Skip to Main Content

Loyola University Chicago Libraries

Theology and Religious Studies

Locate core research resources in theology, religious studies, Biblical studies, and ethics

Defining Terms

A researcher depends on an understanding of several essential terms when engaging in biblical studies:

Exegesis is a "critical interpretation of the biblical text to discover its intended meaning." 

Hermeneutics expands on exegesis by reflecting on the "nature, method, and goals of biblical interpretation."

Criticism consists of "textual, compositional, and historical questions" and provides a foundation for further study. 

Commentary "discusses the biblical text chapter by chapter and verse by verse, lifting up noteworthy phrases for clarification." 

Databases index journal articles as well as other materials which might include books, book chapters, dissertations, or conference proceedings.

Use the Scripture Citation Index in each of these databases to search for journal articles (and other materials) on particular Biblical books, chapters, and verses; note the Scriptures link in the maroon navigation menu at the top of the search screen.

The library collection includes all published ebook editions from these authoritative biblical commentary series.

Other Biblical Commentary Series in Ebook Editions

The library collection includes all published ebook editions from these authoritative biblical commentary series.

Selected Online Reference Sources

Selected Print Reference Sources

Selected Language Resources

The Bible Online

Citing Scripture

All of the major citation styles employ special formats for citing the Bible; this summary provides guidelines and examples.

Find handbooks and other resources for citations generally (MLA, Chicago, Turabian, and APA) on the citing sources page elsewhere in this research guide.

Also consider accessing and downloading the ebook edition of the SBL Handbook of Style (2014).