People have often asked me what resources I would recommend for studying the Bible. Personally, I have a vast amount of resources at my fingertips, but obviously they would not all be prudent for recommending due to the financial aspect. So I sat down one day and asked myself, "If I had to limit my resources to a select few, if I had to move elsewhere and could only take a few with me, which ones would I want to keep in order to help me to study the Bible daily?" The list I came up with can be purchased through Christian Book Distributors for around $200 - $250 USD (before shipping and taxes). Here is my list of base recommended resources for every Christian to be able to study the Bible more accurately for himself/herself.
The Interlinear Hebrew-Greek-English Bible, in one volume, by Jay P. Green. It is keyed to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. Interlinears are a time-saving tool for you to research the subtle nuances and layers of meaning within the original biblical languages and this one features the complete Hebrew and Greek texts with a direct English rendering below each word, and it also includes The Literal Translation of the Bible in the outside column. Strong's numbers are printed directly above the Hebrew and Greek words which enables you to easily access a wealth of language reference works that are also keyed to Strong's such as Greek/Hebrew dictionaries, analytical lexicons, concordances, word studies, and more even if you do not know Greek and Hebrew.Treasury of Scripture Knowledge by R. A. Torrey. This classic Bible study help gives you a concordance, chain-reference system, topical Bible, and commentary all in one. Complete with over 500,000 Scripture references and parallel passages, this reference work contains the most exhaustive listing of biblical cross references available anywhere. Turn to any Bible passage and you will find chapter synopses, key word cross-references, topical references, parallel passages, and illustrative notes that show how the Bible comments on itself. This resource reveals how Scripture interprets itself on every verse, topic and important word: from biblical promises, doctrines and historical issues to prophecies and their fulfillment, supplies lists of verses that shed biblical light on the intent of each passage and dates at the top of each page furnish a chronological framework for biblical people, places and events.Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong. This comes in a few flavours, of which I would recommend either the KJV or NASB editions. This concordance is one of the most accurate, truly exhaustive Strong's, updated by John Kohlenberger along with James Swanson and compiled and verified by computer technology. In this edition, longstanding errors from the original have been corrected and omissions filled in as well as word studies have been simplified and special care has been taken to maximize the thoroughness and ease of use.
Biblical Language Library (4 Volumes). If you are serious about studying Scripture in its original languages, then this is the resource you need! Four classic references are coded to Strong's numbering system, so you do not have to know Hebrew or Greek. All you need is your Strong's Concordance. Set includes: The Englishman's Hebrew Concordance, The Englishman's Greek Concordance, The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew-English Lexicon, and The Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon.
A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs by David W. Bercot. Interest in the ways of the early church has never been more intense. What did early Christians believe about the divinity of Christ? What did they think about resurrection? How did they regard John the Baptist? What were the beliefs of those who sat at the feet of Jesus' disciples? Now, for the first time, a unique dictionary has been developed to furnish ready answers to these questions and others like them. David W. Bercot has painstakingly combed the writings of these early Christian leaders and categorized the heart of their thinking into more than 700 theological, moral, and historical topics to create this book. Wonderfully suited for devotional or thematic study as well as sermon illustration, this resource offers a window into the world of the early church and affords a special opportunity to examine topically the thoughts of men like Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp, who were students of the original apostles, as well as the thoughts of other great lights in the life of the early church such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian. For anyone interested in historic Christianity, this book cannot be overlooked.
Reluctantly...
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson. Readers of the New Testament often encounter quotes or allusions to the Old Testament that may be unfamiliar or obscure. In the Commentary for the New Testament use of the Old Testament, G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson have brought together a distinguished team of scholars to isolate, catalog, and comment on both the obvious Old Testament quotations and the more subtle allusions found in the New Testament. The result is a comprehensive commentary on the Old Testament references that appear from Matthew through Revelation. It is a vital resource for the reference library of every student of the New Testament, and accessible for all who wish to engage in detailed Bible study.Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by Leland Ryken. This unique reference offers an encyclopedic exploration of topics not found in ordinary Bible dictionaries, including images, symbols, motifs, metaphors, and literary patterns of the Bible. With its right-brain (rather than left-brain) approach, this warm and creative study resource examines the artistic expressions that fascinate and puzzle Christians. A great resource for Bible study, teaching, and preaching.
And even more reluctantly (because of proof text methodology and opinionism)...
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry. Avoid the abridged version of this work as much of Henry's gold nuggets are lost. For 300 years, Matthew Henry's Commentary has been a favorite of teachers, preachers, and laypeople. His rich exposition and useful applications are perfect for devotional reading and sermon help.Matthew Poole's Commentary by Matthew Poole. Perhaps the only true rival to Matthew Henry! Charles Spurgeon had this to say, "If I must have only one commentary, and had read Matthew Henry as I have, I do not know but what I should choose Poole. He is a very prudent and judicious commentator...not so pithy and witty by far as Matthew Henry, but he is perhaps more accurate, less a commentator, and more an expositor." A standard for more than 400 years, Poole's insightful commentary continues to be a trusted resource for pastors and laypeople. Offering verse-by-verse exposition, he also includes summaries for each chapter and book, questions and answers, information on cultural context, historical impact, and cross-references. Practical, readable, and applicable.Ryken's Bible Handbook by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James Wilhoit. Go beyond merely reading the Bible, and discover deep treasures with the help of Ryken's Bible Handbook. Whether you are new to Bible study or have read the Scriptures countless times, greater riches are waiting to be unearthed. The background and literary genre of each book will come alive as you gain insight into each book's message and learn methods for analyzing its content. This handbook contains countless applications for life will increase your appreciation for the ways God reveals himself and his character through the Scriptures. Inside you will find maps, charts, and illustrations, a fact sheet for each book, key verses, key doctrines, overviews and main themes, perspectives from theologians, educators, and authors, and a one year Bible-reading plan.The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology by Millard Erickson. Whether you're studying at seminary or in your living room, here's an indispensable resource to keep handy! Newly updated with pertinent ideas and persons from the past 15 years, this second edition retains its emphasis on the first 20 centuries of Christianity. For all your theological questions, Erickson provides clear, succinct definitions and understanding.