What is an Interlinear Bible?
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This video explains: What an Interlinear Bible is, how it aligns original Hebrew or Greek text with English translations, how to use it for deeper Bible study and word meaning discovery, why it’s helpful for pastors, students, and everyday believers seeking to better understand Scripture. Whether you're exploring the original Greek of the New Testament or tracing a Hebrew word in the Old Testament, an interlinear Bible is one of the best tools for going beyond the surface of your Bible reading.
What exactly is an interlinear Bible?
An interlinear Bible is a study tool that places the original biblical languages, Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament, side by side with a direct, word-for-word English translation. It’s not designed for devotional reading or casual use, but rather for in-depth study and exploration of the Scriptures.
Each line in an interlinear Bible typically includes:
The original Hebrew or Greek word
A transliteration of that word using the English alphabet
A literal English translation of the word or phrase
This format allows readers to closely examine the original language structure and compare it with modern English translations.
What is an interlinear Bible used for?
Interlinear Bibles are made to help people study the original biblical languages, understand the nuances of word choice and grammar, and compare English translations more accurately.
So if you’ve ever asked:
“Why does one Bible say servant and another say slave?” or,
“How can I know what Jesus really meant in a certain verse?”
An interlinear Bible gives you a peek behind the translation curtain.
Here’s why many serious Bible students and teachers use interlinear Bibles:
To analyze how words were originally written and used
To see how translations differ and why
To clarify challenging or controversial passages
To better understand biblical context and intent
It’s especially helpful for those who want to go beyond surface-level reading and engage Scripture on a more technical, language-based level.
How do you read an interlinear Bible?
This can feel intimidating at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Start small — pick a well-known verse like John 3:16. You’ll see the original Greek, the transliteration in English letters, and the direct English translation.
Important tips:
Ancient Hebrew and Greek don't follow English grammar rules, so the phrasing may seem weird.
Use other tools like commentaries or study Bibles for deeper insight.
What manuscripts does an interlinear Bible use?
Most are based on:
The Masoretic Text for the Old Testament
The Textus Receptus for the New Testament
Is an interlinear Bible accurate?
Yes, when used appropriately. An interlinear Bible offers raw, unfiltered access to the original text, avoiding the interpretive decisions made by translators. However, it's not a substitute for contextual study or the insights of trained scholars. For example, even highly accurate English Bibles like the NASB or ESV involve interpretation. An interlinear Bible bypasses that and lets you see the direct source.
Who uses an interlinear Bible?
Interlinear Bibles are ideal for:
Seminary students
Bible study teachers
Pastors and preachers wanting deeper clarity on key terms
Serious believers exploring Scripture at a deeper level
Anyone learning biblical Hebrew or Greek
You don’t need a theology degree. Just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to understand the Bible more clearly.
Should you try it out?
God’s Word is living, active, and trustworthy in every language. But when we explore Scripture in its original form, we often uncover rich meaning and depth that can be missed in translation. Whether you’re preparing a sermon, leading a Bible study, or digging into a verse that has always puzzled you, the interlinear Bible is a powerful and precise tool. If you're ready to explore for yourself, try ours.
