Bible study tools explained—without the overwhelm. In this episode, we’ll walk through what a lexicon, interlinear, concordance, commentary, cross-references, and footnotes actually are, and how they can help you study Scripture with more clarity. Whether you’ve never used a tool before or just need the terms simplified, this guide will give you confidence for the journey ahead.
- Learn what common Bible study tools—like lexicons, concordances, commentaries, and interlinears—actually mean.
- Discover the simple helps already in your Bible, like footnotes and cross-references.
- Hear a story about how a single footnote opened up Scripture in a whole new way.
- Gain gentle guardrails for using study tools wisely, without letting them replace the Word itself.
- Listen on the Podcast
- Watch on YouTube
Bible study tools sometimes come with big, intimidating names—like lexicon, interlinear, or concordance.
But behind the fancy words (and even the small notes in your Bible) are simple helps you can actually use.
Hey there friend, and welcome to Beneath The Fig Tree. I’m so glad you’re here. Like, really a lot.
As part of our 119 Bible Bootcamp, we’re moving into a new section I call Reading the Clues. This is where we start learning how to actually study what we read in Scripture—step by step.
Bible Study Tools Explained: Lexicon, Concordance, Commentary, Cross-References & More
And before we jump into digital tools, I want to pause and give you a simple glossary. Words like lexicon, interlinear, concordance, commentary, and even the cross-references and footnotes already in your Bible can sound confusing—but really, they’re just practical helps that make studying easier.
Key Bible Study Tools for Beginners
Interlinear Bible
- What it is: A Bible that lines up the original Hebrew or Greek with an English translation underneath.
- Why it matters: Lets you glimpse the original language, even without knowing it, and see how words connect.
Lexicon
- What it is: A dictionary for Bible words in their original language.
- Why it matters: Helps you see shades of meaning, roots, and how the word is used in different places.
Concordance & Topical Index
- What it is: An index of where words appear in the Bible. The most well-known one is Strong’s Concordance, which lists every occurrence and assigns a number to each Hebrew and Greek word. Many Bibles also include a topical index—a list of verses arranged by theme (faith, hope, prayer, etc.).
- Why it matters: Lets you trace themes or study a word across the Bible, even if you don’t know the original languages.
Commentary
- What it is: Notes written by Bible scholars that explain history, culture, and context.
- Why it matters: Helps you understand background or tough passages—but remember, it’s someone’s perspective, not Scripture itself.
Cross-References
- What it is: Tiny notes (often in the center or margins of your Bible) that point you to other verses related to the one you’re reading.
- Why it matters: Helps you see how Scripture connects to Scripture—the Bible commenting on itself.
Footnotes
- What it is: Notes at the bottom of the page in your Bible that explain translation choices, alternative readings, or historical details.
- Why it matters:Gives quick background without needing a separate book or resource.
I’ll never forget the first time I paid attention to a footnote. I was reading Revelation 3:20, where Jesus says,
‘I stand at the door and knock.’
The note explained this was connected to wedding customs in that culture. It was like the passage unfolded before my eyes in a whole new way. That moment sparked my love for understanding the customs and culture of biblical times—and how they bring Scripture to life.
Study Bible Notes
- What it is: Short commentary included in a Study Bible, usually at the bottom of the page.
- Why it matters: Offers quick insights right where you’re reading—but it’s important to remember these are explanations, not the inspired text.
Bible Dictionary
- What it is: Like a regular dictionary, but focused on Bible-specific words, names, places, and themes.
- Why it matters: Very beginner-friendly, helps you understand terms you might skim over.
Bible Dictionary
- What it is: Maps of biblical lands, journeys, and places.
- Why it matters: Visual learners especially find these helpful—seeing geography makes the stories more concrete.
Using Bible Study Tools Wisely
These tools are a gift, but like any tool, they’re meant to serve your time in Scripture—not replace it.
- Commentaries are helpful, but they’re not the final authority. The Bible gives us the picture of milk and solid food. Milk is where we all begin—the basics that nourish us when we’re just starting out. Solid food points to the richer truths God invites us to grow into. If we stay on milk forever, we miss the strength and depth that comes from learning to chew on His Word for ourselves.
- Study Bible notes can be a faithful companion, but they aren’t Scripture. They offer insight and guidance, yet they don’t carry the same weight as the Word itself. Treat them as a guide along the path, not the path itself.
- Interlinears are a wonderful window into the original languages, but they’re not meant to replace the flow of a whole passage. Don’t get stuck only comparing single words—sometimes the Spirit speaks most clearly when you step back and take in the sweep of a verse in context.
Think of each of these tools as a servant to Scripture, not its master. They can enrich your study, but the Word itself remains the feast.
Where to Start if You’re New to Bible Study Tools
And here’s the good news: you don’t need to master all nine tools today. Just start with one or two. If you have a Bible in front of you, check the cross-references or footnotes. If you’re online, try Strong’s Concordance for one verse. Small steps are enough to open new light.
Next Steps in the 119 Bible Bootcamp
This week’s Companion Kit includes a simple ‘Bible Study Toolbox’ sheet you can tuck in your Bible or journal. It has the key terms we talked about today, along with what they mean and why they’re useful.
Next week, we’ll explore digital tools together, so you’ll get to see how these terms come alive when you open an app or website.
Let’s cultivate a devotional life you love. Like, really love. Because it is possible—and it’s easier than you think.
And if you found today’s episode helpful, I’d love if you’d share it with a friend or leave a review. It helps more hearts discover the treasure waiting in God’s Word.
