How To Use Bible Reference Resources

Using BIBLE REFERENCE Tools A guide for deepening your Bible Study with reference resources

OVERVIEW

FIND

UNDERSTAND

First Things First

The best reference library in the world and the most intense study can never be a substitute for simply reading the Bible, listening to it, and reflecting on it, thus allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding.

So Many Reference Books – What’s the Difference?

When you walk into a bookstore with a wide selection of Bible reference tools, the sheer number and variety can be overwhelming—especially when you’re not sure how to even start deciding which ones you need. Zondervan’s reference tools are designated by three easy categories to help you understand how each one helps you study the Bible.

Overview The Overview category is designed for resources that give you the essentials for Bible study. These resources give you the big picture of Scripture in one place. It includes The Zondervan NIV Atlas to the Bible, The Essential Bible Companion, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, and more.

Find The Find category is designed for resources that help you locate things in the text. These resources vary from topical lists to detailed collections of every verse in Scripture. It includes resources like The Bible Verse Finder, All the Women of the Bible, and Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.

Understand The Understand category is designed for the resources that help you dig deeply into Scripture and comprehend difficult passages. It includes resources like The Zondervan Bible Dictionary, In the Steps of Jesus, The NIV Application Commentary series and more.

One Example of Using Reference Tools with your Study Bible

A BASIC WORD STUDY OF “KINGDOM” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed” – Matt. 13:31a (NIV) Begin by reading an Overview resource to get the “bird’s eye view” of how “kingdom” is used in Scripture. On page 549 of Halley’s Bible Handbook, Deluxe Ed. we learn that the word “kingdom” appears over 40 times in the book of Matthew.

If you have multiple translations of the Bible, look for common renderings of “kingdom” and note any unique renderings. NASB, KJV, NIV and TNIV Bibles are each rich translations available from Zondervan. Next, use a reference tool from the Find category to see how many times “kingdom” appears in the Bible. On page 625 of the Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance we learn that “kingdom” appears in 302 other verses and can easily see where to look in the Bible to find them. Then use a reference tool from the Understand category to learn the original definition and origin of “kingdom” On pages 379-380 Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words we learn that “kingdom” is an overarching theme for understanding foundational ideas of the whole Bible.

So Why Does This Matter?

Now that we know the full, original meaning of “kingdom” we can apply it to our lives by asking “How should I live as a member of the kingdom of God?”

Going Deeper

Going Deeper with Reference Listed below are the top twenty resources in the Zondervan reference library. You can grow in any of the three areas and add them at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level. These resources are beneficial for small group study, church classes, introducing your family to Bible study, or personal Bible study. For more information on these resources, visit www.zondervan.com/reference

Overview

Find

Beginner:

Beginner:

The Bible for Blockheads

Zondervan NIV Bible Verse Finder

• ISBN 9780310273882

• ISBN 9780310292050

The Essential Bible Companion

Intermediate:

• ISBN 9780310266624

Intermediate:

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

Nave’s Topical Bible • ISBN 9780310579502

Advanced:

• ISBN 9780310246046

The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance

How to Read the Bible Book by Book

• ISBN 9780310262855

• ISBN 9780310211181

Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods • ISBN 9780310273004

Zondervan Handbook to the Bible • ISBN 9780310262718

Advanced: Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible • ISBN 9780310251606

Understand Beginner:

Intermediate:

• ISBN 9780310257998

Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

How We Got the Bible

• ISBN 9780310248781

Amazing Discoveries That Unlock the Bible

• ISBN 9780310253068

Incredible Mysteries of the Bible • ISBN 9780310255949

Zondervan Bible Commentary: One Volume Illustrated Edition • ISBN 9780310262640

Zondervan Bible Dictionary • ISBN 9780310293040

In the Steps of Jesus • ISBN 9780310276470

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary—Old Testament • ISBN 9780310255727

Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible • ISBN 9780310241362

Advanced:

NIV Application Commentary—Mark • ISBN 9780310493501