Bible study can seem daunting, especially when confronted with ancient languages, unfamiliar cultures, and symbolic texts. It’s easy to feel lost and confused. However, the Bible is more than just a collection of stories and rules; it’s God’s Word, a message of love and salvation intended for each of us. By studying Scripture, we participate in this divine narrative. Even when questions arise, we can trust that God is present, drawing us closer and offering restoration.
Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to refresh your approach, this guide provides practical advice, effective methods, and helpful resources to enhance your Bible study experience.
Where to Begin Your Bible Study Journey
1. Start with Familiar Ground
Avoid the common pitfall of reading the Bible cover to cover, which can lead to discouragement in less engaging sections like Leviticus. Instead, begin with familiar and accessible passages. The Gospels, particularly Mark (the shortest) or Luke, offer compelling stories of Jesus. The book of Acts or Paul’s letters are also excellent starting points.
2. Follow Your Curiosity
Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Perhaps you’re curious about the Bible’s teachings on marriage, patience, or hope. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to explore prayer practices or the role of the Holy Spirit. You can also investigate the symbolism of elements like water or fire. Consult your Bible’s subject index for further inspiration.
3. Embark on a Biographical Study
The Bible tells the story of God and His people, featuring real men and women who lived out their faith and faced challenges. By studying their lives, we witness their strengths and weaknesses and learn how God can work through ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things.
4. Dive into a Specific Book
The Bible contains 66 books, written over centuries and in various literary styles. Each book has its own context and main themes. Our relationship with God evolves over time, and God reveals Himself gradually. Instructions that God gave to people in the Old Testament might be different from his expectations from followers of Christ. While God remains constant, our understanding of Him deepens as we grow. The Spirit uses Scripture to reveal new truths relevant to our current circumstances. By studying individual books, we witness this evolving relationship and allow the texts to bring fresh meaning to our lives.
Creating a Consistent Bible Study Routine
A well-organized bible and notebook, representing the Bible study routine.
1. Schedule Dedicated Time
In today’s busy world, finding quiet time for Bible study can be a challenge. Many find that waking up early, before other demands arise, works best. Spending focused time with God can bring purpose and peace to the day. When facing difficult situations, this meditative time can offer guidance and clarity. The Word nourishes the soul, providing strength and perspective. Choose a time that suits your schedule and add it to your calendar. Consistency, not necessarily daily practice, is key.
2. Designate a Sacred Space
Identify a comfortable and distraction-free area in your home. Keep all your Bible study resources nearby (see recommendations below), along with a cozy blanket if needed and adequate lighting. Consider preparing a cup of tea or a smoothie to enjoy while you study.
3. Begin with Prayer
The Bible is a dynamic and living text. Starting with prayer reminds us that God continues to teach and connect with us through His Word. Prepare your heart by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your study and interpretations.
4. Select a Passage
Choose a passage using the suggestions above (“Where to Begin Your Bible Study Journey”) or follow a structured reading plan. Many free reading plans are available online. Some resources, like the She Reads Truth Bible, offer chronological and thematic plans with daily devotionals.
5. Explore the Book Introduction
Most study Bibles include introductions that provide valuable context, including information about the author, audience, date, and major themes. This background information sets the stage for your reading and offers a broader perspective.
6. Choose a Bible Study Method
This is where you can actively engage with the text. Experiment with different methods to find what resonates with you. Exploring the same passage with different approaches can deepen your understanding. See the “Best 3 Bible Study Methods” section below for ideas.
7. End with Prayer
Express gratitude to God for the time spent together and for the increased understanding of His Truth.
Top 3 Bible Study Methods
Three books representing three approaches to Bible study.
1. The Västerås Method
Developed by a Swedish pastor for small group study, this method also works well for individual study. It consists of five steps designed to encourage deep thinking.
1. Read Aloud
Begin by reading a short passage aloud. The Bible was originally intended to be heard, passed down through oral tradition. Reading aloud can make you a more active participant in the story.
2. Mark Your Passage
Use symbols to mark your passage, highlighting questions, insights, and ideas. Don’t hesitate to make notes in your Bible.
💡 Lightbulbs: Mark phrases that “shine” and resonate with you, providing new understanding or encouragement. These are your “aha!” moments.
❓ Questions: Underline or add a question mark next to any text you don’t understand. Write down any other questions or points you want to explore further in the margin. Then, try to answer them using the resources below.
i. Read your Bible’s Footnotes: These notes provide helpful information about cultural and historical context. The world of the Old and New Testaments differs greatly from our own. Footnotes offer essential details about customs, symbols, word studies, and explanations of terms.
ii. Use the Cross-References List: These notes direct you to other passages with similar themes. Many topics are repeated in the Bible. Cross-references allow you to explore these topics more comprehensively. How does comparing your passage with other passages influence your interpretation?
If you still have questions, consult a study guide, discuss with a trusted Christian friend, or contact your pastor.
❤ Hearts: Identify the main message of the passage, focusing on phrases that reveal God and His good news.
➡ Arrows: Draw arrows next to action or application points found in your reading.
2. The Inductive Bible Study Method
This method emphasizes how understanding biblical text can transform relationships and actions through a detailed three-step process.
1. Observation: What Does the Text Say?
Mark Key Words and Main Themes.
Circle keywords or names that are repeated and appear essential to the text’s message. Consider creating a color code for recurring themes (e.g., red for love, yellow for joy, blue for salvation, a cross for Jesus). Also, look for lists. For example, Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit. James 3:13-17 explores the difference between earthly and true wisdom. These lists can reveal important concepts and truths. Identifying these details helps you discern the author’s intended purpose. Summarize the chapter’s theme in one or two sentences.
Note Your Passage’s Structure and Form.
What literary form is your passage? Narrative? Wisdom literature? Poetry? How is the passage structured? Look for comparisons (using “like” or “as”), contrasts (“but”), conditional statements (“if”), and conclusions (“therefore,” “thus,” “so then”). Are there any time words that help you understand the sequence of events or ideas? Look for words such as “after,” “as soon as,” “later,” “now,” “when,” or “until.” This “grammar” can help you identify the author’s main and supporting points.
Be a Detective and Ask the “5 Ws and an H.”
With your passage marked up, re-read the text and ask Who? What? When? Why? and How? Make notes in your study journal whenever you come across information that can help answer these questions.
- Who? Who is talking in this story? Who is he/she talking to? Who are they talking about? Who is the author? Whom is the author speaking to?
- Where? Where is this story taking place or will take place?
- When? When was this passage written? When did these events happen?
- What? What is the context? What are the main events? What are the characters doing? What was the author’s purpose?
- How? How did something happen or will happen?
2. Interpretation: What Does the Text Mean?
Respect Context: To interpret the Bible responsibly, consider both its historical and literary context. Use your footnotes to appreciate the cultural context. Is your interpretation consistent with the book’s purpose and themes? (Check your book introduction for clues). Does it match the author’s intent?
Let Scripture Interpret Scripture: Explore the cross-reference notes to see how your passage relates to others. Avoid interpreting passages in isolation. Let “scripture interpret scripture.” Reflect on what comes before and after and how it fits within the larger biblical narrative.
Let the Passage Speak for Itself: Avoid seeking hidden meanings. Trust the message the Spirit is conveying. Interpret symbolic language in its historical context as the author intended. While it can be challenging, try not to impose your own opinions on the text.
3. Application: Live the Message.
The final step is to apply your interpretations to your daily life. How can you put the message into action? How does this revelation change your attitudes and opinions? What have you learned about your relationship with God and others?
3. The Topical Bible Study Method
This method involves meditating and praying over a particular problem, question, or subject.
1. Choose Your Topic
Start by asking yourself, “I want to learn more about ….” This could be a word, person, or attribute you are curious about or a challenge you are seeking a solution for. Keep it simple and narrow it down to one word or concept.
2. Look It Up
The concordance at the back of your study Bible is a great place to start. A concordance is an alphabetized list of words found in the Bible and the main scriptural passages they can be found. You can also look topics up online. Check out online concordances from biblestudytools.com, just remember, a concordance is translation specific so be sure to pick the one that matches your Bible. Some Bibles also include cross-reference notes in the margins next to each passage. Another interesting study can be comparing the same verses in different Bible translations!
3. Record Your Passages
Choose several verses to compare. Write them down in your study journal.
4. Get the Context
Explore each of your passages in context. Read the verses that come before and after. Ask questions about who the author is, who they were speaking to, and their purpose in writing.
5. Look for Patterns
Summarize the main points in each passage. Reflect on your notes and consider the relationship between these verses and their meaning as a whole. What is God telling you about this subject? Note what is the same and what is different! These differences can give you a more nuanced understanding.
6. Bring It to Life!
How can you apply this teaching to your life? Come up with one or two practical steps you can take today to put this message into action.
Your Bible Study Basket: Recommended Resources to Get Started
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A collection of essential items for a Bible study basket.
Create a Bible Study Basket of resources to inspire and assist you in your Scripture interpretation. Here are some ideas to get your started:
An open study bible, highlighting key verses and annotations.
1. A Good Study Bible
A good study Bible is like a treasured friend and travel companion as we venture into God’s Word. Look for a Bible published by reputable editors with features like book introductions, study notes, topic articles, translation notes, maps, a good concordance or cross-reference note system, and lots of space to add your own questions and reflections. Check out my post on the 5 Best Study Bibles for Women with tips on what to look for in your new study Bible, how to choose a bible translation, and reviews of my favorite Study Bibles for Women.
A bible concordance, with alphabetical index of words found in the Bible.
2. Bible Concordance
As mentioned above, a Bible Concordance is a reference tool that lists in alphabetical order words found in the Bible and their Biblical references. For instance, if you wanted to learn more about doves in the Bible, your concordance would lead you to passages like Matthew 3:16 and Genesis 8:8. Most study Bibles have a condensed concordance in the pages at the back. This is a great resource! For more intensive topical Bible Studies, a separate and fuller Bible Concordance can help you explore less common topics. Again, just remember that concordances are specific to your Bible translation and purchase one to match.
A bible dictionary, providing definitions and context for biblical terms.
3. Bible Dictionary
A Bible Dictionary can be another helpful reference tool in your Bible Study Basket. You can use your dictionary to understand more about the people, customs, events, and words you come across in your reading. They will often include not only a concise definition of the word but articles that go deeper to help us fully understand related topics, Hebrew or Greek origins, and pronunciation guides.
A bible devotional guide, offering reflections and daily reading plans.
4. Bible Devotional Guides
Get a new perspective by adding a devotional or stand-alone guide to your bible study. You may want to explore an in-depth study of a Bible book like in the Ecclesiastes: Wisdom For Living Well Guide by Courtney Joseph, or follow a devotional with reflection questions and a daily reading plan like The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women by Dr. Kimberley Moore, or be inspired by biblical figures in studies like Elijah: Faith and Fire by Priscilla Shirer. The possibilities are endless! Just do a search for Bible study guides on Amazon or ChristianBook.com for some ideas.
Bible book tabs, used to navigate through the different books of the bible.
5. Bible Book Tabs
Pre-cut, self-adhesive book tabs can be added into your Bible to make make it easier to navigate through the different books.
Bible highlighters and pens, designed not to bleed through thin pages.
6. Bible Highlighters and Pens
Bible highlighters and specialty pens like those from Mr. Pen are designed to not bleed through or smudge on the thin pages of our text. Use them to add your study notes and questions!
A bible study journal, for recording notes, interpretations, and reflections.
7. Bible Study Journal
Choose a journal that inspires you to keep your notes and interpretations. Looking back at previous journals can show you how much you have grown in your relationships and understanding. Tip – pick a journal with a hardcover design to help protect your pages and a lay flat format. I like spiral bound notebooks best.
Blessings,
