The Bible Gateway(TM) is
a service of Gospel Communications Network (Gospelcom)
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SEARCHING INSTRUCTIONS
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Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified)
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, Amplified)
The Bible has a fascinating history. It is compiled from documents written by over 40 authors during a time period spanning over a thousand years and covering an even longer period. The original documents were written in three languages and have since been translated into hundreds of languages, many of which can be read online.
The English Bible itself has many versions, each providing a slightly different interpretation of the original documents. Translation from one language (such as Hebrew or Greek) to another (such as English) can present a number of problems. Some words do not have equivalent words in the English language, and these must be translated based on contextual clues. Other words may have multiple meanings, and these must also be translated using contextual information. To further complicate the problem, versions of the English Bible may be based on the original Hebrew and Greek texts or on other English translations and may also reflect the translator's bias concerning the meaning of particular passages.
The effects of translation errors and personal bias can be far-reaching. Marvin Hunt's article, "Moses with Horns" illustrates what can happen when a passage is translated incorrectly.
One solution to the problems which can occur because of translation difficulties is to study more than one version of the Bible. This can now be done online using tools which allow for searching for a passage which can then be read in several versions of English or even in another language. The best of such tools is the Bible Gateway. For your convenience, a Bible Gateway search box is included on this page. The results will be displayed in a new window.
At times, a specific occasion or the reason for study may provide some indicator of which version is best to use. Marvin Hunt's article, "Which Version of the Bible Should You Use," provides a wealth of information about various English translations and their usage for academic study or devotional purposes.
Marvin Hunt's article, "How and Why to Study the Bible" provides some additional suggestions which may be especially helpful for new believers.
The Bible is not only a compilation of works by many authors; it is also a compilation of different types of documents. It contains historical accounts, guidance for the government of Israel, poetry and lyrics, instruction for churches, and prophecy. For more in-depth study of these literary forms and suggestions for studying them appropriately, I suggest Gordon D. Fee's book, How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth.
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For a more advanced study, use this tool to find passages with commentary references and other study helps.
As I have studied and grown in my faith and relationship with God, gaining an accurate understanding of the Bible has become increasingly important to me. One of my deepest desires has always been to learn Hebrew and Greek. In September, 2006, I enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Anderson University. During the summer of 2007, I studied Hebrew using a number of resources to provide access to Hebrew text in braille. Read about my experience and some ideas for accessible Hebrew study here. I hope to someday do the same with Greek.
By using the link below, you can donate specifically for this cause. All donations received via this link will assist with funding my living expenses while I am in seminary. These funds help to purchase vitamin and mineral supplements which are vital to my health and are not funded by my insurance. Since I am on immunosuppressant therapy, caring for myself nutritionally is vital to my ability to remain in school and do well.
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