Basic Biblical Exposition Tools: 9 Tools to Utilize

One too to use is the English Dictionary in order to make sure you have understood the Bible version which you are using, as well as that your words are in the right places, so that you can communicate accurate definitions.

(b) Exhaustive Bible Concordance

Another tool is the Bible Concordance to show you how a word is used in its context, and also to show you how that word in the Biblical language is translated by other words in the places in which the translator feels there is a variation of meaning.

(c) Bible Dictionary or Bible Encyclopedia

Bible Dictionaries can be used when in need of a short scholarly article concerning a particular subject. Likewise, you can use a Bible Encyclopedia when in need of an exhaustive scholarly article concerning a particular subject.

(d) Bible Commentary

Bible Commentaries can be used whenever you're in need of the opinions of learned men concerning difficult, stressful, or unlearned passages; also, simply to see if your ending exposition makes the most sense according to Scripture. If a commentator is able to rip your exposition apart, then you probably need to change your exposition.

(e) Systematic Theology

Systematic Theology books can be used whenever the subject or complement of the passage you're expositing deals with a doctrinal issue which needs to be solidified, or explained in more detail. If the goal is an exhaustive or concise resource, then Systematic Theology books are great, for you are able to use the work of learned men to shorten your preparation time.

(f) Bible Atlas or Geography

Bible Atlas or Geographies can be used in order to associate places and historical trends with the Bible text that you're expositing; as well as, to visualize cultural, geographical, and environmental relationships.

(g) Bible Lexicons or Word Study Books

If you don't know the original Biblical languages, you can use Lexicons as limited helps. My focus is more on the use of Word Study books, for they form a bridge between a Concordance and Lexicon. Though I seek to use Lexicons, whenever a dead end emerges, a Word Study book will form the bridge over it.

(h) Bible Histories

Bible History books can be used to compare the history of the passage which you're expositing to other Bible events, as well as to secular histories.

(i) Special Biblical Studies

Special Biblical Studies can be used whenever you haven't fully comprehended the passage which you're expositing. Basically, when there is still some doubt after using the above tools, then you need to find entire books which deal with the subject matter at hand.