Using a Study Bible
Before you begin using online tools like Blue Letter Bible, one of the simplest and most helpful resources you can use is a good study Bible.
A study Bible includes the biblical text, but it also includes notes, introductions, maps, charts, timelines, cross-references, and explanations that help you understand what you are reading. These notes are not Scripture, and they should never carry the same authority as Scripture itself. But they can be very helpful guides as you learn to read the Bible with greater understanding.
The study Bible I recommend is the Crossway ESV Study Bible. I use the ESV because it is readable, reliable, and careful with the original languages. A good study Bible helps you slow down and ask better questions as you read.
When you open a study Bible, you will usually see the Bible passage at the top of the page and explanatory notes below it. The notes are often connected to specific verses. As you read, you can pause at a verse, look down at the corresponding note, and see whether the study Bible gives historical background, explains a word, points to another passage, or helps clarify the context.
A few helpful examples of how to use a study Bible are included below, followed by an explanation and exercises for using the Blue Letter Bible.
These are also available on the website by using the QR code below.
Example 1: Use the Study Notes Beneath the Passage
In a typical Study Bible, the Scripture passage is shown at the top of the page, and the study notes are shown below it. Notice how the study note is connected to a specific verse. This is one of the easiest ways to begin using a study Bible: read a few verses, then look beneath the passage to see whether there is a note connected to what you just read.
In Matthew 9:13, Jesus says, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
At first, we may understand the general idea. Jesus is showing mercy to sinners, and the Pharisees do not like it. But the study note helps us see more. It points out that Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6. That means Jesus is not simply making a new statement at that moment. He is calling the Pharisees back to something God had already spoken through the prophet Hosea.
Hosea 6:6 says, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
That context matters. God was rebuking His people for keeping religious practices while their hearts were far from Him. So, when Jesus quotes Hosea, He is exposing the same problem in the Pharisees. They knew the Scriptures, but they were missing the heart of God.
This is one of the first ways a study Bible can help you: it can show you when a New Testament passage is quoting or echoing the Old Testament. When that happens, do not just read the quoted sentence by itself. Turn back to the original passage and ask, “What was happening there? Why would Jesus or the apostles bring that passage into this moment?”
Example 2: Use Notes to Understand the Ancient World
In the picture above, the biblical text is shown at the top, the study note is shown below, and the facing page includes a visual aid. This is another helpful feature of a study Bible. Sometimes a passage becomes clearer when you can see a picture, map, diagram, or reconstruction of something from the ancient world.
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.”
Most modern readers know salt as something cheap, clean, and easy to buy. We may use it to season food, but we probably do not think much about it beyond that. So, when Jesus talks about salt losing its taste and being thrown out, the image may not land with the same force it would have in the first century.
The study note explains the background. In the ancient world, salt was valuable and useful in ways that may not be obvious to us. Some salt could be mixed with other substances, and when exposed to the elements, it could lose its saltiness. Once that happened, it was no longer good for seasoning or preserving and could be thrown onto paths as a coating.
That kind of note helps us see why Jesus’ image would have made sense to His original hearers. He was not using a random illustration. He was using something from daily life to teach His disciples about their calling and witness.
This is another reason study Bibles are helpful. They remind us that the Bible was written in real places, real cultures, and real moments in history. When we understand more about that world, we often understand the passage more clearly.
Example 3: Use Cross-References to Follow the Bible’s Connections
Many study Bibles include cross-references. These are small verse references that point you to other places in the Bible connected to the passage you are reading.
For example, if you are reading Matthew 9:13 and the study Bible points you to Hosea 6:6, that is a cross-reference worth following. It helps you see that Jesus was not speaking in isolation. He was drawing from the Old Testament, and His original hearers would have recognized the connection.
Cross references help us let Scripture interpret Scripture. They show us repeated themes, fulfilled promises, echoes between the Old and New Testament, and connections we might miss if we only read one verse by itself.
You do not need to chase every cross-reference every time you read. But when a verse seems important, confusing, or connected to a larger biblical theme, look up a few of the references and ask, “How does this other passage help me understand what I am reading?”
Example 4: Use Book Introductions Before You Start Reading
Before reading a book of the Bible, take a few minutes to read the introduction in your study Bible. Most study Bibles will give basic information such as the author, audience, date, setting, major themes, and purpose of the book.
This is especially helpful because every book of the Bible was written in a specific context. Romans is not the same kind of writing as Psalms. Genesis is not written the same way as Revelation. The Gospel of Matthew has a different emphasis than the Gospel of John. A book introduction helps you enter the book with better questions.
Before reading, ask:
- Who wrote this?
- Who was the original audience?
- What was happening when this was written?
- What kind of writing is this?
- What are the major themes I should watch for?
You do not need to master all of that before you begin reading. Just let the introduction orient you. It is like looking at a map before starting a journey.
Example 5: Use Maps, Charts, and Timelines to See What Is Happening
Many readers skip the maps and charts, but they can be very helpful.
A map can show you where Abraham traveled, where Israel wandered, where Jesus ministered, or where Paul went on his missionary journeys. A timeline can help you understand whether two prophets lived during the same period or whether one event happened before or after another. A chart can help summarize kings, covenants, feasts, sacrifices, or major themes.
These tools help you see that the Bible is not abstract. It happened in real geography and real history. Sometimes simply knowing where something happened can make the story clearer.
For example, when you read about Jesus traveling through Samaria, a map can help you understand why that route mattered. When you read the prophets, a timeline can help you understand whether they were speaking before, during, or after exile. When you read Acts, a map can help you follow the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to the nations.
A Simple Pattern for Using a Study Bible
A study Bible is a tool, not the final authority. The notes can help you, but they are not inspired in the same way Scripture is inspired. Good notes should send you back into the Bible, not replace your own reading of the Bible.
Try this simple pattern:
- Read the passage first.
- Ask what you notice.
- Look at the study notes.
- Look up important cross-references.
- Return to the passage again.
- Ask what the passage reveals about God, what it meant in context, and how you should respond.
The goal is not just to collect information. The goal is to become a better listener. A study Bible helps you slow down, pay attention, and learn how to read Scripture with humility and care.
Over time, you will begin to recognize patterns. You will see how the Old Testament connects to the New Testament. You will understand why context matters. You will notice repeated words and themes. You will begin to see that the Bible is deeper, richer, and more unified than you may have realized.
And as you learn, keep praying for the Holy Spirit to help you. Study tools can explain background, define words, and point out connections, but the Holy Spirit is the One who opens our hearts to receive the Word rightly. We study with diligence, and we listen with dependence.
Using Blue Letter Bible to Study Hebrew and Greek Words
One of the most helpful ways to slow down with Scripture is to look beneath the English translation and examine the original words behind the text. You do not have to be a Hebrew or Greek scholar to begin doing this. You simply need the right tools, humility, and a willingness to listen carefully.
Throughout this book, we have looked at several Hebrew and Greek words because sometimes a word in the original language carries a depth that one English word cannot fully capture. This does not mean our English Bibles are unreliable. It means Scripture is rich, and careful study can help us see more clearly what the biblical authors were communicating.
One of the easiest free tools for this kind of study is the Blue Letter Bible app, often called BLB.
Blue Letter Bible allows you to read Scripture, compare translations, view cross-references, access commentaries, and study the Hebrew or Greek words behind a passage through its interlinear and concordance tools. This appendix is meant to help you install the app, learn the basic features, and practice studying some of the original-language words highlighted throughout this book.
Getting Started with the Blue Letter Bible App
Begin by downloading the free Blue Letter Bible app from your device’s app store.
Once the app is installed, open it and take a few minutes to set it up. The goal is not to learn every feature at once. Start with the basics: choose your preferred Bible translations, learn how to compare versions, and practice opening the interlinear tool.
Adding Bible Versions
After opening the app, look for the settings icon, which usually looks like a small sprocket or gear. Tap it, then look for an option called Manage Bibles or something similar.
From there, you should be able to download the Bible versions you want to use. Since this book generally uses the ESV, you may want to add it. You may also want to download a few other translations for comparison, such as NASB, NKJV, KJV, CSB, NIV, or NLT.
Different translations serve different purposes. Some stay closer to the wording and sentence structure of the original languages. Others focus more on readability in modern English. Comparing them can help you notice places where a Hebrew or Greek word may have a range of meaning.
For example, one translation may say “made well,” another may say “healed,” and another may say “saved.” When you see differences like that, it is often a good place to slow down and look at the original word.
Use this space to write down the Bible versions you downloaded:
Preferred main translation: _______________________________
Additional translation 1: _______________________________
Additional translation 2: _______________________________
Additional translation 3: _______________________________
Comparing Bible Versions
One helpful feature in the Blue Letter Bible app is the ability to compare translations side by side.
To do this, open a chapter of Scripture and look near the top left of the screen for the icon that looks like two Bibles or two open Bible pages. Tap that icon, and the app should allow you to choose which translations you want to compare.
Select two or more versions and look at the same verse in each one.
When comparing translations, pay attention to repeated ideas and different wording. You are not looking for contradictions. You are learning to notice how translators made decisions. If several translations use slightly different English words, that may be because the original Hebrew or Greek word has a range of meaning.
A good study question to ask is:
“What word or phrase changes from translation to translation, and why might that be?”
Practice: Compare a Verse
Choose one verse from this book or one verse you already know.
Verse reference: _______________________________
Translation 1: _______________________________
How does it translate the key phrase?
Translation 2: _______________________________
How does it translate the key phrase?
Translation 3: _______________________________
How does it translate the key phrase?
What difference did you notice?
What word or phrase might be worth studying in the original language?
How to Find the Original Hebrew or Greek Word
To study a word from a passage, select the book and chapter you want to read. Then scroll to the verse you are interested in and tap on it.
A menu will open with several study options. You may see tools for comparing translations, reading commentaries, viewing cross-references, or opening other study resources. For original-language study, tap Interlinear/Concordance.
This opens a word-by-word breakdown of the verse.
In the Old Testament, the app will show Hebrew words. In the New Testament, it will show Greek words. Each word will usually include the English translation, the original-language form, and a Strong’s reference number.
The Strong’s number is very helpful. It acts like a reference tag for that Hebrew or Greek word. Hebrew words begin with H, and Greek words begin with G. For example, a Hebrew word may have a number like H2009, while a Greek word may have a number like G4982.
When you tap the Strong’s number, BLB will open a deeper word study page. This page may show the word’s pronunciation, root meaning, definitions, how it is translated in the Bible, and other verses where the same word appears.
This is where the study begins to open up.
You are no longer only asking, “What does this English word mean to me?” You are also asking, “How did this word function in Scripture? Where else is it used? What range of meaning does it carry? How does this help me understand the passage more faithfully?”
A Simple Process for Studying a Word
When studying a Hebrew or Greek word, move slowly. The goal is not to find something impressive or force a new interpretation into the text. The goal is to understand Scripture more faithfully.
Start by reading the verse in context. Do not begin with the word study alone. Read the surrounding verses, the paragraph, and, if possible, the chapter.
Then tap the verse and open Interlinear/Concordance. Find the word you want to study and tap the Strong’s number.
Read the basic definition, but do not stop there. Scroll down and notice how the word is translated in other places. Look at several verses where the same word appears.
Then return to your original passage and ask, “How does this help me understand what the author is saying here?”
The final step is prayerful application. Once you understand the passage more clearly, ask the Lord how His Word should shape your thoughts, desires, obedience, worship, or surrender.
Original-language study should not make us proud.
It should make us more careful, humbler, and more responsive to God.
Important Cautions
Original language study is powerful, but it should be handled with care.
A Hebrew or Greek word can have a range of meaning, but that does not mean every possible meaning applies in every verse. Context determines meaning. Just because a word can mean something in one passage does not mean it carries that full meaning everywhere it appears.
Also, do not use Greek or Hebrew to avoid the plain meaning of a passage. The original languages should help clarify Scripture, not give us permission to make the Bible say whatever we want.
Strong’s definitions are helpful, but they are not the same as mastering the language. They are a starting point. Use them with humility. Compare translations. Read context. Look for repeated usage. When possible, consult trustworthy commentaries and study resources.
The goal is not to sound scholarly.
The goal is to listen well.
Practice Exercises
Use the following exercises to become more comfortable studying original-language words in Blue Letter Bible.
Exercise 1: Study a Word from a Familiar Passage
Choose a verse you already love.
Verse reference: _______________________________
Write the verse here:
Now open the verse in BLB, tap it, and select Interlinear/Concordance.
Choose one important word.
English word: _______________________________
Hebrew or Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition:
Find two or three other verses where the word appears.
Verse 1: _______________________________
How is the word translated there?
Verse 2: _______________________________
How is the word translated there?
Verse 3: _______________________________
How is the word translated there?
How does this deepen your understanding of the original passage?
How does this lead you to prayer, worship, repentance, trust, or obedience?
Exercise 2: Compare Translations Before Studying the Word
Choose one verse and compare at least three English translations in BLB.
Verse reference: _______________________________
Translation 1: _______________________________
Key wording:
Translation 2: _______________________________
Key wording:
Translation 3: _______________________________
Key wording:
What differences do you notice?
Which word or phrase do you want to study more closely?
Now open Interlinear/Concordance.
Original word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition:
Why might translators choose different English words here?
How does the context help determine the best meaning?
Exercise 3: Follow a Biblical Theme
Choose one theme from this book, such as mercy, covenant, healing, faith, surrender, glory, witness, altar, or presence.
Theme: _______________________________
Find a verse connected to that theme.
Verse reference: _______________________________
Write the verse here:
Open Interlinear/Concordance and choose one key word.
English word: _______________________________
Hebrew or Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition:
Find two other verses where this same word appears.
Verse 1: _______________________________
What does this verse show about the theme?
Verse 2: _______________________________
What does this verse show about the theme?
How does Scripture develop this theme?
How does this word help me understand God’s character?
How should this shape the way I live?
Exercise 4: Study Before Applying
Choose a passage that speaks directly to your life.
Passage: _______________________________
Before applying it, slow down.
Who wrote this passage?
Who first received it?
What is happening in the passage?
What comes before and after it?
Now choose one key word and study it in BLB.
English word: _______________________________
Hebrew or Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition:
What does the original word add or clarify?
What would faithful application look like today?
This helps protect us from using Scripture carelessly. We do not want to pull verses out of context to support what we already think. We want the Word to form us.
Exercise 5: Build a Word Study Journal
Create a simple journal for Hebrew and Greek words you study.
For each word, record the passage, English word, original word, Strong’s number, simple definition, other verses, what you learned, and how it leads you to prayer or obedience.
Word Study Journal Template
Passage: _______________________________
English word: _______________________________
Hebrew or Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Simple definition:
Other verses where this word appears:
What did I learn?
How does this help me understand the passage?
How does this lead me to prayer, worship, repentance, trust, obedience, or surrender?
Interactive Word Study Examples
The following examples will walk you through the process step by step. Do not rush. The point is not only to find a definition. The point is to let Scripture become clearer and more personal as you study.
Example 1: Mercy in Matthew 9:13
Jesus says:
Matthew 9:13: “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
This is a beautiful place to begin because Jesus is confronting religious leaders who knew Scripture but were missing the heart of God.
Step 1: Open the Passage
Open the Blue Letter Bible app.
Go to:
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Compare Translations
Use the Bible comparison feature and read Matthew 9:13 in at least two translations.
Translation 1: _______________________________
How does it translate the word mercy?
Translation 2: _______________________________
How does it translate the word mercy?
Translation 3: _______________________________
How does it translate the word mercy?
Did the translations use the same word or different words?
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap Matthew 9:13, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word translated mercy.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
In this verse, the Greek word is eleos. It speaks of mercy, compassion, and kindness toward someone in need. It is not cold religious tolerance. It carries the sense of compassion that moves toward the afflicted with a desire to help.
Step 4: Look at Other Uses
Scroll down and find two or three other verses where this word is used.
Verse 1: _______________________________
How is the word translated there?
Verse 2: _______________________________
How is the word translated there?
Verse 3: _______________________________
How is the word translated there?
Step 5: Return to Matthew 9:13
Now read Matthew 9:13 again.
What was Jesus showing the Pharisees?
How does the meaning of eleos deepen your understanding of Jesus’ words?
Prayerful reflection:
Where might I be more committed to being right than being merciful?
Example 2: Salvation and Wholeness — Sozo
The Greek word sozo is often translated as “save,” but in the New Testament it can also carry the sense of rescue, healing, deliverance, or being made well depending on the context.
A helpful passage to study is Luke 8:48, where Jesus speaks to the woman who touched the hem of His garment.
Luke 8:48: “And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Compare Translations
Read Luke 8:48 in two or three translations.
Translation 1: _______________________________
How does it translate the phrase “made you well”?
Translation 2: _______________________________
How does it translate that phrase?
Translation 3: _______________________________
How does it translate that phrase?
What differences do you notice?
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap Luke 8:48, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the phrase translated made you well, healed, or saved.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Greek word sozo.
This does not mean every use of sozo should automatically be translated “healed” or “made whole.” Context matters. But it does show that salvation in Scripture is not thin. Jesus does not merely forgive from a distance. His saving work restores, rescues, heals, delivers, and makes whole.
Step 4: Look at Other Uses
Find three other places where sozo appears.
Verse 1: _______________________________
How is sozo translated there?
Verse 2: _______________________________
How is sozo translated there?
Verse 3: _______________________________
How is sozo translated there?
Step 5: Reflect
In Luke 8, what kind of “saving” did this woman experience?
How does this help you understand the saving work of Jesus?
Prayerful reflection:
Where do I need to receive the saving work of Jesus not only as forgiveness, but as restoration?
Example 3: Transformation — Metamorphoō
In Romans 12:2, Paul writes:
Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Compare Translations
Read Romans 12:2 in two or three translations.
Translation 1: _______________________________
How does it translate “transformed”?
Translation 2: _______________________________
How does it translate this word?
Translation 3: _______________________________
How does it translate this word?
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap Romans 12:2, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word translated “transformed”.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Greek word metamorphoō. This word is connected to transformation. It is the same word family from which we get the English idea of metamorphosis.
Step 4: Follow the Word
Look for other places where this word appears in the New Testament.
Verse 1: _______________________________
What is happening in that passage?
Verse 2: _______________________________
What is happening in that passage?
One important connection is 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul speaks of believers being transformed as they behold the glory of the Lord. This helps us see that biblical transformation is deeper than behavior modification. God is not merely asking us to try harder. He is forming us from the inside out by His Spirit.
Step 5: Reflect
How does metamorphoō deepen your understanding of Romans 12:2?
Where have I been trying to manage behavior when God is inviting deeper transformation?
Example 4: “Here I Am” — Hineni
The Hebrew word hineni is often translated “Here I am.”
It appears in important moments of response to God. Abraham says it. Moses says it. Samuel says it. Isaiah says it. The word carries more than the idea of physical location. It expresses availability, attentiveness, and readiness to respond.
A helpful place to study is 1 Samuel 3:4.
1 Samuel 3:4: “Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Read the Context
Before opening the interlinear tool, read 1 Samuel 3:1–10.
Who is calling Samuel?
Does Samuel understand at first?
Who helps Samuel discern the voice of the Lord?
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap 1 Samuel 3:4, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the phrase Here I am.
Hebrew word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
Step 4: Look for Other Uses
Find another place where this Hebrew word or phrase appears.
Verse 1: _______________________________
Who says, “Here I am”?
What is happening in the passage?
Verse 2: _______________________________
Who says, “Here I am”?
What is happening in the passage?
Step 5: Reflect
Hineni is relational. Samuel is not merely announcing where he is. He is responding to a voice. He is present. He is available.
How does this connect to altar life?
Prayerful reflection:
Where is God inviting me to answer Him with hineni?
Example 5: Adversary — Antidikos
In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter writes:
1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Read the Context
Read 1 Peter 5:6–11.
What does Peter tell believers to do before warning them about the adversary?
What promise does Peter give after warning them?
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap 1 Peter 5:8, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word translated adversary.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Greek word antidikos. This word can carry legal language, referring to an opponent in a lawsuit or an accuser.
Step 4: Connect the Theme
Read Revelation 12:10–11.
How is Satan described in Revelation 12:10?
How do believers overcome in Revelation 12:11?
Step 5: Reflect
This does not mean every struggle should be treated as a legal case in the courts of heaven. Wisdom and discernment are still needed. But the word helps us see why confession, repentance, forgiveness, and agreement with God’s truth are so powerful. The enemy’s accusations lose their authority where the blood of Jesus has answered them.
Prayerful reflection:
Where have I been living under accusation instead of agreeing with the verdict of Christ?
Example 6: Opportunity or Foothold — Topos
In Ephesians 4:26–27, Paul writes:
Ephesians 4:26–27: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Compare Translations
Read Ephesians 4:27 in two or three translations.
Translation 1: _______________________________
How does it translate the key word?
Translation 2: _______________________________
How does it translate the key word?
Translation 3: _______________________________
How does it translate the key word?
You may see words like opportunity, place, foothold, or room.
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap Ephesians 4:27, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word translated opportunity, place, or foothold.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Greek word topos. Topos can refer to a place, space, opportunity, or occasion.
Step 4: Reflect on the Context
In the surrounding verses, what issue is Paul addressing?
Why might unresolved anger give “place” or “opportunity” to the enemy?
Prayerful reflection:
Is there any place where unresolved anger has been given too much room in my life?
Example 7: Blameless and Upright — Tam and Yashar
In Job 1:8, the Lord describes Job this way:
Job 1:8: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap Job 1:8, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word blameless.
Hebrew word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
Now find the word upright.
Hebrew word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
The Hebrew word translated blameless is often connected to completeness, integrity, or wholeness. The word translated upright carries the idea of being straight or right.
Together, these words do not mean Job was sinless in the absolute sense. They point to integrity, alignment, and a life oriented toward God rather than crookedness or rebellion.
Step 3: Reflect
How does this description of Job help you understand spiritual integrity?
Where is God inviting me into greater integrity and alignment?
Example 8: Turn Away — Sur
Job is also described as one who “turns away from evil.”
Step 1: Stay in Job 1:8
Find the phrase turns away.
Hebrew word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Hebrew word sur. This word can mean to turn aside, depart, remove, or avoid.
Job did not merely dislike evil in theory. He turned away from it.
Step 2: Reflect
Why is it important not only to dislike evil, but to turn away from it?
Temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted and remained without sin. But maturity learns not to entertain what should be rejected. The altar life teaches us to turn from what enslaves and turn toward the Lord.
Prayerful reflection:
What do I need to stop entertaining and start turning away from?
Example 9: Father — Patēr
When Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, He begins with Father.
Matthew 6:9: “Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap Matthew 6:9, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word Father.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Greek word patēr.
Step 3: Reflect
This word reminds us that prayer begins in relationship. Before we come to God with requests, warfare, questions, or assignments, we come to Him as Father. He is not distant, reluctant, or indifferent. Jesus teaches us to pray from the place of belonging.
How does beginning prayer with “Father” shape the rest of the prayer?
Prayerful reflection:
Do I approach God first as Father, or do I approach Him mainly as a worker trying to prove myself?
Example 10: Friend — Philos
In John 15:15, Jesus says:
John 15:15: “No longer do I call you servants…but I have called you friends…”
Step 1: Open the Passage
Book: _______________________________
Chapter: _______________________________
Verse: _______________________________
Step 2: Read the Context
Read John 15:12–17.
What command does Jesus give His disciples?
What does Jesus say about love?
What does Jesus say He has made known to His disciples?
Step 3: Open Interlinear/Concordance
Tap John 15:15, then tap Interlinear/Concordance.
Find the word friends.
Greek word: _______________________________
Strong’s number: _______________________________
Basic definition or meaning:
You should find the Greek word philos.
This word speaks of friendship, affection, and beloved companionship. Jesus is not removing obedience from the relationship. He is deepening the relationship. A servant may obey without understanding the heart of the master, but Jesus brings His disciples into friendship by revealing what He has heard from the Father.
Step 4: Reflect
How does Jesus define friendship in this passage?
How does friendship with Jesus deepen obedience rather than weaken it?
Prayerful reflection:
Where do I need to let Jesus move me from distant service into deeper friendship?
Final Encouragement
Blue Letter Bible is not meant to replace prayer, the local church, wise teachers, or faithful Bible reading. It is a tool. But used well, it can help you slow down and see things you might otherwise miss.
The goal is not to collect Hebrew and Greek words so we can sound spiritual.
The goal is recognition of how He was speaking at the time when the things recorded were happening.
We begin to recognize the richness of Scripture. We recognize patterns in God’s Word. We recognize how deeply the biblical story is connected. Most importantly, we recognize the God who speaks.
Original language study should lead us back to the altar.
Not to pride or argument, and not to information alone.
But to worship, humility, obedience, and deeper relationship with the Lord.