How to Study the Bible (A Beginner Friendly Guide)

You open your bible, flip through a few of its pages, and let out a sigh of overwhelm. I get it, studying the bible can feel intimidating, even scary. I know you want to dive into God’s word; and I know you are anxious to learn more. But, you’re not too sure where to start. While studying the bible can seem like a challenge, it’s actually pretty simple once you have the right tools in place. Are you ready to embark on this life-changing journey with the God of the universe? Are you ready to learn and grow as the Holy Spirit speaks into your life? Then keep reading because I am going to show you how to study the Bible even if you are a beginner.

In this article, I will explain why Christians study the Bible, share some brief suggestions about choosing a Bible translation, offer online and print resources for Bible study, share my Bible study method, and close with some helpful tips for your journey.  

Before You Begin: Why Study the Bible? 

Before you begin studying the Bible, it’s important that you know why you are doing so. Many people study the Bible for encouragement and inspiration. While the Bible does encourage us, encouragement is not the primary reason for studying the Bible. Others study the Bible because they feel they are obligated to do so. Studying just because you feel obligated to do so can make Bible study difficult and joyless. Lastly, some people study the Bible just to learn and gain knowledge. Learning is wonderful but learning for the sake of learning is not why Christians study the Bible. 

As Christians, we study the Bible to know God and grow in our relationship with him. As you dive into Bible study, keep this in mind. 

What’s the difference between reading and studying the Bible?

Studying the Bible involves more time and research than reading the Bible. Both are important for our spiritual growth. Some seasons of your life may involve more deep study of scripture while other seasons may include more devotional reading, and that’s okay. Some days you’ll read more devotionally and other days you might dive deeper and study a passage more in depth. Zooming in on a passage and learning more about what it teaches you about God is important but zooming out and looking at scripture as a whole is very valuable too. 

🌿 Ever feel like you’re missing something when you read Scripture? Our Bible Study Guide helps you study and interpret the Bible with confidence, so you can draw closer to God and grow in a more personal relationship with him.

Choosing a Bible Translation 

In order to study the Bible, you’ll need to choose a version of the Bible to use. You can simply choose a translation that you are already familiar with or study with the one that your church uses in its worship services. However, if you are not familiar with Bible translations, I’d like to offer some brief guidance. 

Why are there so many Bible translations out there?

There are many Bible translations out there. This is because of the many languages, cultures, and dialects around the world. Even within the English language, there are variances in how the language is used and spoken. Language develops over time and we need relevant translations of the Bible written in a way that we can understand. 

There are three major types of Bible translations and each serves a different purpose for us as readers. These include the word for word, thought for thought (or meaning for meaning), and paraphrased Bible versions. 

• Word for word follows the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts most accurately. These are direct translations. These are typically used among scholars and for close study of the Bible. Examples of these include the King James Version, English Standard Version, and the New Revised Standard Version.
• Thought for Thought versions focus less on preserving the literal reading of the text and prioritizes conveying scripture in a way that we can understand more easily. Ancient cultural “slang,” sayings, and expressions are replaced with modern ones that we understand better. These include the New International Version and the New Living Translation.
• Paraphrased versions are the least accurate to the original text. Authors are given a great amount of freedom in interpretation, so some passages may stray slightly from its original meaning. However, they are very easy to read in modern language. A popular paraphrased Bible translation is The Message translation.

Which Bible translation should you use?

It depends! It’s a good idea to have one version of the Bible in each category. If you are studying more deeply, choose a word for word version of the Bible. For daily reading, you may want to try a thought for thought version. Paraphrased versions are great as well, especially if you want to hear a fresh reading of a particular passage in today’s language. 

For deeper study, I currently use an NRSV Bible or a NET Bible. I love using the NIV for regular reading and quicker study. I’ve recently begun using the CEB as well, as it is a great version that leans closer to a paraphrase. 

Related Posts You May Want to Read:

• How To Choose A Bible Translation
• How Was the Bible Put Together?

Bible Study Tools and Resources

Before you begin studying the Bible, here are some tools I recommend that will help make the process more smooth. 

Of course you need a Bible. But, you may also need

• Pens
• Highlighters
• Sticky Notes
• Notebook/Journal
• Bible dictionary
• Commentary

For Bibles, I love Hosanna Revival. Their Bibles are beautiful and they contain lots of space for highlighting and taking notes. You can also visit a local bookstore or check out Amazon for Bibles. In my Amazon store, I include many of my favorite Bible study resources. 

Online Tools and Resources for Bible Study

There are many Bible study tools and resources you can use when studying the Bible. Here are a few of them.

• Bible Study Tools – A database of over 20 Bible translations, commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. It also includes popular history books, texts, and writings on the beginning of the early church, Bible lexicons, maps, guides, and other resources to enhance your bible study experience.

• Blue Letter Bible – This is very similar to Bible Study Tools. It contains in depth study software that include commentaries, concordances, Greek and Hebrew word tools, sermons, and commentaries. I personally use the Blue Letter Bible in my personal Bible Study.

• Bible Gateway – Bible Gateway is great because it contains a large database of Bible translations in a variety of languages. I love that you can enter a keyword or topic in addition to a bible verse when searching. It helps if you have a topic in mind but aren’t sure of the specific passage it comes from.

• You Version – Finally, YouVersion is a Bible app filled with a huge database of translations as well. However, its Bible reading plans and devotionals make it unique. They cover a wide variety of topics from healing and freedom to singleness, dating, and marriage.

• She Reads Truth – She Reads Truth is very similar to You Version but its Bible plans are geared towards women. Each devotional has prompts and takeaways to help you grasp the full meaning of the passage as you read. If you aren’t ready to start studying on your own, one of their Bible plans might be a great way to start off!

Print Books and Commentaries for Bible Study 

• IVP Bible Background Commentary (Old and New Testament) – this is a commentary set that includes notes on the Old and New Testaments. Its purpose is to help provide background cultural and historical information that can help readers better understand the text. 
• Grasping God’s Word (J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays) – this is a textbook I used in seminary. It’s a great book for anyone looking to understand how to interpret the Bible.
• Literarily (Kristie Anyabwile) – an excellent book on understanding the genres of the Bible.
• Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (E. Randolph Richards) – another wonderful book on the culture and background of the Bible. It explains how we often misread scripture because of our Western presuppositions. 
• The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible (Scot McKnight) – a wonderful book challenging how we often read the Bible in a systematic way rather than as a story, as God intended. 

Why should I even care about going deeper in Bible study? Isn’t surface knowledge enough?

No, it’s definitely not enough! The Bible says that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. (Matthew 5:6) If you only study on the surface, you will only gain a surface understanding. But, God has so much he wants to show you. God’s word will literally illuminate your life and bring hope to dark places. But you cannot receive that light and hope if you do not seek for it. Plus, why would you not want to have the fullest possible understanding of your Savior and Creator?

How I Study the Bible: A Simple Method for Bible Study

It has taken me a while to figure out a Bible study method I really love. My method is still ever-changing. However, I will share it with you in case you wanted to take it and modify it to suit your Bible study needs.

Start off with Prayer

Prayer is so important in Bible study. I start in prayer and invite God to open my heart and teach me through his word.

Review Background Information

Next, I’ll review literary, cultural, and historical background information about the book of the Bible I’m currently studying. It’s great to do this at the beginning of your time in a new book of the Bible.

Much of this information can be found in the first few chapters of the book. However, you can also use a Bible background commentary, textbook, or study Bible notes to help with this.

Some helpful questions you can ask as you study background information include: What was going on when the book was written? Who was it written to? When was it written? Where was it written?

Read through once without highlighting or taking notes

Next, I dive right in and read through the passage first without highlighting or taking notes. I want to get an overview of what the passage is saying before I try to look for details. As I am reading, I do make a mental note of anything that stands out so I can come back to it later.

Read through a second time and highlight, circle, underline, and make note of any observations

I read through a second time and highlight, circle, underline, and make note of my observations. I write down my questions, the things I find shocking, and the comments I have. If I feel convicted about something, I write that down too so I can pray about it later. Try to have no reservations in this step. You don’t have to be perfect, simply write down any observation that comes to mind.

After I make my observations, I think through them and see if I can resolve any of my questions on my own from previous knowledge of the Bible. As you grow in your understanding of scripture, you’ll be able to make connections on your own before needing to look at commentaries.

Related: 5 Important Questions to Ask As You Study The Bible

Look into Bible study tools

Next, I consult my Bible study tools to help me understand what the passage means. I don’t look up every detail about what I’ve read in scripture, just the questions that are still unresolved.

I use commentaries and concordances. I’ll look up cross-references as well.

Remember, commentaries and sermons from theologians are great but it is important to let the Holy Spirit lead your Bible study. When you read commentaries, be sure to take them with a grain of salt. Read widely so that you can understand the various interpretations offered for a passage and come to your own conclusion.

Consider the meaning for today and how I can apply it to my life

Finally, based on my understanding of the passage from my Bible study, I think how I can apply the passage today so that it helps me grow closer to God. I choose 2-3 takeaways and focus on them throughout the day. I ponder my takeaways in prayer and ask God to help me through whatever he has revealed in his word.

Related: 5 Important Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life

A few other tips for your Bible Study

Study one book at a time

Try to study one book of the Bible at a time instead of skipping around. This will help you to fully grasp the meaning of the book overall and how the chapter relates to its theological themes. If you can, you might even want to start at the beginning of scripture and go through each book at a comfortable pace.

Go at a Comfortable Pace

Bible study is a marathon, not a race. Go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Going slowly will help you to really take in and absorb the meaning and application of what you are studying.

On the other hand, if you want a more birds-eye view of the Bible, you can read more quickly.

Remember the Grand Story of the Bible

As you read different books of the Bible, you’ll discover many micro-stories and narratives. Each of these stories points back to God’s bigger story of redemption. If you’re unfamiliar with the grand story of the Bible, read this article.

Study in Community

You need other people on your journey, so grab some friends and study with them. If you attend a local church, try joining a Bible study group or Sunday School class there. Get connected with mentors and trusted teachers who can listen to your questions and help guide you.

Aim for Consistency, Not Perfection

Aim to be consistent and show up regularly to study the Bible. Consistency doesn’t mean you’ll be perfect. You’ll miss some days, that’s okay. Some Bible study sessions will feel very fruitful and others won’t. That’s okay too. This is a journey of getting to know God better, not perfection.

Don’t Underestimate the Value of Taking Notes

I know everyone learns differently, but taking notes will help you to remember and easily recall the things you’ve read in scripture. Try to record what you’ve been learning so that you can look back at it and learn from it in the future.

More Bible Study Methods

There are so many Bible study methods out there. I would encourage you to draw from the various methods to create your own. Your most effective bible study will be the one personalized to you. I won’t go into detail but here are a few of the other types of Bible study methods out there.

• Acronyms
• Book Studies
• Color Coding
• Topical Studies
• Bible Verse Mapping

Final Advice

I hope this article was helpful for you. My final advice would be to choose the method that’s simplest for you. Take other methods and modify as necessary to fit your needs. The most important thing is that you have a clear understanding of scripture, are applying it to your life, and that you remain consistent in study.

God has placed no pressure on you to know everything. It’s okay if you don’t. This is a learning process, and if you knew all of it, there would be no need to study. Take a deep breath, open your Bible, and begin reading. Remember to go at the pace most comfortable for you. Please don’t let anyone rush you. Now, go and study!