How to study the Bible is an important lifestyle in Christianity, although it is often overlooked. Effective Bible study habits allow you to discover more about God, faith, the origins of Christianity, and how the Bible pertains to everyday life.
If you want to learn how to study the Bible (or improve your Bible study skills), this tutorial is for you. We’ll go over several fundamental best practices for studying the Bible successfully.
How to Study the Bible for Beginners
With that said, let’s take a look at some extremely practical methods for learning how to study the Bible for beginners in this Bible study guide.
Studying the word does not have to be daunting, time-consuming, or difficult. You only need to know how to study the Bible as a beginning! And in this Bible study guide, I will teach you how.
There are numerous Bible study strategies for beginners. But this is my preferred approach for teaching you how to interpret the Bible since it is simple, plain, and customizable.
1. Decide where to begin studying the Word
The first step in learning how to study the Bible for beginners is to decide on whatever topic or verse you wish to study. For example, you could conduct a study on forgiveness, divorce, or money. Alternatively, you might choose a specific verse, such as Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 13, or James 2:14-26.
The idea is to choose a topic that piques your interest or curiosity rather than randomly selecting a section of the Bible. Learning the Bible becomes easier and more enjoyable when you are motivated to learn more.
After all, you want to enjoy learning how to study the Bible on your own. The last thing you want is to find yourself laboring to read the Bible for a subject you have no interest in! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you select the appropriate topic for your first study session.
2. Find Relevant Verses on the Topic
Once you’ve decided on a topic, look up as many Bible scriptures about it as possible. I recommend keeping a notepad or notebook to write down any scriptures you encounter so you can simply refer back to them. This is because, regrettably, studying the Bible is not as simple as looking up a topic, turning the page, and seeing what the Bible says.
The Bible is not a step-by-step guide with simple instructions and answers to every circumstance (though it would surely make learning how to study the Bible much easier for novices!)
Rather, you will want to hunt for the various times the Bible discusses a specific topic so you can read all the verses together in context.
Remember that the Bible is not necessary in chronological order; even while the Old Testament preceded the New Testament, the books within those testaments may have numerous verses on the same topic.
Here are three of the simplest ways to find Scripture verses on a topic while you’re first learning how to study the Bible:
- Use a Concordance: Concordances list popular Bible words as well as where they might be found. You won’t find every word/topic listed here (depending on the size of your concordance), but if you select a common one, you can locate a TON of verses quickly. Many study Bibles include these in the back.
- Consult Your Bible’s Subject Index: Furthermore, Study Bibles have study notes in the margins that clarify difficult ideas in greater depth. If your Bible contains an “Index to Subjects” at the back, you can find a wealth of useful comments this way.
3. Read Scripture Verses In Context
As you learn how to study the Bible, avoid the dangerous habit of reading particular texts in isolation. This is a typical error that many individuals make while learning how to study the Bible for beginners, yet it can drastically alter the meaning of the text.
Instead, learn how to study the Bible as a whole. This entails gathering as many pertinent Scripture verses as possible, reading them in the context of the passage or chapter they are in, and comparing them to see how they fit together.
Here are some questions you might ask yourself as you learn how to study the Bible:
- Who is writing this passage? (Hint: Look at the introduction to your study Bible or the first few verses of the book!)
- Whom are they writing to?
- What does this passage primarily discuss?
- What does this chapter teach me about God’s or Jesus’ character?
- Is there anything I can learn from this passage?
- Does this text include any specific instructions for me to follow?
- Is it a good example for me to follow (or a bad one to avoid)?
- What beneficial adjustments can I implement in my life as a result of this passage?
4. Read the verses in multiple translations
Another exercise that can be incredibly beneficial when learning how to study the Bible for beginners is reading the Word in several translations.
Remember, the original Bible writings were not written in English. The English versions we read today are simply translations, and not every translation gets it right.
From the King James Version to the New International Version and even the English Standard Version, with so many Bible translations available, even something as basic as swapping “a” and “the” may make a tremendous difference in meaning.
While most of these changes do not alter the meaning sufficiently to be evident during regular Bible reading, they can make a significant difference when attempting to examine a subject and establish a doctrinal conviction.
As a result, you should examine at least a few alternative translations to ensure that the one you are reading is consistent with what Bible scholars believe it means.
Fortunately, you don’t need a large stack of Bibles in multiple translations to compare. You can accomplish this very easily right here on Bible Hub. Simply search for the verse you’re looking for, then scroll down. This is an excellent resource for those learning how to study the Bible for beginners.
5. Look Through Bible Commentaries
Another exercise that can be beneficial when learning how to study the Bible for beginners is going through several Bible commentaries on the important verses you’re reading.
Essentially, Bible commentaries are large works in which very clever theologians impart wisdom by giving a lot of context for the text and what it means in the original language.
Taking a glance at a Greek or Hebrew term without context can be perplexing, but this is where you can find some of the words in the original Greek or Hebrew, as well as enlarged word definitions that help you truly understand what the author was trying to say.
You can purchase large commentaries online, borrow them from your library, or simply conduct your research on Bible Hub while checking up on other verse translations. Simply scroll down and you’ll find a plethora of resources to read and compare.
This is useful when learning how to study the Bible for beginners because it is simply available and free!
How to Study the Bible for Yourself
1. Make the goal of your Bible study to encounter the Person of Jesus Christ
Bible study isn’t all about highlighters, expensive journals, and elaborate reading regimens. All of these are good to have, but the ultimate goal of Bible study is to get to know God better. This is the most important reason. Everything else is secondary.
People throughout history lacked many of the wonderful instruments that we have today. Nevertheless, they were able to go deeper into God. Their Bible study changed their lives and the world around them.
God’s Word is an open door and invitation into God’s mind and heart. It’s His “love letter” to us, opening our eyes to know Him as He truly is. If we maintain this mindset, we will be successful in our studies and avoid years of diversions.
2. Approach the scriptures as a dialogue with God
Convert your Bible study into a prayer time. Prayerfully peruse the Scriptures. Instead of researching what other people have written on the internet or in books and comments, spend more time talking to God about it.
As you read the Bible, jot down your questions. Then wait patiently for the answers. Don’t hurry to the next topic. Allow the Bible to speak for itself; it is God’s live and active word (Heb. 4:12). If you don’t know the answer right away, go on and get back to it later.
Memorizing passages of Scripture allows you to think and discuss them with God throughout the day, which is an excellent way to study the Bible. I frequently find that the biggest discoveries are revealed at seemingly random times during the day while I am thinking about the Word. It’s really about an open door of invitation from God to a relationship with Him. There’ll be many delightful surprises along the way!
3. Think About Ways You Can Apply the Word
Aim for obedience rather than just head knowledge, and you’ll be astonished at how much more understanding you get. I understand that obedience is not a popular term among many people, but it is an excellent way to follow Jesus! “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the names of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have told you. And see, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
5. Develop a teachable spirit
If you want to learn how to study the Bible, you have a spiritual thirst to know God more and grow spiritually. Additionally, cultivate a teachable spirit. God grants grace to the humble, and He will show Himself to you as you seek Him earnestly. We discussed this earlier, but don’t fall into the trap of studying the Bible to help yourself or others.
Simply get to know God, and God will begin to modify your viewpoint, allowing you to recognize the true issues. If you approach the Bible with an agenda, you will be limited and will miss what God intends to tell you through His Word. You’ll only look for and uncover evidence that supports your point of view.
God is always gracious and will provide you with His understanding (James 1:5). However, His wisdom does not always manifest itself in predictable ways. His wisdom is greater, so we do not want to limit God.
Simply get to know God, and you will see that God begins to modify your viewpoint, allowing you to understand the true issues rather than attempting to manipulate your circumstances. Often, we don’t know what the real problems and root causes are.
Continue to strive for a deeper understanding of God. If you have a teachable spirit, your life’s challenges will become more evident.
Conclusion
Knowing how to study the Bible—and then actually doing it—can make a big difference in the life of any believer. We hope that these guidelines will assist you in developing a solid foundation of Bible-reading abilities, laying the groundwork for spiritual growth, whether in the community with other believers or on your own. Also, keep in mind that having the correct Bible study equipment on hand can be beneficial.
