Recommended Resources for Bible Study

Recommended for Bible study reference

Online Bible Study Resources

Bible Study Websites

Bible Question, Answer Resources and Apologetics

The Bible translations, thought for thought and paraphrase Bibles I use for deep studies:
Word for word translations: NASB, AMP, AMPC, ESV, KJV, NKJV.

Thought for thought translations:
NKJV which is thought for thought that leans towards word for word.
NLT which is thought for though that leans towards paraphrase.

The NLT is my favorite thought-for-thought translation for general study and devotional reading and for deeper studies I am in the AMP, AMPC, ESV, KJV w/Strong’s Concordance and Interlinear Bible (Greek, Hebrew, Strongs).

This is a very handy Bible translation chart that helps you quickly see which category Bible translations fall under.

There is a good article that goes along with the “Bible Translation Philosophies” info-graphic above here: One Bible, many versions by Wesley Huff

One notable aspect of this Bible Translation Philosophies info-graphic is the section on the right side, which indicates the “red danger zone.” This area represents translations and paraphrases created by a single individual. It’s important to exercise caution with these translations, as the biases and agendas of one person can significantly influence the text, lacking the checks and balances that come from a committee of Bible scholars. In contrast, on the left side, you’ll find the word-for-word translations, such as for one example: the ESV, which was produced by a team of over 100 prominent Bible scholars and pastors. The ESV is based on recently published critical editions of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. It follows an “essentially literal” translation philosophy that accounts for differences in grammar, syntax, and idioms between contemporary English and the original languages. This translation prioritizes “word-for-word” accuracy, literary quality, and depth of meaning. If you’re reading paraphrases like The Message or The Passion Translation, it’s advisable to compare them with word-for-word or phrase-for-phrase translations. Consider “paraphrase” Bibles for casual reading, “word-for-word” translations for more in-depth Bible study and “phrase for phrase” translations for help with context. Additionally, it’s important to note that paraphrase Bibles often add many more words to the original scripture, which can distort the intended meaning of the text.

Note: The Mirror Bible by Francois du Toit is a dangerous and misleading Bible paraphrase. Avoid it at all costs. It not only distorts the New Testament gospel, but actively promotes false teachings. Instead of clarifying the original text, it twists Scripture to support the idea of a “gospel of inclusion”, meaning all are in, there is no hell, all humanity is saved, etc… This is not what the scriptures teach, one must believe in Christ to “receive salvation”. It is teaching another gospel as noted in Gal.1:6-12; 2 Cor.11:3-4; Rom. 16:17.

For more on this refer to: “My rebuttal to the Gospel of Inclusion”. (all are not in)“.


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