How to Study the Bible for Yourself and Actually Learn Something
As a pastor there is one question that floats to the top of my most often asked questions list: How do I study the Bible for myself? The process of learning how to study the Bible for yourself can be a daunting task and as such I would like to offer some suggestions for those of you who want to learn how.
- Purchase a good study Bible that you can read easily. If you wish to learn how to study the Bible for yourself you must first have a Bible that you are comfortable with. There are many versions of the Bible and I am often asked which is the best. I encourage those who want to learn how to study the bible to go to their local Christian Store and spend some time browsing the different versions. Some of the more popular versions are the King James Version (difficult to read), the New International Version (easier to read), and the New King James Version (easier to read). I currently have been using the English Standard Version and really enjoy it. Any of these versions have been found to be reliable and accurate with only minor differences in the way the publishers translate the original languages.
- Start simple. Those of you wishing to learn how to study the Bible for yourself need to pay attention to this suggestion. I remember as a teenager deciding that I was going to read the Bible from cover to cover. I started well and made my way through Genesis and Exodus before getting bogged down in Leviticus. Levitical law ended my attempt at reading through the Bible due to the seeming irrelevance of this book. Because of my experience I always encourage those who wish to learn how to study the Bible to begin with one of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John), or I encourage them to begin in the book of James. These books give students who are learning how to study the Bible something easy and meaningful to read. When you begin reading divide the chapters into readable sections. Most Bibles do this for you by giving headings throughout the chapters and verses.
- Take notes and ask questions. To many people are afraid to question the Bible. I encourage those who are learning to study the Bible to ask plenty of questions. The Bible is a history book, and in general is considered a tough read. When you are learning how to study the Bible for yourself you need to be ready to ask questions. Have highlighters and extra paper available to you so that you can jot down notes and questions. You may have several questions concerning the passage you are reading. When you find answers sufficient for your question, and you feel you understand the passage you just read, feel free to move onto the next passage.
- Buy a Bible Commentary and Bible Dictionary. Bible Commentaries and Bible Dictionaries are great tools for those wanting to learn how to study the Bible. The questions you found in the previous step can often be answered by commentaries. Commentaries are authored by Bible scholars who write in fairly plain English about their interpretation of the Bible. Commentaries can be found on the entire bible. One of the most popular commentaries on the entire Bible was authored by Matthew Henry. Other commentaries are specific to a certain book in the Bible. For a list on the best commentaries on individual books of the Bible, I encourage you to visit ligonier.com. This site gives you valuable information when deciding which commentary is the best for your study of the Bible. Many Pastors and church libraries have full volumes of Commentaries. If you cannot afford a good commentary on the book of the Bible you are studying you may want to ask around, someone probably has a commentary you can borrow.
Published by T.K. Moyer
Avid researcher who loves to read as much as possible. Freelance writer and a horribly curious know it all when it comes to all things sports. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentGreat article. I have read from cover to cover twice, and never has the courage to read again. Just a reminder, can you use many short paragraphs instead of a few long ones in your writing? It's hard to read with long paragraphs.
Great advice! My Bible Commentary and Bible Dictionary are invaluable resources when it comes to studying the Bible.
Good info, Scott! Personally, I love our Bible Study groups we have at our church! We follow a program and have great discussions...I love it!
Good suggestions!
very good advice
fascinating info, thnx.
Very helpful tips - I did like you and got stuck on Leviticus but love Psalms, Proverbs, and all of the New Testiment
You have great suggestion for curious minds. Great article!
This is an excellent guide. I much prefer solitary study. Thanks.