Resources for Study

With the proliferation of mobile devices and iPads/tablets, using tools to help study the Bible has never been as easy or thorough. For this study, we will focus on 3 different types of applications, along with a description of various translations used for study:

  • Bible reading applications
  • Reference applications
  • Lexical/language applications
  • Translation Descriptions

Bible Reading Apps

Not an exhaustive list by any means, but here’s a good start

  • You Version: This is a Bible app done by a group of churches headed in Edmond, Oklahoma, Life.Church. Contains many popular translations, along with reading plans, devotions, and study aids. Android and Apple iOS.
  • Life Bible (previously known as Tecarta): a fairly easy to use Bible reader. Started by two Silicon Valley software writers that wanted to take sermon notes on their phones. Some translations are free, while other translations require a one-time purchase, usually less than $10. Also offers some of the classic study Bibles for purchase. Includes a Journal function for taking notes, along with topical and devotional studies. Android and Apple iOS.
  • Logos: A highly academic approach to Bible study. If you are familiar with Hebrew and Greek languages, this will leverage that knowledge. Additional modules can be quite expensive. Android and Apple iOS.
  • Blue Letter Bible: This is a Bible reading application that is packed with reference materials. Has most all of the popular translations, plus Strong’s Concordance, an interlinear feature, and morphology for each word. Android and Apple iOS.

Reference Applications

  • Hebrew/Greek Interlinear Bible: A great piece of software coding. This app wraps a literal translation of Scripture with Strong’s Concordance and supplies morphology (tenses, moods, number, gender) for every Hebrew or Greek word used in the Bible. Highly recommended. Written by Hagios Tech. Android.
  • Scripture Direct: Another interlinear New Testament Bible. Easy to use. Has definitions and morphology laid out in an easy to use format. Android.

Lexical/Language Applications

  • Brown-Driver-Briggs: A lexical dictionary and more. It’s helpful to know the Hebrew and Greek alphabet to look up words. Android.
  • Greek Reference: An app by developer Ben Linskey, it features a Greek-English lexicon. A syntax section has a thorough explanation of tenses and moods used in the Greek language. Android.

What English Translation Should I Use?

Bible translations are generally rated on a spectrum from Formal Equivalence (word-for-word: Literal Translations) to Functional Equivalence (thought-for-thought: Contextual Translations), and finally to Paraphrase. When digging for the original meaning of individual words, a literal translation is more helpful. When studying the meaning of sentences and paragraphs, a more contextual translation is needed.

Here is how common translations are typically ranked from most literal to most contextual:

Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)
These prioritize the original Greek and Hebrew grammar and syntax, making them ideal for in-depth study, though they can sometimes feel “stiff” or “wooden” in English.

      • Interlinear Bibles: The absolute most literal, as English words are placed directly under the original language words in their original order.
      • NASB (New American Standard Bible): Widely considered the most literal modern translation.
      • LSB (Legacy Standard Bible): A very high ranking for its intentional formal structure.
      • ESV (English Standard Version): Highly literal but smoothed out slightly for better readability.
      • KJV (King James Version): A formal translation from 1611; literal but uses archaic English that can obscure modern meaning.
      • NKJV (New King James Version): Updates the KJV to modern English while maintaining a formal translation approach.

      Mediating Translations (The “Sweet Spot”)
      These aim for a balance, being literal where possible but shifting to “thought-for-thought” to ensure modern clarity.

        • CSB (Christian Standard Bible): Uses “Optimal Equivalence” to balance precision and readability.
        • NRSV (New Revised Standard Version): A standard for many scholars, balancing literalness with contemporary, inclusive language.
        • NIV (New International Version): The most popular example of a “middle-ground” translation, prioritizing clear, natural English.

        Functional Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)
        These focus on conveying the meaning and emotional impact of the original text for a modern audience, often using contemporary idioms.

          • NLT (New Living Translation): Translates entire thoughts into everyday English; very easy to read like a standard book.
          • CEB (Common English Bible): Heavily focused on thought-for-thought readability.
          • CEV (Contemporary English Version): Prioritizes readability and simple language.

          Paraphrase
          These are highly interpretive and are generally treated as commentaries rather than strict translations.

            • The Living Bible (TLB): A loose retelling of the text.
            • The Message (MSG): Uses contemporary slang and idioms to convey the “vibe” of the original languages.