web and app-based platforms.  While the design and navigation of Bible Hub are not nearly as user-friendly as Logos or ESV.org -- they do provide a significant amount of material.  Some of the resources they provide include:

• Various Bible Translations
• Greek & Hebrew texts
• Commentaries
• Concordance
• Dictionaries
• Study Bibles
• And more

While some of the resources provided through Bible Hub are rather "dated" they can still be useful  for the study of the Word. 

These three digital study aids are a quick start to the tools available on the market. If you have questions about these tools, please do not hesitate to ask!  You can contact us by using the button below!