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How to Study the Bible 13Introduction:
1. Although some passages may be challenging to us, the Bible can be understood (Ephesians 3:3-4; 5:17). 2. In this lesson we are pointing out some of the available sources that will help us in our study of the Scriptures. Discussion: I. VARIOUS VERSIONS A. Lesson 3 contains some information concerning translations. B. When studying a passage, comparing a variety of reliable versions can be helpful. II. CONCORDANCES A. A concordance lists the words used in the Bible in conjunction with the verses where they are found. B. Concordances are available for different versions. III. DICTIONARIES A. A Bible dictionary provides information relating to words used in the Bible, as well as people and places that are mentioned. B. An English dictionary defines words that are not strictly Biblical. IV. BIBLE BACKGROUND A. The Bible was written many years ago in lands and cultures different from ours. B. Reference books dealing with geography, culture, and history are available. V. COMMENTARIES A. A commentary explains verses in the Bible. B. Single volume commentaries as well as sets are available. VI. REFERENCE WORKS A. Bible encyclopedias contain in-depth articles on Bible subjects. B. Religious magazines are also helpful. VII. MISCELLANEOUS A. Some Bibles contain reference notes that compare additional passages that relate to the one being studied. B. Some Bibles contain footnotes that are helpful; however, such notes come from men and are not inspired. C. Books are also available that define and explain words from the Bible's original languages. | ||