Guide on How to Study the Bible can be difficult, even frightening. I know you want to immerse yourself in God’s word, and I know you’re eager to learn more but chances are you don’t know where and the guide on how to study the Bible.

Guide on How to Study the Bible may appear difficult, but it is actually quite straightforward once you have the correct tools. Are you prepared to go on this life-changing adventure with the Creator of the Universe? Are you willing to learn and grow when the Holy Spirit speaks to you? Then keep reading because I’m going to show you how to study the Bible even if you’ve never done it before.

Also, note that these steps are practical experience steps I make use of

Now, before you begin any biblical study, I recommend keeping these resources close at hand.

• Bible
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Notebook/Journal
• Bible Dictionary/Commentary

Guide on How to Study the Bible, Bible Translations Available?

Does that question ring a bell? Yes? Let’s break it down for your understanding. There are three basic sorts of bible translations, each of which serves a unique purpose for us as readers. Word-for-word thought for thought (or meaning for meaning) and paraphrased Bible versions are examples.

The original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts are most accurately followed word for word. This is a literal translation. The King James Version, English Standard Version, and New Revised Standard Version are a few examples.

Thought for Thought translations present scripture in its most intelligible form. Ancient cultural “slang,” sayings, and idioms are substituted with current ones that the modern reader may easily understand. The New International Version and the New Living Translation are two examples.

The edited versions are the least true to the original text. Authors are given a lot of leeway in terms of interpretation, therefore certain passages may deviate slightly from their original meaning. They are, nonetheless, quite simple to read in modern English. The Message translation is a popular paraphrased Bible translation.

Which Bible translation should I use?

Finally, the decision is yours, although I recommend having a word-for-word version for in-depth research. When studying the Bible, you want your interpretation to be as precise as possible in order to avoid missing anything. Sure, these may be more difficult to grasp, but that is why we have so many tools and resources to help us understand them.

I study with the New King James Version, English Standard Version and the New International Version when I’m just reading quickly or attempting to get the gist of a certain biblical text. I’ll utilize a paraphrased version for entertainment, quoting, or sharing scriptural encouragement with someone who is brand new to the Bible.

What tools and resources are accessible for Bible study?

When studying the Bible, there are numerous Bible study tools and resources available. Here are a few examples.

Bible Study Resources – Over 20 Bible translations, commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, and encyclopedias are available in this database. It also includes popular history books, texts, and articles on the early church’s beginnings, as well as Bible lexicons, maps, guides, and other materials to help you with your bible study.

Blue Letter Bible – The Blue Letter Bible is related to Bible Study Tools. It includes extensive study software such as commentaries, concordances, Greek and Hebrew word tools, sermons, and commentaries. In my own Bible study, I utilize the Blue Letter Bible.

Bible Gateway – Bible Gateway is fantastic since it provides a big database of Bible translations in many different languages. When searching, I like how you may enter a keyword or topic in addition to a bible verse. It’s useful if you have a topic in mind but aren’t sure which text it originates from.

YouVersion – Finally, YouVersion is a Bible software that has a large collection of translations. Its Bible reading programs and devotionals, on the other hand, set it apart. They address a wide range of issues, including healing and freedom, as well as singleness, dating, and marriage.

She Reads – She Reads Truth is quite similar to YouVersion, but its Bible plans are oriented at women. Each devotional includes questions and takeaways to help you understand the full meaning of the passage as you read it. If you aren’t quite ready to begin studying on your own, one of their Bible plans can be a good place to start!

Why should I bother going deeper into Bible study? Isn’t superficial knowledge sufficient?

No, it is not sufficient! According to the Bible, people who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6) You will only obtain a surface understanding if you merely study on the surface. But God has so much more to show you.

God’s word will physically light up your life and bring hope to the darkest corners. But you won’t find that light and hope unless you look for it. In my experience, in-depth study of a specific Bible verse can be the key to a breakthrough. Plus, why wouldn’t you want to know everything there is to know about your Savior and Creator?

Guide on How to Study the Bible

It took me a long time to find a Bible study approach that I truly enjoy. My approach is still evolving. However, I will share it with you in case you wish to adapt it to your Bible study needs.

As I previously stated, I study the Bible with the New International Version (NIV). I like how it has large margins where I can scribble notes, doodle, and make observations. Yes, I do make drawings in my Bible! (However, that is a matter for another day.)

Let’s go over my regimen step by step:

Begin with prayer.

I begin with prayer, asking God to open my heart and instruct me through his word.

Read it once through without marking or taking notes.

Following that, I plunge right in and read the chapter without underlining or taking notes. Before I seek details, I want to acquire a sense of what the paragraph is saying. While reading, I make mental notes of everything that jumps out to me so that I may return to it later.

I read it a second time and highlighted, circled, underlined, and noted any observations. I jot down my inquiries, the things that shock me, and any remarks I have. If I am convicted about something, I write it down as well so that I can pray about it later. In this phase, try not to have any reservations. You don’t have to be perfect; simply record any observations that occur to you.

Look into Bible study tools

I then consult my Bible study resources. I use a commentary most of the time, but I also use a concordance to find what words imply in the Hebrew or Greek text. I’ll also cross-reference occasionally, especially if the passage I’m reading now reminds me of something I’ve read before.

Theological commentaries and sermons are wonderful, but I always try to remember to let the Holy Spirit lead me through Bible study. Finally, he understands his word better than anyone else. That being said, I always take anything I read with a grain of salt.

Pay attention to the historical context

Following that, I examine the historical context of the passage. What was happening at the time it was written? Who was it addressed to? When did it get written? Where did it appear? Some of the historical context can be found in the passage itself, but there are also historical resources available to help you gain a better understanding of the social/political/economic atmosphere in which the piece was written.

Consider the meaning of today and how it applies to my life.

Finally, I consider the passage’s meaning for today and its personal applicability to my life and walk with Christ based on my comprehension of it from my Bible study. I select 2-3 takeaways and concentrate on them throughout the day.

I also think about what the passage tells about me as a person. Is it referring to a hidden sin, attitude, or mental pattern for which I need to repent? Is it pushing me to get closer to God? To put greater faith in him? Do you believe it? In prayer, I examine these questions and ask God to guide me through whatever he has revealed via his word.

Other information you should be aware of

Instead of jumping about, I study one book at a time. This allows me to completely comprehend the overall meaning of the book and how each chapter links to its message. I’ve been studying the New Testament for about a year now.

I read in canonical sequence, finishing one book before moving on to the next.

Furthermore, I only study one chapter every day. Going slowly allows me to fully grasp and internalize the meaning and applicability of what I’m learning.

Other Bible Study Techniques

My method is not the only one available. There are plenty of others. In fact, I would advise you to combine ways to develop your own. The most effective bible study will be one that is tailored to you. I won’t go into detail, but here are some of the different Bible study methods available.

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

Final Advice

I hope you found this essay useful. My final piece of advice is to go with the method that is the most convenient for you. Take additional ways and adjust them as needed to meet your needs. The most important thing is that you understand scripture, that you apply it in your life, and that you study consistently.

You are not under any obligation from God to know everything. It’s quite fine if you don’t. This is a learning process, and if you knew everything, you wouldn’t need to study. Take a deep breath and open your Bible to start reading. Keep in mind that you should move at your own pace. Please do not allow anyone to rush you. Now go to work studying!