How can I get started reading and studying the Bible?
Often people ask, how they can get started reading and studying the Bible. For anyone reading the Bible for the first time the initial experience may be one of feeling overwhelmed, challenged or even at a loss. While such scenarios may be common, this need not be so. Admittedly, while the Bible is complex, due to its nature – as God’s Word – as well as written by various authors, at different times to a unique target group using a specific style or genre, there is hope. The reason for this is that the Bible is about Jesus Christ. More specifically, His plan for salvation of all mankind, which He accomplished for us on the cross. That way, by faith in Him alone and His fully completed work to atone for our sins, He invites us into a personal relationship with Himself. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1) and He has given us His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), namely the Bible, a.k.a. ‘Scripture.’ Since Christ is the only way to heaven (John 14:6; 15:5) – having been confirmed by God Himself through His resurrection – we should not only read the Bible, but also study it. The purpose of this article is to help in both areas, with an emphasis on providing some basic input and tips for study.
So, let us look at how we can begin to study the Bible. First, we need a proper Bible translation. While there are many English translations out there, not all are equally good, since some are distorted or even falsified. Thus, to get started, a good translation true to God’s Word is the KJV, NASB, ESV or NLT (a paraphrase). The combination of several such translations may be best suited depending on the goal. For a serious student comparing and contrasting different verses, chapters and books in the Bible using such a combined effort – can prove to be insightful and fruitful.
Second, once we have a valid translation we should make this a dedicated and focused effort, since we are dealing with God’s holy Word. So at the very least having a quiet place, undisturbed by any distractions such as mobile, radio or TV – in a specific location – will help us in an effort of devoted and regular (daily) reading. Before we begin, we are wise to take a humble posture and pray for God to help us and guide us. You can use your own prayer, or the sample prayer provided at the end of the article (1). Why is this important? The reason is simple – God wants us to be humble, not prideful (Isaiah 66:2) and is mainly interested in our disposition of heart (Psalm 119:18). In that way, God not only honours our efforts, but also helps us to ‘listen’ to what He has to say to us, as we enter a personal relationship with Him. Reading and listening (with our hearts) is what He desires (Psalm 20:4), commands us to do (Joshua 1:8-9) and in that way can help us in ways we cannot even begin to grasp on our own (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Third, so where and how to begin? Well, why not begin anywhere or somewhere? Start by reading and learning about Jesus in the book of John. Reread the same book again. Highlight or write out some verses that stand out. Keep a journal at hand, and collect specific questions you may have as you read. Take notes, make annotations about people, places and events you encounter along the way. Why not read an Old Testament (OT) book, like Genesis? Or learn about Moses in Exodus? You may even begin with a Pauline letter (e.g. Ephesians, Romans, Galatians) or any other New Testament (NT) book. Whatever you read, realize that you are never alone, since Jesus Christ is always with you – and for you (Hebrews 13:5-6) through the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.
Fourth, read the Bible with a method to help you interpret the Bible text. A method is an approach people can take in order to assist explaining a particular subject. Among the major ones are a scientific, a historical and an inductive approach. The latter one, is among the more commonly used, and is the focus here. There are three key parts to consider in studying a Bible passage – namely an observation, an interpretation and an application (2).
The first key (observation) asks – what does a passage say? The second key (interpretation) asks – what does the passage mean? The last key (application) asks – what will I (as reader) do about what a passage says it means, i.e. how can it be applied?
Using the first key of a Bible study, we must take great care here, since our observation is the initial and most important part of studying Scripture. Read your selected passage once in one go. Then, read it again, however, with as much care and detail as possible. Start off (but not end there) asking several basic questions – “Who,” “What,” “When,” “Where,” “Why,” and “How” – these are the five W’s plus and H. To put it differently, identify who is saying what, when (at a given moment in time), where (determine where the event is taking place), why (for what reason is someone doing or not doing something) and how (how did an event occur, how did it happen, and how is this written).
Depending on the passage, the H. is not always easy (if even) to identify, since the context has to be established. Since all Bible texts are contextual this poses a challenge, as well as providing a reward when we do discover it. You may not be able to answer all basic questions – and that is okay – but answer as many as you can. That way, you will have a solid point of departure, which will help you, especially as you make reading and studying a habit. Regularly engaging God’s Word is the best way to go.
A few more thoughts on the first step are in order. Remember, that the Bible is made up using a basic threefold literary form: prose (OT history, Gospels and Acts), poetry (Psalms) and discourse (the epistles, a.k.a. letters). Some Bible texts combine these three (such as Revelation) and the NT often quotes the OT. On top of that, look out for what is said and how. Hereby, note that words in Scripture at times carry multiple meanings. By contrast a ‘term’ is a word used in a fixed way, given a particular context. To illustrate, the word baptism is used in various instances and contexts, yet it is rendered differently (Matthew 3:11; 3:13-17; 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
Also, the quantity of verses or chapters focusing on a particular topic illustrate its significance, e.g. Romans 9 emphasises those Jewish people who have rejected Christ. Likewise, an author may use repetition to stress an important topic or theme. As such,1 Corinthians 13 reveals the importance the author places on the word “love” which he repeats nine times, making it the chapter’s main theme. Furthermore, an author may use a comparison to contrast the difference between people or things. So in Ephesians 4:13-14 we see a good example of this as growing into mature faith as its theme, is expressed by the author who contrasts children with manhood.
Additionally, the author may convey a literary atmosphere by means of creating an underlying tone, mood or urgency. As an example, when we look at Matthew 3 – taking into account the aforementioned theme of baptism – and its repetition in the chapter, the author creates an atmosphere and mood of expectancy. This builds up to a climax fulfilled in Christ’s baptism at the end of the chapter, culminating in God Himself affirming Jesus Christ as His beloved Son. Along with this, the Bible is structured into distinct units, called paragraphs (complete units of thought). We can discover the author’s main idea once we understand every paragraph.
Lastly, there are specific connections between ideas. In that way such connections establish special relationships evident in the text. Some prominent examples are simile, metaphor, personification, anthropomorphism, symbolism, metonymy, synecdoche, hyperbole, irony, oxymoron, repetition, rhetorical question. (3) Having completed the first key – observation – you are ready to go further and use the second key, namely interpretation.
Interpretation of a specific text is often called hermeneutics. For Biblical interpretation, the best basic approach is to take a text as literal as possible. The reason for this is that we are dealing with real people, actual events and things that God did – first and foremost through Jesus Christ – and attempts to allegorize Adam and Eve, or the Prophet Jonah for example, are violations of God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19), since they do not keep biblical inerrancy, and must be avoided.
With this as a point of encouragement, not discouragement, in this step we are establishing what a passage means. With our completed observations, we are now ready to find out, what the author (the creator of the text) wants to convey as main thought. In order to do this we must consider the context (which, as seen earlier, can be challenging). However, a helpful way to go about this is to look at the immediate context within a passage, i.e. the verse preceding it and the verse following it. Also, looking at the greater context, i.e. the paragraph or chapter following the passage under scrutiny, can be an asset to establish the authors main point(s). A good example here is John 3:16-21.
Also, the use of cross-references, namely Scripture interpreting Scripture can assist us in studying our passage. This is a bit more involved, and should be done with care, since an identical word, phrase or term in different passages can have a unique meaning. Nevertheless, with some practice over time, this can be very rewarding, since with God’s help, in this way we can unlock most of the Bible. In tandem with cross-referencing, is the need to understand the author’s socio-cultural context as we interpret it. The challenge here is not to immediately discard the theology or teaching, but create an awareness of the time a text was written. Again, this takes practice and dedicated focus – and even if we may not understand everything – there is plenty that God can help us with and wants us to understand. That is why we also refer to the Bible as His ‘living’ Word.
With these considerations of context, cross-referencing and a specific socio-cultural setting, it is possible to formulate a preliminary response, or temporary conclusion of what a passage means. Since a passage may contain several paragraphs read all those parts as well, so you do not miss the big picture. Here, you may also consider valid Bible-based, Christ-centred commentaries (4) (5) or a study Bible (6).
Having completed your observation and interpretation, you are now ready for the third and last step – application. How does this passage apply to my life? Our goal, as followers of Christ is to obey Him and become more like Him. This is the main reason we read and study the Bible, so that we can apply Scriptural truth to our lives. Thus, here several questions to ask are, how does this revealed truth – impact my relationship with God, affect my relationship with others, influence me, and help me in my response to the enemy, Satan? Applying God’s Word to your life may appear challenging, but it is not only doable (Matthew 19:26), but also critical for growing in your personal relationship with Christ.
To sum it all up – as revealed in the forgoing four parts – use one (or several) good Bible translations, find a secure quiet place, undisturbed time and space to study, read regularly and be open to explore unfamiliar parts of Scripture. Likewise, reread the passages, chapters and complete Bible books, as you study God’s Word meticulously and with a method (such as an inductive approach, as outlined).
There are many free resources available on the internet – some better than others – and in some cases you may want to invest in an additional hardcopy or eBook of helpful sources and study tools. Thereby, for applied theology you may consider a Bible with practical notes (7), also for getting a better insight on Scripture as whole, consider biblical theology (8) and a solid source on systematic theology (9) as well as a compact guide to all the distinct features of the Bible (10) along with a handy theological dictionary (11).
As said, commentaries come in all shapes and forms, and the Matthew Henry commentary is among the best free commentaries online (12). If you can and do want to invest in a commentary on a specific book, John F. Evans (13) has assembled an excellent evangelical commentary resource guide you can purchase, listing in his book the top three or four choices. Also, investing in a chronological Bible (14), topical Bible (15), a Bible atlas (16), or selecting a free concordance (17) can help you, too. The best Bible software to date, Logos (18), is useful, yet it comes at a significant price, and is only recommended for a computer savvy Bible student.
Finally, keep asking questions for which you are seeking answers. The most important ones have already been answered in the Bible – more specifically, in and through the life and work of Jesus Christ. Getting started may be challenging, but once you dig deeper, read and learn, you are most likely going to enjoy what you discover and be able to apply it to your everyday life. May God bless and reward you richly as you actively engage reading and studying the Bible.
Notes
(1) Sample prayer: “Heavenly Father, I thank you that that through your Son Jesus Christ, you have revealed to men and women. Guide and help me by your Holy Spirit as I start this work. Keep me from pride, and help me to humbly think about you. Protect me from falsehood, grant me discernment, that I may be an effective servant in building your church. I praise you in your glory and grace – in Jesus Christ – through whom we have new life by His death and resurrection. Thank you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
(2) Adapted from “How to Study the Bible – 3 Simple Steps.” Accessed March 27, 2023.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/3-simple-steps-for-studying-the-bible.html
(3) See glossary for common descriptions with examples of literary devices used in Scripture.
(4) Matthew Henry’s six volume Complete Commentary, Originally written in 1706, provides an exhaustive look at every verse in the Bible. It is freely available online at: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/
(5) Evans, John F. A Guide to Biblical Commentaries and Reference Works. 10th ed. Grand Rapids MI: Zondervan, 2016.
(6) Two sources here are helpful: First is: Carson, D. A. ed. NIV Zondervan Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015. Second is: Grudem, Wayne, ed. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2008.
(7) Stanley, Charles F. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2017.
(8) Hamilton, James M. What Is Biblical Theology?: A Guide to the Bible’s Story Symbolism and Patterns. Wheaton Illinois: Crossway, 2014.
(9) Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
(10) Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas K. Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: A
Guide to Understanding the Bible, 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.
(11) Erickson, Millard J. The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology. Wheaton, IL.: Crossway Books, 2001.
(12) See (4).
(13) See (5).
(14) Nelson, Thomas. NIV Chronological Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2014.
(15) Nave’s Topical Bible is available free online here: https://www.naves-topical-bible.com
(16) Rasmussen, Carl. Zondervan Atlas of the Bible (Rev. ed). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.
(17) Strong’s exhaustive concordance is the most complete, easy-to-use, and understandable concordance for studying the original languages of the Bible. It is available free online here: https://biblehub.com/strongs/greek/1.htm
(18) Logos Software is at: https://www.logos.com
Sources for advanced Study
Blomberg, Craig L. A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
Carson D. A. Exegetical Fallacies. 2nd ed. Carlisle U.K. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1996.
Stuart, Douglas K. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 4th ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.
Amen.
Always remember, the best Bible, is an open Bible!
Amen.
Glossary
Anthropomorphism
A type of personification attributing human characteristics (such as emotions, human actions, or physical characteristics) to God. Examples: “Your right hand delivers me.” (Psalm 138:7). Another example: “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” (Genesis 6:6).
Bible (aka. Scripture)
Neither Jews nor Christians originally called their Scriptures “the Bible” (lit., “the Book”). Jews often used words signifying “the Scrolls,” and Christians did call their Scriptures “the Books” (lit., “the codices”). In the early centuries, the Christian Bible appeared almost exclusively in the form of codex fascicles, each containing either one of the larger books (e.g., Isaiah) or a collection of smaller books (Paul’s Letters), so the Scriptures physically corresponded to Lat. bibli., “the books” (cf. Jerome: bibliotheca, lit., “the library”). The term derives from bublos or bublion, loanwords from Egyptian, denoting originally the stalk and, then, the inner pitch of the papyrus plant from which scrolls were commonly made. The Bible contains 66 Books – Old Testament Books (39 total) plus New Testament Books (27 total).
Hyperbole
The use of exaggeration for emphasis or rhetorical effect. Two examples: “Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones.” (2 Chronicles 1:15). And also: “The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!” (John 12:19).
Inerrancy
Meaning “without error.” Typically used to describe Scripture as without error. The Bible is inspired and inerrant. The former term means that God moved through the writers to communicate to us the words which God wanted us to hear. The latter means that all that is written in the inspired documents is without error. Inspiration and inerrancy apply to the original writings, not to the copies. Thus, it is the original writings that are without error. Inspiration comes from God and when He inspired the Bible, it was perfect. Our copies of the original documents are not perfect, due to identifiable scribal error, but they are very close to being so.
Irony
A speaker using language opposing the meaning he is intending to convey, often as sarcasm or mockery. Example: “It came about at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened.” (1 Kings 18:27)
Metaphor
A figure of speech making a comparison between two seemingly different things. Example: “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.” (James 3:6). And also: “The Lord is my shepherd.” (Psalm 23:1).
Metonymy
Type of metaphor in which something – either concrete or conceptual – is not identified by its own name, but by a name of something closely associated with it. Using one noun to represent another noun. Examples: “I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land.” (Leviticus 26:6). Another example: “And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Revelation 1:18).
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is two words or phrases put together that appear to contradict each other. Example: “But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” (2 Samuel 24:24)
Personification
Attributing human characteristics or qualities to a non-human object (as a rhetorical device for abstract ideas, inanimate things, and usually, the divine). Examples: “Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words.” (Proverbs 1:20-21). And also: “The ground is in mourning.” (Joel 1:10).
Repetition
Repeating the same words or phrases in order to get a point across or emphasizing an idea. Words and Phrases – example: “You will keep in peace peace.” – Isaiah 26:3. The Hebrew word for perfect in Isaiah 26:3 is Shalom; interesting enough the Hebrew word for peace is also Shalom. Another example: “…Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” (John 8:58 NASB). Sentences and Paragraphs – example: “It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles the person.” (Matthew 15:11 NASB). Scenes and Stories examples occur frequently in books, like Kings, Chronicles and in the gospels. The same story is told several times, describing it from different perspectives, yet it remains one and the same event. An example here is the ‘feeding of the five thousand’ – the only miracle by Jesus recorded in all four gospels: Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:12-17, and John 6:1-14. Word-based repetition is complemented by motifs and themes, i.e. specific ideas or images. There are numerous motifs of this kind in the Bible, so just to mention two examples – Samson and the motif of fire (Judges 14:15; 15:4; 16:9) and water as theme in the gospel of John, chapters 1-5.
Rhetorical Question
Rhetorical questions are a figure of speech in which a question is asked without an answer expected. Rhetorical questions require the hearer to consider a message, viewpoint, or arrive at a conclusion. The author is making an argument by posing a question. Proverbs 6:27–29 provides examples of rhetorical questions: “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished” (Prov 6:27–29 ESV). Another example: “Are you acquainted with the way the mountain goats give birth?” – Job 39:1
Simile
A figure of speech in which a comparison is made between two seemingly unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: “He is like a tree planted by flowing streams.” – Psalm 1:3.
Another Example: “His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.” – Matthew 28:3.
Symbolism
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, providing meaning or character to something. Denoting moral or spiritual truth, implied or explicit in the text. Examples: “For seven days you must eat bread made without yeast, symbolic of affliction.” (Deuteronomy 16:3). And another one: “Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.” (Revelation 13:1).
Synecdoche
A figure of speech where a part represents the whole. Example: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.” (Ephesians 6:12).
For further reading and study
Arthur, Kay. David Arthur and Pete De Lacy. How to Study Your Bible. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2013.
Herrick, Greg. “How to Study the Bible: For Beginners.” Accessed, March 27, 2023.
https://bible.org/series/how-study-bible-beginners
“How to Study the Bible – 3 Simple Steps.” Accessed, March 27, 2023.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/3-simple-steps-for-studying-the-bible.html
Wald, Oletta. The Joy of Discovery in Bible Study. Rev. ed. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Pub. House, 1975.
Bible-Based & Christ-Centred 