The Bible

The Bible is the most authoritative book in Christianity. It is a collection of many books that were historically written by many authors over centuries.

The Bible contains diverse literary forms including historical narratives, laws, poetry, wisdom literature, apocalyptic writings, epistles, and the gospels. Many biblical concepts are expressed through metaphors and symbolism.

Currently, there are many Bible Translations available, which differ in language style, translation philosophy, and source texts.

How to Read the Bible

Understanding the Original Languages

Unlike English, both Hebrew and Greek do not have lowercase letters. In both languages, the same word can have multiple meanings depending on context.

Therefore, it is up to the translator's interpretation to decide how a scripture should be translated. This is often influenced by the church denomination that sponsored the translation. Thankfully, the repetitive Hebrew style of writing and different witnesses from Bible times provide ways to cross-check important concepts.

Understanding Bible Structure

The Bible was divided into testaments, chapters, verses, and titles—none of which were part of the original manuscripts. Sometimes these divisions interrupt the flow of a message or change the originally intended subject.

Most modern Bibles are not arranged in chronological order. Bible translators chose to group similar books together rather than maintain chronological sequence.

The Importance of Personal Study

Commentaries, creeds, sermons, Christian books, apps, videos, and websites (including this one) are all based on human interpretations. They should inspire you to turn to the Bible, but should not replace the Bible itself.

It is your own responsibility to search the scriptures and ask for God's Spirit to guide and reveal the truth.

Tips for Bible Study

Ignore Later Additions

Consider the Context

The original Bible authors did not write lookup books. They assumed readers would read the entire message from the beginning. When studying a passage, ask:

  • Who wrote the scripture? (For example: an unknown author, a respected prophet, or an apostle?)
  • Who was the intended audience? (For example: ancient Israelites, Romans, believers facing specific issues, non-believers receiving testimony?)
  • When was it written? (Chronological order often explains why people behaved certain ways)
  • What was the culture? (This explains "unusual" idioms or reactions)
  • Whose words are these? (Some recorded arguments or accusations may contain false statements so we can learn from their errors)
  • Should this be understood literally? (Usually yes, unless the context clearly indicates a poem, song, vision, prophecy, parable, metaphor, or idiom)

Understand Translation Choices

  • Unlike the English word "God", the Greek and Hebrew equivalents can also mean an important person. Translators usually render this as "lord" when referring to a human, but there are cases where they incorrectly translated it to "God" when the Almighty God was not referenced. Context is crucial for determining which "god" is addressed.
  • God's identifying name was replaced with "Lord" in most English Bibles. This can cause confusion since important humans or angelic beings are also called "lords." However, some translations use the uppercase "LORD" to mark this change.

Avoid Oversimplified Sources

  • Avoid relying on "bible" tales written to entertain children. These are often shortened and oversimplified versions that can be deceiving.

Modern Study Tools

Today there are many modern interlinear Bible study tools available that provide word-by-word translations of the original Hebrew or Greek manuscripts. These can be used by anyone, regardless of theological background, to validate Bible text with concordances or gain a better understanding of passages.

Download

Some recommended electric bibles that you could download or access on your device.

Please note that these apps and the content that these apps provide are not affiliated with us. Use your own discretion when you browse or use their resources.

Bible SA

Features:

  • Online registration is optional
  • All bibles are free
  • Provide bibles in South African languages like: Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Setswana, Xitsonga
  • Can read bibles without internet (offline)

Download the free app for:

Olive Tree Bible

Features:

  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • Can read bibles without internet (offline)
  • Some bible translations are free
  • Can purchase additional non-free bible translations

Download the app for:

MySword

Features:

  • No online registration required (respect privacy)
  • Modules include: interlinear bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, books and graphics
    • Provide modules in international languages
    • Read modules without internet (offline)
    • Widest range of free modules in single app on Android (as far as I know)
    • All modules are free
  • Optimized both phone and tablets (however tablet version that nags for donations)
  • Create notes or journal entries within the app
  • Export/Import notes and module lists
  • The software is open source (you can inspect or change the source code if you like)
    • With a bit of effort, you can compile your own bible, commentaries, dictionaries, books or graphics and use it in your app

Download the app for:

Revised English Version

Features:

  • No online registration required (respect privacy)
  • Closely to the original languages, yet in modern English style
  • Faithful to the text regardless of traditional readings or interpretations
  • Translators advise their choice to translate certain scriptures the way the did
  • Extensive commentary elucidating many difficult passages
  • Kept God's name (most modern bibles replaced God's name with Lord)
  • Online videos

Download the free app for:

or as module for common bible apps

You Version

Features:

  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • You can only read the bible with an active internet connection (online)
  • All bible translations are free
  • Includes a very wide variety of translations even ones that you would normally have to purchase
  • Capture notes within the app

Download the free app for:

Bible Hub

Features:

  • No online registration required (respect privacy)
  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • You can only read the bible with an active internet connection (online)
  • Includes both free and commercial content
  • Includes a very wide variety of translations

Download the app for:

Bible Gateway

Features:

  • Provide bibles in international languages
  • You can only read the bible with an active internet connection (online)
  • Includes both free and commercial content
  • Includes a very wide variety of translations

Download the app for: