Studying the Bible doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or complicated. In this episode, we’re exploring some of the best digital Bible study tools. You’ll learn how resources like YouVersion, Blue Letter Bible, Bible Gateway, and even a simple Google search can make Scripture clearer. We’ll also talk about how ChatGPT can be a helpful study companion (with discernment). Think of this episode as your trail map—and then catch the step-by-step YouTube walkthroughs for each tool in the weeks ahead.
- You don’t have to be a scholar—just a seeker with a few simple tools.
- Digital Bible study tools can help you read, compare, and dig deeper into Scripture.
- Even simple resources (like Google or ChatGPT) can help you find verses, explore context, and generate insights—while remembering that the Holy Spirit is the true Teacher.
- Listen on the Podcast
- Watch on YouTube
You don’t have to be a scholar to study the Bible—just a seeker with a few simple tools. Think of them as markers on the treasure map, helping you spot the clues God’s Word has already placed there.
Hey there friend, and welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. Like, really a lot.
We’ve just finished Gathering Our Gear—laying the foundations and finding the tools that help us step into God’s Word with confidence. And now, we’re moving into our next compass point: Reading the Clues.
This is where the treasure hunt really gets fun—where we move beyond just opening the Bible to actually digging in and understanding what we read.
Today, we’ll be talking about some of my favorite digital tools for studying Scripture. Then, over the next few weeks, I’ll share video walkthroughs on YouTube showing you exactly how to use each one. Think of this episode as your trail map, and those videos as your step-by-step guide along the path.
Best Digital Bible Study Tools to Explore
Okay, let’s get started.
YouVersion Bible App
First up, is the one I probably use the most. It’s YouVersion (on your phone or Bible.com on you computer). YouVersion has more than 1,000 Bible Translations, many of which include an audio option so you can have the scripture read to you.
Side note, if you missed the episode on Bible Translations, go back and catch episode 45.
In addition to having all the translations you might want, YouVersion also has:
- Reading Plans
- Devotionals on just about any topic you can think of
- Shareable scripture graphics—ever see your friends post those nice graphics on Facebook and wonder how they always do that? Well…it just might be from YouVersion.
- Within the translations, you can highlight verses, copy them, make notes, save the passage, create an image from it compare translations, and post a prayer.
- Subscribe to the verse of the day
- You can also start a reading plan with friends
- And if you thrive one accountability or little tokens of accomplishment, they’ve got that too. They call them badges.
Blue Letter Bible
Next up, Blue Letter Bible. This is my go-to for deep study and research. There are other powerful options like Logos, but they require paid subscriptions. Blue Letter Bible is free. I have it on my phone in my Bible Caddy folder, but it’s much easier to use on a computer because there’s just so much there. We’ll just scratch the surface here, but I love Blue Letter Bible for:
- They have many of the same tools as YouVersion-translations, audible bibles, devotionals, commentaries
- Original language tools to see and hear the words in Hebrew and Greek
- See all the verses and contexts where a word is used in Scripture
- Concordances, dictionaries, cross-references, and plenty of commentaries
- They also let you see side-by-side translation comparisons
I can definitely spend hours in Blue Letter Bible going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole looking for understanding of a passage or even just a single word.
In fact, a little later, we’ll talk about word studies, topical studies, book studies, character studies and verse mapping. Blue Letter Bible will be our friend for all of those.
Bible Gateway
Now, let’s talk about Bible Gateway. It’s a lot like YouVersion and many people prefer Bible Gateway. That’s totally a personal preference but I like the both.
Like YouVersion, Bible Gateway offers:
- A massive translation library
- Audio Bibles
- Side-by-side comparisons
- Reading plans & Devotionals
- Commentaries & Dictionaries
They also have a section called Scripture Engagement with all kinds of practical tips and activities to help you interact with Scripture.
- Timelining
- Praying & Journaling Scripture
- Memorizing and singing scripture
The list goes on and on.
So that’s Bible Gateway—robust, practical, and easy to use. But let’s take a turn to something a little unexpected. One of my favorite secret tools isn’t an app at all.
Fun Secret Tool
Ever have a fragment of a verse come to mind and you really want to find the rest of it or figure out where it is in the Bible? Well, my friend, I have a secret tool for you. It’s Google—or whatever search engine you normally use.
Seriously, you can type in whatever part of the verse you know and it will help pull up all the verses that are even close. For example, you know there’s a verse about raising up on eagles’ wings or something like that. You just type in, “verse about eagles wings,” and up come all kinds of results. Isaiah 40:31, perhaps?
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
ChatGPT
And that brings us to ChatGPT or whatever AI you’re already using. And if you aren’t using any AI, have no fear friend. It is so helpful.
I’ll talk about ChatGPT because that’s the one I use. In fact, he’s my friend and I call him Chad. And oh the things he can do. And yes, it is just a tool and he’s not perfect. So, you always have to take what he gives you and verify, especially if you’re doing research. Always verify. But it’s great for helping you explore.
We can’t possibly talk about all the things he can do, so I’ll just share some basics that I think will be the most helpful.
- Like doing a Google search, he can help you find a verse you’re looking for by giving him only a fragment. The nice thing is, if he returns dozens of verses, you can give him more context and he can help you narrow them down.
- Gather verses on a certain topic
- Suggest cross-references and related passages
- Summarize a passage, chapter, or book
- And explore historical and cultural background
We could spend hours talking about all the ways AI can help you study scripture and it’s growing and learning so fast that the list just keeps growing. But again, it’s a tool, not the Teacher. The Holy Spirit is your guide.
And don’t forget—make sure you’re subscribed to the YouTube channel so you don’t miss the upcoming walkthroughs of each tool.
That’s it for today, friend. There are lots digital tools to help you study the Bible. These are simply some of my favorites.
Bible study isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about learning how to spot the clues that lead you closer to the heart of God. And we’re blessed to have so many great tools to help us do just that.
Let’s cultivate a devotional life you love. Like, really love. Because it is possible—and it’s easier than you think.
And one quick note: after today, the Bootcamp podcast will take a pause. We’ll be back on November 4th with Episode 55—a really fun one you won’t want to miss. Then we’ll take a holiday break until the new year.
