How to Study the Bible

Over the years, many have asked me how to study the Bible. When I first began, I didn’t know how, so what I’m sharing comes from my own growth process.

Always read the entire Bible—and never stop reading it. We need an overall understanding of the Word of God. Each time you read the Scriptures, your understanding deepens. Often, when you return to a passage you’ve read before, it may feel as though you’re reading it for the first time. The Word of God is living and active.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. Then read, read, and read the Scriptures. Never think you have read them enough. We must never stop reading the Bible. I encourage everyone to read the Scriptures daily, whenever you can. Find a Bible translation you can understand; as you continue reading, comprehension will grow naturally.

It is also helpful to compare multiple Bible translations while studying. However, I do not recommend relying on commentary or commentary study Bibles. Commentary is often someone’s opinion about the Word of God, and opinions are not the Word of God. Essays, books, and interpretations about Scripture are not Scripture itself. It can be dangerous to base your beliefs on someone else’s opinion. As disciples of Jesus, our role is to illuminate the Word of God and connect the Scriptures—not to teach from personal opinion. That said, historical information about the Bible can be helpful, as long as it is factual and not interpretive opinion.

Do not disregard what you don’t understand. Be patient. Sometimes education and deep understanding come through experience. As you live out the Scriptures in your own life, understanding and knowledge will be given when needed.

Another important practice is to study the definitions of Hebrew and Greek words. I have often found greater depth and clarity in the original languages than in the English translations.

Note: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to search the Scriptures themselves for answers. Look up everything you can on a subject within the Bible. Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. I strongly discourage using commentary, as it can confuse or distort what the Word of God is saying.

26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
1 John 2:26-27 ESV

Growing in Understanding

As you mature in your understanding of the Word of God, pay attention to recurring themes in the Scriptures and make your own cross-references. This practice will strengthen your study and equip you to disciple others. Do not get stuck on a single verse. Always read Scripture in its full context. While one verse may bring insight to others, it should never stand alone. Be very careful not to build theology—a belief system—around one isolated verse, as this can be dangerous.

Studying Together

Always begin with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach everyone, and humble yourselves to learn from Him.

I have learned that one of the most effective ways to study Scripture with others is to read it silently first and then aloud. I recommend reading verse by verse, slowly, and discussing each verse together. This approach allows everyone to share what the Holy Spirit reveals to them about the passage. While reading aloud together can be helpful, I have found that it is not always the best method for allowing each person time to process what they have read.

Allow space for other Scriptures the Holy Spirit brings to mind, including cross-references that relate to the passage you are studying. Do not rush through Scripture. Take time to reflect and ponder what you are reading. It is far more important for everyone to understand the Word than to move quickly through it.

Remember, the Holy Spirit is our teacher—give Him time to teach. If you are leading or teaching in any capacity, recognize that you are simply shining a light on God’s Word. Never take God’s praise for yourself. God once showed me this truth through an experience: I spoke to two people about the same Scriptures. One had ears to hear, and the other did not. One was able to receive and learn; the other was not. It had nothing to do with me—I was only pointing a flashlight at the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit was the one bringing understanding, and only one heart was open to receive it.

Personal Experience:

At one point in my spiritual growth, I was reading the Scriptures and asking God how His Word fits into our culture. He responded, “I don’t fit into your culture—you fit into Mine.” That moment was eye-opening and life-changing for me. Always remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our culture has changed, but He has not. We must learn to live according to His ways.

7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:7-8 NASB® 1995

The most important thing I can tell you is this: never say you do not believe what you read in Scripture. If you struggle to understand something, set that question on the “shelf” in your mind for the time being. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, and be patient. Allow God to reveal understanding in His timing. When we reject what God’s Word says, we risk falling into unbelief—and unbelief is sin. Unbelief is disobedience.

18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
Hebrews 3:18-19 ESV

Never tell God “NO”, always ask “HOW?”

My Favorite Resources:

I prefer using the NASB 1995 Bible because it is one of the most accurate word-for-word English translations available. Over the years, I have used many different translations, but I prefer those that stay as close to the original Hebrew and Greek as possible.

I use an app called Literal Word: Bible & Lexicon (Simply the Word of God) app. It includes multiple Bible translations, and one of its best features is the ability to view Hebrew and Greek word definitions simply by tapping on the words you are reading. To access all of the study tools, you will need to go into the settings and enable most of the available options.

In addition, I like to study word meanings more deeply using resources such as Biblehub.com and BibleStudyTools. Strong’s Concordance and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon are especially helpful tools for understanding the original language and gaining deeper insight into Scripture. It is important to be aware, however, that while these tools are very helpful, they do include commentary. You will need to carefully sift through what is factual and what is opinion.

References:

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”