Starting to study the Bible can feel intimidating. There are so many versions, apps, and resources out there—where do you even begin? The truth is, you don’t need everything. You just need a few simple tools that will help you understand Scripture clearly and apply it to your daily life.

That’s why I put together this guide to the 10 best Bible study tools for beginners in 2025. These are the tools I’d recommend to anyone who wants to go deeper in God’s Word, without getting overwhelmed.

1. A Solid Study Bible

If you only buy one resource, make it a good study Bible. You get the text of Scripture plus helpful notes, maps, and book introductions all in one.

• Best Overall: ESV Study Bible (trusted scholarship, detailed notes)

• Best Readable Option: NIV Study Bible (clear and beginner-friendly)

👉 A study Bible saves you from constantly Googling every question—you’ll have answers right on the page.

2. A Reliable Bible Translation

Some Bibles are easier to read, others stick closely to the original languages. I recommend using two translations side by side.

• Readable: NLT Bible

• Study-focused: ESV Bible or CSB Bible

👉 This way you’ll catch both the meaning and the richness of the text.

3. Bible App (Free)

A Bible app puts Scripture in your pocket wherever you go.

• Top Pick: YouVersion Bible App (free, endless reading plans)

• Runner-up: ESV Bible App (clean, focused design)

👉 Many apps include audio Bibles, perfect for commutes or workouts.

4. A Journal or Notebook

Writing down what you read helps you process and remember.

• Simple Option: Classic Moleskine Journal

• Specialized Option: Bible Study Journal with space for prayer and notes

👉 Your journal becomes a record of your spiritual growth.

5. Bible Highlighting & Marking Tools

Color coding helps you spot themes and truths quickly.

• Best Pick: Mr. Pen Bible Highlighters (no-bleed)

👉 Create your own system (ex: blue for promises, yellow for commands, green for God’s character).

6. A Concordance

A concordance helps you find where words appear in the Bible.

• Beginner Option: Mini-concordance in most study Bibles

• Advanced Option: Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

👉 Perfect for word studies and cross-references.

7. A Bible Dictionary

When you run into words like “atonement” or “covenant,” a dictionary clears it up.

• Best Choice: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

👉 Think of it as your go-to glossary for tricky Bible terms.

8. Online Commentaries

Commentaries explain the Bible verse by verse.

• Free Option: Enduring Word Commentary (David Guzik)

• Paid Option: NIV Application Commentary

👉 Start free, then invest in a set as you grow.

9. Bible Software

Digital tools combine commentaries, dictionaries, maps, and more.

• Best for Beginners: Logos Basic (Free Download)

👉 Even the free version gives you powerful study resources at your fingertips.

10. A Reading Plan + Community

The best study happens with structure and accountability.

• Try This: Join a 30-day Gospel plan on YouVersion with a friend

• Or download a printable plan and stick it in your Bible

👉 Studying with others keeps you consistent and opens your eyes to new insights.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a shelf full of commentaries or a seminary degree to study the Bible well. Start with a study Bible, a good translation, and a notebook. Add tools like a dictionary or software as you grow.

The goal isn’t just information—it’s transformation. These tools help you not just know Scripture, but love the God who wrote it.