12 best bible guides

Bible guides, also known as Bible study guides or reference materials, are resources designed to assist individuals or groups in understanding and interpreting the Bible. They provide additional context, explanations, and insights to help readers engage more deeply with the text. Here are some common types of Bible guides:

  1. Commentaries: These are in-depth explanations and interpretations of individual verses or passages. Commentaries are typically written by scholars or theologians and offer historical, cultural, and theological context.

  2. Study Bibles: Study Bibles integrate the text of the Bible with supplementary information like commentary, maps, charts, and articles. They often include introductions to each book, cross-references, and study notes.

  3. Concordances: Concordances provide an alphabetical index of words in the Bible, along with references to where those words can be found.This is particularly useful for finding specific verses or studying a particular theme.

  4. Topical Guides: These guides focus on specific themes, topics, or subjects in the Bible. They collect related verses and passages, offering a comprehensive view of a particular topic.

  5. Character Studies: These guides delve into the lives and stories of specific biblical figures, providing insight into their backgrounds, actions, and significance within the biblical narrative.

  6. Cultural and Historical Guides: These references provide information about the historical and cultural context in which the Bible was written. This can include details about customs, traditions, and events of the time.

  7. Language Resources: These guides help readers understand the original languages of the Bible (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek). They may include lexicons, grammars, and interlinear translations.

  8. Devotional Guides: Devotional guides offer short readings or reflections based on specific Bible verses or passages. They are designed to inspire spiritual growth and reflection.

  9. Encyclopedias: Biblical encyclopedias provide comprehensive information about people, places, events, and concepts mentioned in the Bible. They serve as a comprehensive reference tool.

  10. Maps and Atlases: These resources provide visual aids to help readers understand the geographical settings of biblical events.

Bible guides are invaluable tools for individuals or groups engaged in serious Bible study. They can be used for personal study, small group discussions, sermons, and other forms of religious education. It's important to select guides that align with one's theological perspective and level of study. These resources can be found in Christian bookstores, online retailers, and through various digital platforms.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bible guides on the market
  

The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women

Rockridge Press

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product features

A journey through the Bible

Experience your favorite translation of the Bible from cover to cover with short daily reading assignments, all pulled together with weekly reflections.

Practical themes

Every 7-day set of passages is chosen to illuminate themes relevant to modern women’s lives, like handling stress, realizing your value, getting out of a rut, and more.

Flexible study options

You can explore each week’s discussion questions, writing prompts, and prayers either alone or with your women’s study group.

The Complete Guide to the Bible

Barbour Publishing

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

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The Complete Guide to the Bible

This book is exactly what it says, a complete guide to Bible. It offers detailed explanations of each chapter of God's Word as well as common topics, questions, and unique aspects to give you a comprehensive and understandable guide to the Bible.

Though this book is not new to the market, it remains popular among readers year after year with over 750,000 sold. Whether you have questions or are just interested in learning more, The Complete Guide to the Bible is a great resource.

Ultimate Bible Guide

Holman Reference

Based on 140 reviews Check latest price

Days to Understanding the Bible, 30th Anniversary: Unlock the Scriptures in 15 minutes a day

Thomas Nelson

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Unlock the treasures of God's Word with this classic, simple-to-use guide to scripture

"The Bible is an enormous book covering much information and many subjects. It is not possible to learn everything about it in thirty days. But you can gain a beginning knowledge, an overview, that you can use to build a more complete understanding in the years ahead. In just fifteen minutes a day for thirty days, you can gain a foundational grasp of the most important book ever written."

-Dr. Max Anders

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bethany House Publishers

Based on 687 reviews Check latest price

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Jamie Ivey, bestselling author and host of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast

The Bible Recap is about to be your go-to resource for reading through the Bible in one year. Each day you will see the character of God through Scripture jump off the page, and your heart and relationship with God will be forever changed in the best ways possible.”

Michael Dean McDonald, director of global focus and strategic relationships, the Bible Project

“Tara-Leigh gets me excited to read the Bible. Period. I have found a trusted guide to walk me into deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Humble, approachable, and wise, Tara-Leigh leads us into the larger narrative of the Bible with humor, truth, and accuracy.”

Erin H. Moon, resident Bible scholar, The Bible Binge podcast

“One of the most difficult parts of studying the Bible is knowing who you can trust for discernment and interpretation. Thankfully, Tara-Leigh is a diligent, thorough scholar of Scripture, and I’m grateful for the time and effort she put forth for this comprehensive and concise look at God’s Word.”

Lauren McAfee, ministry investments at Hobby Lobby Corporate and author of Not What You Think

“I have been a Bible reader for years, but Tara-Leigh has opened greater depth and understanding to my Bible engagement through The Bible Recap. This resource is one of my top recommendations for anyone looking to plunder the goodness of God’s Word in bite-size portions. Read, discover, and enjoy!”

Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied (Value Books)

Barbour Publishing

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible: Seeing and Knowing God's Word

Zondervan

Based on 262 reviews Check latest price

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Note from the Author

"This is the second Visual Theology book I’ve co-authored with Josh Byers, and in this one we have prepared an introduction to the Bible that combines graphics and text to teach the nature and contents of God’s Word in a fresh and interesting way. It is intended for both new believers and long-time Christians, and we are confident that those who read it will encounter familiar teachings from the Scriptures in a fresh format. Our great hope is that it will help you meet the Bible again for the first time."

—Tim Challies

Advance Praise for A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible

“This wonderful little book will help you get your mind around the entirety of the Bible (and its impact on human history) through easy-to-access, while theologically-reliable, pictures and infographics. Whether you are Bible beginner or a seasoned teacher, you’ll find this book helpful in placing each story in the context of the larger one. The Bible is truly an amazing, God-inspired book, and A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible puts its wonder on full display!"

—J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina

Advance Praise for A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible

A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible is, literally, a sight for sore eyes. It converts dozens of vital concepts about Scripture into visual images that make learning just plain fun. Flip through the pages and you’ll be hooked. Challies and Byers have turned looking into learning. Brilliant.”

—Gregory Koukl, president of Stand to Reason; author of Tactics and The Story of Reality

Advance Praise for A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible

“This book is a must-have resource for anyone who teaches the Bible. Not only does it have great graphics to illustrate the storyline and teachings of Scripture, but the text of the book, the summaries and explanations, are an invaluable asset for your teaching arsenal. I know I'll be using it as I as a parent to talk about the Bible with my children and as professor as I lecture on theology to college students. Yes, that's a wide range, but this little book is just that good.”

Dan DeWitt, Associate Professor of Apologetics & Applied Theology, Cedarville University

Bible Study Guide for Beginners: Each of the 66 Books Explained for Getting Started

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Willmington's Guide to the Bible

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Based on 416 reviews Check latest price

The Bible Made Easy - for Kids

Christian Art Gifts

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

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The Bible Made Easy For Kids

  • A Bible study resource to be read in conjunction with a Bible

Easy to Read

  • Conversational tone
  • Kid-friendly/age appropriate terms
  • Recommended ages 8-12

Easy to Understand

  • Charts explain complicated facts & concepts
  • Cool maps & time lines

Interesting & Informative

  • Bible facts that will stun & amaze
  • Discover exciting connections between Bible stories
  • Thought provoking questions for reflection

A Fun, Informative & Faith Filled Journey Through the Bible For Kids Ages 8-12

A Great Resource For:

  • Children's Bible Study
  • Family Devotions
  • Sunday School
  • Homeschool

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Family Worship Bible Guide (Hardcover)

Reformation Heritage Books

Based on 139 reviews Check latest price

Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year: A Life-Changing Journey Into The Heart Of God

Bethany House Publishers

Based on 774 reviews Check latest price

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