Tips for studying the Bible so you can grow in knowledge and understanding …

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The average Christian today often opens their Bible with good intentions but no clear roadmap. Many don’t know where to begin, how to navigate Scripture, or how to interpret it in a way that deepens their faith, cultivates knowledge, and fosters understanding. Studying the Bible isn’t something we’re naturally equipped to do without guidance; it’s a discipline and a responsibility. So, let’s explore some helpful tips for how to study the Bible for knowledge and understanding.

Note that some of the information below will seem easy and simple – great! But some of it will sound overwhelming, simply because you’re unfamiliar with it. The good news is, you can build these study skills one step at a time, if you really want to. It will take a commitment to being a serious student of Jesus who is a serious student of the Word. Being that kind of disciple will see the fruit of growing in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. So, let’s look at some suggestions for growing from just reading the Bible, to studying it.

START WITH HUMILITY AND DEPENDENCE ON GOD
Before opening the Bible, recognize one critical truth: you cannot understand the Bible in your own strength. The Bible is not just a book of historical facts, moral teachings, or inspiring stories. It is God’s revelation of Himself, and it requires spiritual discernment to truly grasp its depths. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” This means that even believers need the Holy Spirit to help them rightly interpret Scripture.

Action Step: Pray before you begin. Ask God to open your mind and heart to understand His Word (Luke 24:45), to teach you, and to transform you by it. This prayer is an act of dependence and humility, acknowledging that apart from the Spirit’s guidance, your efforts will be in vain.

DON’T READ THE BIBLE LIKE A DEVOTIONAL BOOK
For many Christians, “Bible reading” means skimming a few verses, maybe following a daily reading plan, and walking away with a vague sense of comfort. This is not studying the Bible — this is grazing the surface without understanding its depth. If you want to grow in knowledge and understanding, you must go deeper than quick, disconnected readings.

Bible study is more than reading a passage for quick inspiration or personal feelings. It involves diving into the text, examining it, and wrestling with it.

Action Step: Choose a specific book of the Bible to study — don’t jump randomly from passage to passage. The Bible is meant to be read and understood in context. Start with a Gospel (like Matthew), a New Testament letter (like Ephesians), or even a rich Old Testament book (like Genesis).

SOME TOOLS FOR BIBLE STUDY
To facilitate deeper study, consider equipping yourself with some tools to help you cultivate greater depth of knowledge:

    • Study Bible. A study Bible provides helpful notes, commentaries, and cross-references that can enhance understanding.
    • Concordance. A concordance allows you to find specific words and phrases throughout the Bible, making it easier to explore topics of interest.
    • Bible Commentary. Commentaries offer insights from scholars and theologians, providing context and interpretation for various passages.
    • Bible Atlas. A Bible atlas helps you visualize the historical and geographical context of Scripture, enriching your understanding of the narratives.
    • Bible study group. Engaging with others in Bible study can provide diverse perspectives and encouragement, fostering deeper insights and accountability.

Action Step: Gather these tools and consider how each can support your study process. Utilize them regularly as you explore Scripture.

SOME BASICS OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION (HERMENEUTICS)
Most Christians are unfamiliar with the concept of biblical hermeneutics — the rules and principles for interpreting Scripture correctly. Without a basic understanding of how to interpret the Bible, people are likely to make dangerous misinterpretations. Biblical illiteracy is partly due to treating the Bible like a collection of personal anecdotes rather than as a unified, coherent, and divinely inspired narrative.

When studying the Bible, understanding foundational principles of interpretation can greatly enhance your experience. Here are some key rules to guide you:

    • Authorial intent. Consider what the author intended to communicate and how the message would have been understood by the original audience. Familiarize yourself with the historical and cultural background of the text. Resources such as the “New Bible Commentary” or the “New Living Translation Study Bible” provide context within their introductions, helping you grasp the intended meaning.
    • The Rule of First Mention. The first time a key concept appears in Scripture often holds foundational significance. For example, if “grace” first appears in Genesis, studying that context can reveal its broader implications throughout the Bible. You can use a study Bible or a concordance to find these key verses easily.
    • Context is “king.” Always read the verses before and after a specific passage, and understand the entire chapter. Knowing the book’s historical background enriches your interpretation. A good study Bible will have introductions to each book that summarize key themes and contexts.
    • Scripture interprets scripture. When you encounter a challenging passage, look for other parts of the Bible that discuss similar themes. For example, if you struggle with a verse in the Gospels, consult the Old Testament references that it may allude to. This approach can clarify difficult verses and provide a fuller understanding of God’s message.
    • Literal vs. figurative language. Recognize when Scripture uses figurative language (like metaphors) versus when it’s speaking literally. For instance, Jesus referring to Himself as the “light of the world” is a metaphor that points to His divine role.
    • Historical-cultural context. Familiarize yourself with the customs and practices of the time when the text was written. To build this understanding, consider reading resources like “The Bible for the Ordinary Reader” or “Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible,” which provide context directly alongside the text. This gradual approach makes the study less overwhelming.
    • Original languages. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While learning these languages isn’t necessary, you can use tools like Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to look up specific words and their meanings in the original languages. An interlinear Bible can also help if you come across one, as it shows the original text alongside the translation.
    • Genre awareness. The Bible contains various genres — narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, gospel, epistles, and apocalyptic. Understanding the genre is essential for interpretation; for example, poetry uses metaphor and imagery, while narrative focuses on historical events. Resources like “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” can help clarify these genres.
    • Typology. Recognize how certain figures or events in the Old Testament foreshadow Christ. For instance, the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s role as the deliverer.
    • Intertextuality. This principle examines how different passages within the Bible reference or resonate with each other. For example, when a New Testament writer quotes an Old Testament prophecy, understanding the original context can provide deeper insight into the new application. Recognizing these connections enriches your interpretation and reveals the unified message of scripture.
    • Cultural and linguistic nuances. Be aware of the language and cultural practices of the original text. Even simple phrases may carry deeper meanings based on cultural context. Resources like biblical dictionaries or commentaries can provide explanations.
    • Theological context. Familiarize yourself with overarching themes in the Bible, such as grace, redemption, and sin. Understanding these themes helps interpret individual passages within the broader narrative of God’s work.
    • Purpose and occasion. Knowing why a particular book was written and the issues it addressed can inform your understanding. Researching the historical context through study Bibles or reliable theological resources can clarify the message.

Action Step: Consider seeking out books or articles on historical and cultural contexts that can deepen your grasp of the passages you’ll be studying. This foundational preparation will enhance your ability to interpret God’s Word effectively.

BREAK DOWN THE TEXT
To really study the Bible, try using s structured approach. Here’s a method to guide your study:

    • Observation. What does the text say? Slow down and look carefully at the words. Who is speaking? To whom? What is happening? Look for repeated words, key phrases, and important transitions. Jot down questions or things that seem important.
    • Interpretation. What does the text mean? Seek to understand the author’s intended meaning. Don’t jump immediately to application.
    • Application. How does the text apply to my life? After understanding the original meaning, consider how this applies today. Does this passage reveal a sin to confess, a command to follow, or a truth to believe?

Action Step: Work through a chapter of the Bible using this method. Write down your observations, interpretations, and applications in a notebook.

SOME PARTS OF THE BIBLE ARE HARD, AND THAT’S OKAY
The Bible contains passages that are difficult to understand. Don’t be discouraged if you struggle with certain texts. Even the Apostle Peter recognized this when he wrote about Paul’s letters, stating, “… Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different …” (2 Peter 3:16). This shows that grappling with challenging truths is not new; it’s part of maturing as a disciple of Jesus.

Real growth in knowledge and understanding comes through wrestling with hard truths, seeking help, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Action Step: When encountering difficult passages, ask for help, consult reliable study resources, and be patient.

BEWARE OF PROOFTEXTING AND PERSONAL BIAS
One of the most dangerous mistakes in Bible study is prooftexting. This term refers to the practice of taking a verse out of context to support personal beliefs or arguments. By isolating a verse without considering its surrounding context or the author’s intent, one can easily distort its meaning. This often happens when people approach the Bible with preconceived ideas.

Action Step: When studying, ask yourself, “Am I letting the Bible shape my beliefs, or am I trying to shape the Bible to fit what I want?”

EXPLORE DIFFERENT WAYS TO STUDY THE BIBLE
There are various methods to engage with Scripture that can deepen your understanding:

    • Topical study. Choose a specific topic and find all the verses related to it.
    • Character study. Focus on a biblical character and examine their life.
    • Verse mapping. Break down key verses by examining the original language, context, and cross-references.
    • Book study. Choose a specific book and read it multiple times.
    • Historical study. Research the historical context of the passages you’re studying.

Action Step: Choose one of these methods for your next study session.

COMMIT TO REGULAR STUDY
Biblical illiteracy often stems from inconsistency. Just as physical health requires regular exercise, spiritual understanding grows through regular, disciplined study.

Action Step: Create a Bible study routine. Set aside a specific time each day to study.

For the average Christian, the path to growing in knowledge and understanding of the Bible is available, but it requires intentional effort. There are no shortcuts. You must approach the Bible seriously, study it consistently, and allow it to speak for itself. Studying the Bible isn’t just an intellectual exercise, it’s an encounter with the living God. Let His Word transform you.

Scotty