Today I am continuing My Fave Fives by sharing my five favorite online resources for Bible study. Once again, I’m not a theologian. I am simply seeking to know God more richly through deeper study of His Word. Dig into each of these sites. Loads of information is available including daily Bible verses, devotionals, Bible reading plans, teaching videos, blogs, pastor resources … too much to list! Most importantly, dig into God’s Word. Whether online or in the physical pages of Scripture. His Word has eternal impact!
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
*Why do I use online tools more often than physical books? Convenience – everything is in one place. The resources below all offer similar search features including scripture, commentaries, lexicons, Bible dictionaries and concordances. The main differences I have found are in their user interfaces and additional links.
My Fave Five
1. BibleGateway.com
Bible Gateway has been my go-to site for scripture reference for many years. It remains my favorite for comparing parallel translations.
+Easy passage lookup with advanced search options to view in multiple translations and cross-references
+Many translations and languages available with easy one-click parallel formatting
–Sidebar ads
*Best for parallel text comparison
2. BlueLetterBible.org
Blue Letter Bible is my preferred site for word studies within specific texts.
+Intelinear Bible search tools for word/phrase study with clickable links to Strong’s Lexicon and audio pronunciation
+Lexiconc Search
–Hebrew/Greek Search by English definition Theological FAQ search
–Somewhat cluttered interface design
*Best for interlinear word searches
3. BibleHub.com
Bible Hub has been my go-to for quick translation comparison for single verses.
+Quick search results for Lexicon, topical, etc is viewed in a table layout; easy to read
+Easy to use mid-top menu
–Sightly dated in look and feel of the website
*Best for quickly comparing multiple translation of a single verse
4. BibleStudyTools.com
Bible Study Tools is a brand of Salem Web Network with an ample supply of study and inspirational material.
+Easy to use top menu
+Daily Bible Verse images and short videos
–More cumbersome Scripture search than other resources
*Best for additional articles, videos, images (explore “tools” on top menu)
5. Biblia.com
Part of the Faithlife company (Logos Bible Software), Biblia offers a personalized interface once you create a free account.
+Lots of content including Bibles, commentaries and reference books
+Quickly find what you are looking for with clickable links in search results opening in multiple tabs within one browser window
+Parallel reading in different translations, reading plans
–Slight learning curve
–Required to create a free account to access features
*Best overall search tools
Your Turn
What online resources would you add to this list?
Do you prefer online tools or hardcopy books?
Add your comments below – I’d love to add to my list!
Until next week!
