10 Recommended Bible Study Tools (that you’ll actually use)

As I’ve read the Bible over the years, these have been some of my most used and loved tools that have helped deepen my understanding of Scripture. These resources are helpful for anyone, whether you’ve read the Bible for many years or have picked it up for the first time.

1. Bible Gateway

Bible Gateway is at the top of my list because it is by far my most used Bible study tool. I typically use Bible Gateway to look up passages of scripture in different versions. My favorites to use alongside my ESV are the Amplified, New Living Translation, and the NIV.

2. Olive Tree

The Olive Tree is probably the most helpful Bible study tool I own. I downloaded the app several years ago and purchased my ESV Study Bible through it. If you don’t own a study Bible, I highly recommend buying one. The commentaries, maps, book introductions, and cross references have made inductive Bible study possible for a mom who has never attended seminary.

3. Gospel Coalition Courses

The Gospel Coalition Courses are my favorite resource I have come across in recent years. This page is loaded with free courses on every book of the Bible. I’ve personally used many of their Old Testament courses and love how they highlight gospel glimpses, whole Bible connections, and personal implications.

4. Dwell App

The Dwell App is my backup tool for a busy day. On those mornings when I didn’t wake up before my kids or things just seem extra loud, I love to use Dwell to listen through the passages of Scripture I’m currently studying. They recently released 7 new plans for listening through the Bible in a year. If I was driving or commuting a lot to school or work, this app would be at the top of my list.

5. PrayerMate

PrayerMate is the most creative app I’ve ever used. I have prayer lists created for my family, my friends, my church family, my neighbors, my community, the world, and more. This app helps rotate through these different names and lists so that I am consistently praying for all these different categories.

6. Bible Project

The Bible Project is the most kid friendly tool I use. As I begin or finish studying a book of the Bible, my kids will often join me in watching the videos that summarize the main points and themes. If you haven’t used the Bible Project, make this the year!

7. ESV Journaling Bible

Of all the gifts I have received over the last few years, this is definitely the most treasured. I transitioned from a small, compact ESV Bible to this journaling one and LOVE IT. Even though I journal in a notebook alongside my Bible study, I still like to write down important notes that I want to remember in my Bible.

+ A few fun extras

8. Psalms Illuminated Scripture Journal

Proverbs Illuminated Scripture Journal

Even though I have a journaling Bible, I love my Psalms illuminated scripture journal. This year was my first time trying out one of these and here’s what I found. I spend a lot of time in the psalms and this tool has allowed me the extra room for writing that I started lacking in my journaling Bible. Because it’s a single volume book, it has helped me see the psalms and their layout in a new light.

9. Bible Highlighters

And for just for fun.

10. Twistable Colored Pencils

Also these.

I hope this post gives you some new and fresh resources for your Bible study time this year. I would love to hear from you and what tools you would add to the list!

~Emily

This blogpost does include affiliate links when appropriate, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through to make a purchase. All words and opinions are my own.