<jats:p><jats:bold>Abstract: </jats:bold> Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a non‐invasive technique, which allows the study of cellular biochemistry and metabolism. It is a diverse research tool, widely used by biochemists to investigate pathophysiological processes <jats:italic>in vitro</jats:italic> and, more recently, by physicians to determine disease abnormalities <jats:italic>in vivo</jats:italic>. This article reviews the basics of the NMR phenomenon and summarises previous research on the hepatobiliary system using both laboratory‐based and clinical methodologies. The role of proton and phosphorus‐31 (<jats:sup>31</jats:sup>P) NMR spectroscopy in the study of malignant and non‐malignant liver disease and studies of bile composition are discussed. <jats:italic>In vivo</jats:italic> techniques (magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRS) can be performed as an adjunct to standard MR examination of the liver. Although still primarily a research tool, the <jats:italic>in vivo</jats:italic> technique provides non‐invasive biochemical information on disease severity and holds promise in its use to gauge response to treatment regimens.