How to do a Bible Word Study on Biblical Languages

In this article I will give you a basic guideline on how to do a Bible word study on any verse by looking into its original languages. You don’t need to be fluent in either Greek or Hebrew to get a better understanding of Scripture. The best way to do this is using an interlinear Bible (this is a great tool to have if you prefer physical and non electronic version while you study) which can be purchased here for the New Testament and here for the Old Testament. But for this article I will show you how to access an interlinear tool online for free. My favorite online Interlinear tool is Blueletterbible.org.

Use BlueLetterBible.org to Look Up a Hebrew or Greek Word

Studying the Bible in its original languages can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the scriptures. BlueLetterBible.org is an excellent online resource that provides tools to look up Hebrew and Greek words. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to use Blue Letter Bible (BLB) for your word studies.

Step 1: Navigate to BlueLetterBible.org

Start by opening your web browser and go to BlueLetterBible.org. The homepage has a search bar where you can enter a Bible reference or a keyword.

Step 2: Search for a Bible Verse

To begin a word study, you’ll need to search for a specific Bible verse. Enter the reference in the search bar (e.g., John 1:1) and press Enter or click the search icon. This will take you to a page displaying the verse in your selected translation.

Step 3: Access the Interlinear Tool

Once you have your verse, look for the tools button to the left of the verse. Click on it, and a menu of study tools will appear. Select the “Interlinear” option. This tool breaks down the verse into its original Hebrew or Greek words.

Step 4: View the Original Language

In the Interlinear view, you’ll see the verse broken down into its original words. Each word is listed along with its transliteration, English translation, and Strong’s number. The Strong’s number is a unique identifier for each Hebrew or Greek word, making it easy to study that word across different contexts.

Step 5: Explore the Word Study

Click on the Strong’s number for the word you’re interested in. This will take you to a detailed page about that word, including:

• Definition: The basic meaning of the word in Hebrew or Greek.
• Pronunciation: An audio clip to hear how the word is pronounced.
• Root Word: The origin of the word, if applicable.
• Occurrences: Other places in the Bible where this word appears, helping you understand its usage and context.
• Thayer’s and Gesenius’ Lexicons: These provide in-depth definitions and explanations.

Step 6: Study the Context

Review the information provided to get a deeper understanding of the word’s meaning and how it’s used in different verses. This can reveal nuances and insights that are not always apparent in the English translation.

Step 7: Additional Resources

Blue Letter Bible also offers various other tools and resources. For example, you can access commentaries, dictionaries, and more by using the study tools menu on the verse page.

Tips for Effective Word Studies

• Take Notes: Keep a journal of your findings to reference later.
• Cross-Reference: Look at how the word is used in other verses to get a fuller picture.
• Consult Multiple Sources: Use lexicons and other commentaries available on BLB for a well-rounded study.

Conclusion

BlueLetterBible.org is a powerful tool for anyone looking to delve deeper into the original languages of the Bible. By following these steps, you can conduct thorough word studies that enrich your understanding of the scriptures. Happy studying!

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or need further guidance on using Blue Letter Bible. Stay tuned for future articles on specific translations and advanced Bible study techniques!