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Have you ever wanted to find every place the Bible uses the word ‘grace,’ or understand what a Greek word in John 3:16 really means? That’s where a concordance and a few trusted study tools come in. These resources have helped ordinary believers dig into Scripture for over a century.
This guide covers the most useful tools for a home Bible study shelf: concordances, expository dictionaries, Bible dictionaries, atlases, and handbooks. You don’t need them all. Start with one or two that match your questions, and grow your library over time.
Our Picks at a Glance
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: word studies in the King James Version
- The ESV Exhaustive Concordance: word searches in the ESV
- Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: understanding key biblical words
- Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary: people, places and ideas of the Bible
- Holman Bible Atlas: geography and history of the Bible
- Halley’s Bible Handbook: a book-by-book overview
1. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
Best for: word studies in the King James Version
James Strong’s concordance, first published in 1890, lists every word in the KJV and every verse where it appears. Its famous numbering system links each English word to the original Hebrew or Greek, and those ‘Strong’s numbers’ are still used in many apps and lexicons today. Newer editions such as the ‘New Strong’s Expanded’ include updated dictionaries.
Pros
- Truly exhaustive
- Strong’s numbers unlock Hebrew and Greek
- Time-tested and widely referenced
Cons
- Based on the KJV
- Large and heavy
Who it’s for: KJV readers and anyone wanting to begin original-language word studies.
View Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible on Amazon
2. The ESV Exhaustive Concordance
Best for: word searches in the ESV
Crossway’s exhaustive concordance does for the ESV what Strong’s did for the KJV, listing every occurrence of words in the English Standard Version and linking to original-language numbers.
Pros
- Matches the ESV text
- Includes original-language references
- Comprehensive
Cons
- Very large volume
- Less familiar numbering to some users
Who it’s for: ESV readers who want precise word searches.
View The ESV Exhaustive Concordance on Amazon
3. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
Best for: understanding key biblical words
Vine’s explains the meaning of important Hebrew and Greek words for readers with no language training. It’s an ideal companion to Strong’s, turning a list of verses into real understanding.
Pros
- Accessible explanations of original words
- Keyed to Strong’s numbers
- Classic reference
Cons
- Some older scholarship
- Doesn’t cover every word
Who it’s for: Lay readers who want word meanings without learning Greek.
View Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words on Amazon
4. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Best for: people, places and ideas of the Bible
A Bible dictionary gives articles on everything from ‘Abraham’ to ‘Zion.’ The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary includes full-color photos, maps, and charts, making background study engaging.
Pros
- Thousands of articles
- Excellent visuals
- Readable for all ages
Cons
- Large and heavy
- Some articles brief
Who it’s for: Families and small-group leaders who want quick, reliable background.
View Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary on Amazon
5. Holman Bible Atlas
Best for: geography and history of the Bible
Understanding where events happened makes Scripture come alive. The Holman Bible Atlas traces biblical history with maps, photographs, and clear explanations—from the patriarchs to Paul’s journeys.
Pros
- Clear maps and timelines
- Explains historical context
- Great for visual learners
Cons
- Specialized use
- Not a word-study tool
Who it’s for: Readers who want to ‘see’ the land of the Bible.
View Holman Bible Atlas on Amazon
6. Halley’s Bible Handbook
Best for: a book-by-book overview
A long-time favorite, Halley’s Bible Handbook walks through every book of the Bible with summaries, background, and archaeology notes. It’s a wonderful first reference for new believers.
Pros
- Simple, book-by-book format
- Accessible
- Great first study tool
Cons
- Less depth than commentaries
- Some notes general
Who it’s for: New believers and anyone wanting a reliable overview of Scripture.
View Halley’s Bible Handbook on Amazon
Buying Guide
Match the tool to your translation
Use Strong’s for the KJV, the ESV Exhaustive Concordance for the ESV, and NIV editions for the NIV.
Concordance vs. dictionary vs. handbook
A concordance finds words; a dictionary explains topics; a handbook surveys books; an atlas shows places. Pick based on your questions.
Print or digital?
Free tools like Blue Letter Bible put Strong’s numbers online, but many people retain more using print. A printed reference on your desk invites slower study.
Avoid word-study pitfalls
A word’s meaning depends on context. Don’t read every possible meaning into each occurrence. Let the passage guide the definition.
A simple word-study method
Pick one key word from your passage, such as ‘abide’ in John 15. Look it up in your concordance and list where else it appears. Note the Strong’s number and read the definition in Vine’s. Then return to your passage and ask how the other uses illuminate this one. Finally, check a Bible dictionary for any background on the people or places involved. Write a short summary in your own words. This four-step rhythm of find, define, compare, and summarize turns reference books into a living conversation with Scripture, and it takes only twenty to thirty minutes.
Build slowly
A Bible, a concordance, and a dictionary are enough for years of fruitful study.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an exhaustive and a compact concordance?
An exhaustive concordance lists every occurrence of every word; a compact or concise concordance lists only key words and selected verses. Compact versions are lighter, but can leave gaps in serious word studies.
Can I use these tools with a Bible app?
Yes. Many apps include Strong’s numbers, and print tools and apps complement each other well.
What is a Bible concordance?
An index of words in the Bible showing every verse where each word appears.
Is Strong’s Concordance still useful?
Yes. Its numbering system remains the standard in many study tools and apps.
Do I need to know Greek or Hebrew?
No. Tools like Vine’s and Strong’s are designed for readers without language training.
What’s the best first study tool?
A Bible handbook or Bible dictionary is the easiest starting point; add a concordance when you begin word studies.
A Closing Word
The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). These tools are simply shovels for that same holy digging. Use them with prayer and humility, and you’ll find treasure on every page.