I wanted to share my top 5 favorite books with short and sweet reviews about Hermeneutics and Bible Study! All of them are in plain english, easy to understand, and not overwhelming. And most of them are short and sweet, averaging about 100 pages!

I learned quite a few new things from each book and I take what I have learned with me into my own Bible Study time. Perhaps they will benefit you in the same way?!

1. Knowable Word by Peter Krol

I stumbled upon Knowable Word when collecting a free box of books from an acquaintance. It was in the box of books and it was like finding a treasure among the others. It explains the inductive bible study method (OIA) so well and so clearly and in a short amount of time. He answers the question, “Why Study the Bible?” In chapter 1,  breaks down each step of the inductive method in subsequent chapters, then brings it all together with the last chapter, “The Unity of the Whole.”

“Its [Knowable Word’s] primary purpose is not to tell you what the Bible says, and with few exceptions it will not serve up gems mined by others. Instead, it will point you to the seam, hand you the tools you’ll need, and teach you the best way to extract the endless riches of Scripture.” -Peter Krol, Knowable Word, Chapter 1, Why Study the Bible?

2. Before You Open Your Bible by Matt Smethurst

I first heard about Before You Open Your Bible via Amy Gannet and I ordered it right away! It highlights nine heart postures we can cultivate as we approach God’s Word. He describes approaching the Bible prayerfully, humbly, and desperately, just to name a few. I was encouraged and challenged by each heart posture that he unpacks.

“Your Bible is a bottomless treasure chest of beauty and wonder, strength and joy. May you approach it for the rest of your days as if that’s true, because it is.” -Matt Smethurst, Before You Open Your Bible, Conclusion, Seeing God with Your Ears

3. How to Eat Your Bible by Nate Pickowicz

I can’t remember where I first heard of How to Eat Your Bible, but I do know I was immediately intrigued by the title. As believers, we do not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord (Deut. 8:3). I think it is good that we learn how to eat His Word if we are to live on it. This book helps with that!

“And as we work our way through this book, my prayer for you is that your heart would ignite for the Lord, that your desire for His Word would consume your waking thoughts, and that your love for Christ would abound in all joy and thanksgiving“. -Nate Pickowicz, How to Eat Your Bible, Chapter 1, Starving for the Word

4. How to Study the Bible by Robert M. West

This little book, How to Study the Bible, is a great overview on how to study the Bible in general. The author touches on preparing our hearts, how to interpret, examines a few different study methods, and more. He keeps things simple, encouraging, and tells great stories along the way. 

“My hope and prayer is that through reading this book, you’ll be encouraged to become one of those believers who is taught by God, learning His Word and receiving the special blessings He’s reserved for you.” -Robert M. West, How the Study the Bible, Introduction  

5. Know Your Bible by Paul Kent

Know Your Bible is more of a reference book, able to be visited time and again as you study different books fo the Bible. It contains 66 mini overviews of each book of the Bible. Each overview covers the author, date, gives a brief summary, shares key verses, and more!

“Through sixty-six separate books, 1,189 chapters, and hundreds of thousands of words, the Bible shares one extraordinary message: God loves you.” -Paul Kent, Know Your Bible, Introduction 

I hope you found this post helpful and pray that your time spent reading and studying God’s Word brings joy to your heart. 

For further reading on how to study the Bible, check out the last post, Hermeneutics and the Inductive Bible Study Method Made SIMPLE!.

~Katie