75% of Psalms are 1 of three main types: lament, thanksgiving or praise. Here is the general form for Thanksgiving psalms.
Understanding Thanksgiving Psalms
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04 Bible Study 101
Basics of Bible Interpretation: Stop Guessing, Read Right
If you’re looking for a refresher course on how to study the Bible or want to start learning, Bob Smith’s Basics of Bible Interpretation is still a good choice.
Stop Believing These 5 Myths about your Bible
What do you believe about your English translation of the Bible? Here are 5 ideas you should NOT hold.
Bible Study Disagreements: 2 Fixable Causes and How to Promote Understanding
Why do we have so much interpretative disagreement over the meaning of the Bible? Two explanations: one we can solve and one we can’t.
When to Use Commentaries (and When Not To)
Commentaries can kick-start your thinking when you hit a dead end but should not be a substitute for your own work. Here’s my two rules of thumb.
Why Every Bible Student Should Use an Encyclopedia
Multi-volume encyclopedias are good sources for historical and biblical themes. But background information does not impose meaning.
What’s the Difference Between a Bible Lexicon and Dictionary?
Lexicons & dictionaries can reveal what might be “lost in translation” but they also tempt us to fall into the trap of “I learned a fact about a word and I must use it.”
Unlock Scripture with a Concordance: The Bible Study Tool You Need
A concordance is an organized list of all the biblical texts which contain a given word. Concordances allow you to broaden your understanding of how a word is used and its range of meanings.
30 Tips to Improve your Bible Study
Improve your spiritual life with 30 Bible study tips; practical methods to deepen understanding, boost consistency, and grow closer to God.
Maps for Bible Study: Visual Tools That Illuminate Scripture
Bible Maps. Access to geographical information about the ancient near east will improve your Bible Study. Here’s where to find good maps.
How to Choose a Bible
Not sure which Bible to read? Learn the difference between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase translations—and which one is best for study and devotion.
Before You Study: 6 Convictions to Bring to the Bible
How do you know if you’ve successfully understood a passage of Scripture? Start by understanding and embracing these basic interpretative convictions.