Have you ever wondered why there needs to be multiple versions of the same language of the Bible given that it’s supposed to be God’s infallible word?
Have you ever had an experience similar to this:
Well, sometimes (if you’re like me, read: often) we humans hyper-focus and get in a mindset that is too literal. We are small in the grand scheme of things. It’s like wanting to get as close to the screen as possible for the best view, and then realizing that our field of vision isn’t wide enough to see the whole image.
God is infallible. God chooses to have His word recorded and shared by humans who are fallible. It is difficult for us to comprehend His reasons for doing things because we can’t see as much of the picture as He can from our position.
It is for our benefit to have multiple versions of the Bible! When we don’t understand exactly why one verse seems to have different interpretations, it becomes our signal to turn to God directly and listen in the spiritual realm. We can try to turn the Bible into a literal instruction manual and forget to really interact with God in the spiritual realm. The Bible is an invaluable resource that we have been graciously blessed with, but it is not a replacement for participating in and nurturing our relationship with God.
So, set up some reminders for yourself for when you are studying the Bible.
Now, I am going to share with y’all the Bible study tools and methods I am often using at this point in my journey because a) they’re free and b) if it helps me, it could possibly help somebody else. I’m not getting paid for recommending anything. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to use whatever tools and methods are right for you through all stages of your studying.
Bible Gateway [https://www.biblegateway.com] website and app is my go-to for reading scripture. I made my free account and set it up so that my primary searches are in KJV. Then my parallels are AMPC and NRSV. Sometimes I check out NIV or The Message or any of the many other versions, too. The highlighting and notation features are handy, as well. Oh, and there are 2 really great Topical Index options accessed through READ THE BIBLE => Advanced Search.
Very often, I also use Bible Hub [https://biblehub.com/interlinear] - Hebrew for OT, which is read right to left, and Greek for NT. Hovering your mouse over or clicking the links above the individual words will give you more information. If you’re looking at chapters in one of the other translations instead of the interlinear, you can click on verse numbers to be taken to a reference page with a lot of information on each verse.
It’s easiest for me to type any notes I want to take and I have my own system of keeping a study journal organized. I do have Microsoft Office, which is not free, and I like their OneNote a lot. However, I use Google Drive [https://drive.google.com], which is free, for similar things and can organize that how I like. My recommendation is to implement your own quick access system (typed or handwritten) for keeping a record of things that stand out to you, what you pray about, and what you experience as you grow. Reviewing these from time to time has inspired me to keep moving forward in difficult times and has triggered bursts of study leading to epiphanies.
No matter how you go about it, the important thing is to honor your Heavenly Father who loves you by embracing the gifts He has set before you. Our human minds can be tempted to doubt and fear our understanding, but that is precisely when we shall rejoice in the Lord for His gracious gifts of salvation, forgiveness, wisdom, and provision!