When people think about apps for Bible studies, they are almost always limited to just Bible apps. It’s understandable that when it comes to Bible studies, our minds instantly go to Bible apps, but this usually neglects other applications which can cover different aspects that are important for Bible studies.
Well today we’re going to look at apps which can enhance your Bible study that are not Bible apps.
Let’s take a look:
Notes (Evernote)
It’s all well and good studying your Bible, but if you read it then forget it and don’t apply it to your life, what’s the point? One of the simplest first steps is to take notes as you read. They can be notes about what you’re drawn attention to, write out ideas for how to apply it to your life, or just more questions you want to find the answers to.
I personally use Evernote, because I can access it anywhere. Alternatively a tool like Apple Notes, text documents on Dropbox or note’s built into your Bible app (like YouVersion has) are all okay.
Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries
As great as most modern translations are, they can’t fully express the ideas of the original language. There is so much cultural meaning and some times a word just doesn’t really exactly translate across (especially when there are two or more words in Greek or Hebrew for one in English).
Blue Letter Bible on iOS and And-bible on Android have good dictionary resources.
English Dictionary
Even after you’ve translated a word from Greek or Hebrew, it can be useful to see exactly what the word means in English. After all, sometimes there can be small but very important differences between two similar words.
The Oxford English Dictionary [British English] or…
Bible Dictionary
Bible dictionaries are a little different compared to normal dictionaries. They contain definitions of theologically specific words and a good Bible dictionary also include verses that are connected with these ideas. This can real help add clarity over alternative dictionaries especially when words in popular culture can have their meaning changed over time.
Check out The Bible Dictionary on iOS and Android
Commentaries
Reading on your own is all well and good, but reading notes by someone else and noticing what they thought can be a great tool as well. A good commentary will include deep notice on the language, culture, history and cross references on topics relevant to this particular verse. Of course, you need to be careful, anyone can write a commentary and they may twist scripture to suit their own view point [it’s a skill when someone can make a verse which says one thing, mean the opposite, yet I’m sure we’ve all seen this done].
Commentaries are a very personal matter of preference but Olive Tree Bible has good commentaries on both iOS and Android. Alternatively check out Amazon, Google play book or iBooks for the commentary of your choice.
Devotionals
Devotionals are guides which help you move through a particular section or theme in the Bible. These usually lead you with personal questions to help guide you along.
Of course I should mention devotionals from ChurchM.ag Press which you can read on the ebook reader of choice. You can also check out devotionals from your favorite ebook store, try Daily Bible Inspirations for iOS and Android, or try some of the devotionals from YouVersion.
Maps
I don’t know about you, but my geographic knowledge of the Middle East—especially during the Biblical period—isn’t amazing, yet there are frequent references to locations and places within verses. A good modern and classic map can be really useful to help you put more context into the distances between places and locations too.
For modern maps, it’s hard to beat Google maps.
For classic maps, check out Bible Maps Plus on iOS.
Messaging App
Sometimes it’s just good to ask someone else who knows more than you. There is nothing wrong with that and it will probably benefit them as well. After all, it will keep their mind fresh. Most popular messaging apps provide group chat functionality which make them a great tool to share inspiration, challenge, and be challenged as well.
All Together?
There are some Bible apps like Lifeway which have all these features built in (if you pay for them) and that may be a great option for you, however I personally like having these services separate. It helps provide a cleaner interface especially when you only want to access one or two of these options.
More?
Do you know of any other tools I’ve missed or have a particular recommendation?
Leave it in the comments below.
Brandon says
I’d add mind mapping software to the list, definitely (mind node or thoughts or the like). Great for mapping out what’s going on in scriptures.
Chris Wilson says
Great point Brandon! I completely forgot about mind maps but they are a great tool, especially if you can add in images, words, links etc. Thanks for the great suggestion.
Blessing Mpofu says
Ha! I was actually going to add mindmaps too! I use them extensively and in particular for sermon prep. It’s a helpful way of seeing both the bigger picture and the smaller picture all at the same time…
Blessing Mpofu says
If you have the financial resource, (which i don’t have yet) Logos Bible Software is great! I have commentaries, dictionaries I’ve purchased, while trying to raise funds for a base package…
Eric Dye says
Logos is great—and there are a lot of awesome mind maps out there that would be really curious in a bible study scenario. Great supercharged tips, Chris!