Learning how to study the Bible can feel intimidating to a new believer or a Christian who wants to know more about God and Christ. Bible study is how we get to know God and understand Him more. But what process should we use? What’s the best Bible translation to use? What supplies are needed for Bible study?
This post will offer guidance on these and other questions. If you’d like to learn why we should read the Bible, check out this post.
What Bible Translation Should I Use for Bible Study?
Anyone who has searched for a Bible to read knows there are many different translations. That can be overwhelming when you first start studying the Bible. Which translation is best for studying?
It’s best to invest in a good study Bible. A study Bible contains notes to explain certain passages, historical references, maps, and other helpful reference materials, which can all be extremely beneficial for Bible study.
The translation you choose is really up to you. What translation is the most comfortable for you to read? That’s the study Bible that may work best for you.
If you’re unsure of which Bible translation to use, consider asking your pastor or mentor. They can help you determine which translation is best for your studies.
You can find different Bible resources on our Resources page. There are some apps that provide a wide variety of Bible translations, such as the YouVersion app. You can also download free Bibles with the eSword app.
These apps are helpful for anyone who would like to have several different translations without making a huge investment. Bibles can be expensive; however, there are plenty of free Bibles available online to keep costs down.
Which Bible Study Method is Best?
Each of us is a unique individual, and we each learn in different ways. There’s no one Bible study method that’s best for everyone. It’s important to choose a method that fits how you learn. Thankfully, there are several Bible study methods to explore!
Most Popular Bible Study Methods
There are many ways to study the Bible; however, I've put together some of the most popular methods.
1. Inductive Bible Study
The inductive Bible study method is more in-depth. It is best for anyone who wants to “take a deep dive” into the Scriptures. Inductive Bible study can deepen our faith and understanding of Scripture, making the Bible relevant to each of us.
There are three basic questions for inductive Bible study:
- What does the text say?
- What does the text mean?
- How do I apply what I’ve learned?
Of course, there are also additional questions you can ask when using this study method:
- What does this passage mean?
- What is God telling me?
- How does this apply to me? What will/can I do about it?
2. Devotional Study Method
The devotional study method combines reading the Bible with prayer, study, and reflection on the passages. When using this Bible study method, the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply the passage to your life.
The devotional Bible Study method relies strongly on prayer and waiting to see what the Holy Spirit shows you about a specific verse or passage.
3. Verse-by-Verse Bible Study
Another popular Bible study method is the verse-by-verse method. Not all of us have time to read and study a chapter a day, but we can usually fit in a shorter study like this.
A verse-by-verse study method focuses on a small number of verses. You may want to use a Bible reading plan for this method. It is best for those times when you don’t have time for a deep dive into the Scriptures.
4. SOAP Method
The SOAP method is one some people find easy for reading and studying the Bible. SOAP stands for:
Scripture: read a short passage aloud and/or write the verse out.
Observation: the next step is to observe and ask questions about the verse(s), such as:
- What did you notice about the passage?
- What is the main message?
- What verses/words/ideas stood out for you within the passage?
Application: ask the Lord how He wants you to apply what you’ve learned in your life.
Prayer: for yourself and/or others.
This study method is extremely popular because it’s easy yet provides a more in-depth experience with the Word. You can study the chosen passage in 15 minutes or take longer. Individuals or study groups can use the SOAP method.
5. Verse Mapping Method
Verse Mapping is also a popular way to study the Bible. It involves the following steps:
- Choosing a verse and reading it and the surrounding verses to gain context.
- Studying the historical background of the verse/chapter/or book
- Exploring keywords in their original language
- Reading cross-references to other verses (to gain more understanding)
- Writing the verse, journaling your thoughts, and taking notes
I can’t tell you which method is best for you. It depends on what works best with your learning style. You may also want to consider your interests (e.g., do you enjoy deep word studies, learning historical information, etc.).
You may want to ask your mentor or pastor for guidance on which Bible study method you should use. They know you and can recommend the best method to help you learn the Bible and grow closer to God.
What Method Do I Use?
That’s a hard question to answer! I use a combination of the inductive, devotional, and SOAP methods. The one I use the most is the inductive Bible study method, which I use only because it’s how I learn best.
How Do I Choose Which Bible Verses to Study?
That’s a great question, especially considering that the Bible has 66 books and thousands of verses! With so much content to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some tips for choosing where to start your Bible study!
1. Use a Bible Study Plan
If you’re new to studying the Bible, you may want to start out by using a Bible study plan. The YouVersion app has a wide range of plans to choose from. You can also do a Google search using these words “free Bible study plan.”
Choose a plan that interests you. You may want to print it out and put it inside your Bible for reference. Use the reading plan as a place to start your Bible study.
2. Pray for Guidance
Bible study is meant to deepen our relationship with God, so you may want to pray for His guidance on where to start studying. Ask Him to lead you to what He wants you to study. You’ll definitely receive some input on where to start.
3. Choose a Topic
Do you have a specific need or interest? If so, you can also start your Bible study there. For instance, if you’re experiencing a lot of anxiety, reading about this topic in the Bible can ease the anxiety and teach you to trust in and rely on God.
No matter what topic you’re interested in or need to study, this method works. The Bible is the Word of God and our spiritual nourishment. It provides exactly what our souls need to learn and grow.
Here, again, you can pray for God’s guidance. He will lead you to the answers you need during your Bible study.
4. What Your Church is Studying
Another place to start is with what your church is currently studying. Have you read a passage at church, or did your pastor read one that especially spoke to you? That may be the place where you can start your Bible study.
Is It OK to Write or Underline in Your Bible?
Many people write, draw, paint, use highlighters, and underline in their Bibles. I personally don’t write in my Bible much because I want the text to be fresh each time.
If I want to make a note, I write it down in a notebook with the scripture reference. I can refer back to that note at any time. When I encounter that specific verse again, it appears fresh and may hold more in-depth meaning without previous notes being present. There’s nothing there to distract me from what God is saying.
Having said that, I do make short notes in my Bible, but these are rare.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV
The scriptures are the living Word of God. Each time we read a verse, it may hit us in a completely different way or at a different depth. This is why I don’t want to be distracted by my past notes. I have them—either in digital or handwritten form. So, I can look back on each note easily, and the Bible remains fresh each time I read it.
My method works for me; however, each of us is unique. My method may not work for you. And that’s OK! It’s OK to write, draw, paint, and underline in your Bible if that works for you!
Tools You’ll Need for Bible Study
You might have seen YouTube videos showcasing various Bible totes brimming with various study supplies. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it's crucial to remember that the focus of Bible study should always be on the Word of the Lord, not the tools we use to study it. This is a key point to keep in mind to avoid any potential distractions. It's easy to become addicted to needing the latest “pretty and shiny” Bible study supplies and tools. These can distract us from God.
Another issue is that it’s not necessary to have so many supplies and books. If you can afford them, go for it! But if these things are too expensive for your budget, they’re unnecessary. When it comes right down to it, all you really need for a Bible study is a Bible and a notebook (or a laptop/mobile device to take digital notes.
These resources can also be beneficial for Bible study:
- Bible dictionary
- Commentary
- Colored pencils (not required, but some find them useful)
That’s it! If you can’t afford to invest in a Bible, Bible dictionary, and a commentary, it’s OK! You can access these resources freely online, such as the Blue Letter Bible. Another free resource is eSword (you can download many of these resources for free). You can find the link and information on this free app on our Resources page.
You can study the Bible with minimal supplies, especially with these and other free resources available. Remember, Bible study aims to focus on the Word of God to learn about our Father and Jesus Christ.
Concluding Thoughts
Many believers are fine with only reading the Bible. They learn as they read and don’t feel the need to study. However, studying the Bible enriches our spiritual lives and our knowledge of God.
Bible study also enhances our spiritual growth, helping us grow from immature believers to more mature believers. The Word of God is the spiritual food we need to grow and become closer to Him.
You'll need to make some choices regarding Bible translation, study methods, etc. If you have any questions, it’s best to ask your pastor or mentor for guidance.
But one thing I know for sure is that if you love to study, Bible study will surely enrich your life. Be sure to start and end your Bible study with prayer, asking God for guidance. He is faithful and will definitely light your path with His Word.
God bless,
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