5 Steps to (Seriously) Study the Bible

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Studying the Bible seriously is a priority for devoted Christians. Depending on how deep a dive you want to do, it will require concentration, diligence, and some reliable tools.

I’ve outlined 5 steps for seriously studying the Bible that I believe will help you with your own studies, or at the very least, provide a small road map if you don’t know where to start.

Let me clear, though: these are MY suggestions and opinions. The topic of Bible study can elicit strong opinions from many Christians and there is no one way to do it. In the end, this is your time with the Lord, not mine – so follow your heart on where you think your relationship with God should grow.

In other words, this is just the long way of saying “this is what works for me.”

STEP ONE: Grab a Bible (or More?)

Already we’re in deep waters. What do you mean, “or more?” And aren’t there a lot of translations?

I’ll deal with the second question first. Yes, there’s a lot of translations. There is the ubiquitous King James Version that nearly everyone has heard or has in their own home. I have a plain, no-frills pocket King James that I keep on my nightstand. However, I have invested in at least three other translations: the NKJV, the NASB, and the ESV.

Everyone has their favorites, but the key in finding the right Bible is how they convey the original Hebrew and Greek. Accuracy in translation is essential as it must appropriately and consistently convey God’s Word. An entire branch of study exists on around how the Bible is interpreted and it’s called “hermeneutics.” The Bible you use to study with must be hermeneutically sound.

(I could go on, but if you want to know more about how the Bible was compiled and translated, please see the late Chuck Missler’s excellent summary, How We Got Our Bible.)

For me, my translation for daily reading is the NKJV and NASB. I use the ESV occasionally, but not as much as I used to.

One thing I highly suggest is investing in a good study Bible.

Study bibles have a lot of good sidebar references, commentary, and maybe even some cultural background you might not pick up from the plain text.

My FAVORITE is my cool-looking, tome-sized edition of the Henry Morris Study Bible that utilizes the KJV translation. This thing rocks, especially its appendices.

If you own a two-story home you WILL feel like Moses carrying down the Ten Commandments whenever you come down the stairs. Bonus points if you rock a gray Charlton Heston beard while doing it.

But there’s plenty more out there that I don’t have the space to review, but if you want to get a study Bible then take some time to shop for the right one.

STEP TWO: Reference Materials

If you already have a good study Bible, then this might already be taken care of for you. Depending on the issue you’re researching it helps to look up the original Hebrew and Greek meaning of the Biblical text.

Let’s look at the KJV translation of how Proverbs 10:4 (a verse about diligence) is translated, for example:

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” (KJV.)

Suppose “slack” stood out to you. You could use a regular dictionary to look it up, but oftentimes, but maybe the word has a distinct spiritual meaning in how it was used in other contexts.

If you crack open the Henry Morris I just mentioned, it notes that “slack” is translated from “negligent.” It even provides additional verses for greater context, such as Proverbs 19:15, a verse cautioning against laziness.

Concordance?

If you’re looking to up your Bible study library game, then you might consider a concordance. A concordance is a reference book showing you which Bible verses match up with certain Hebrew and Greek words used to write the underlying text before it was translated to English.

Some study Bibles already have concordances built-in, but you can always buy your own.

A Commentary?

Like concordances, Bible commentaries run the gamut and some study Bibles incorporate these as well. I could write an entire blog post on these, but again, it’s basically more shopping around and finding one you like that handles the Word appropriately.

For me, my favorite is the Believer’s Bible Commentary. It’s written in a simple, straight-forward, and plain-English manner that gets to the heart of what the Scripture is getting across and providing some additional context to help you study the Word. It’s written from an evangelical viewpoint and written well.

Now, remember: you don’t need to deck out the library with fancy books to study the Bible. As you’ll see below, good Bible study can come from just prayer and getting lost in the Word.

But sometimes, a good reference material might give you some additional insight that will help your study.

STEP 3: Pick the Right Time

Give the Lord your best time. This section is short, but important. If you’re going to study, make sure you can give the Word the attention it deserves.

Everyone’s different. Some of you want a quiet room. Some of you want a coffee shop. Some of you want to be by yourselves, others with a partner or a group. You might wear earbuds with the latest chillhop mix on Youtube bumping, or you may want silence.

Some of you want to do it in the evening when things quiet down, and you’re home from work. Some of you will do it on a lunch break. Some will do it while they’re waiting at the doctor’s office.

The Bible makes a case for getting up early and getting centered with God. (e.g., Psalms 5:3; Psalms 88:13; Mark 1:35.)

But give the Lord your complete attention. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Proverbs 46:10 – ESV)

STEP 4: Pray First

I’ll keep this simple too: pray before entering the Word of God.

Personally, I could be a lot better about this myself, but when I do, I notice that I’m more attuned to what God is trying to accomplish by me reading the Scripture.

(Nancy Missler [RIP] wrote an excellent post on prayer and petitioning, so I’ll drop that link here. Please check it out.)

And when you pray, ask for wisdom and discernment, and if you are doing a deep-dive into the Word because you need a particular question answered, or want advice – ask that question or state your issue directly to God.

STEP 5: READ & TAKE NOTES

The best part of all.

Now read.

As you’re pouring over verses and words, take a look at the Greek and Hebrew words used to express what you’re reading in English. See if there are other verses that clarify, harmonize, or illuminate something you’ve already read.

Pay attention to numbers – sometimes the Holy Spirit likes to drop little hints here and there about how many days something takes, what day of what month something happens, or why a group of people are numbered specifically.

Pay attention to symbols and idioms. Jesus is referenced in several idioms: the “Rock” that followed the Jews in the wilderness, the “Stone” made without hands, the brass serpent on the cross that healed Israel, the Passover Lamb, etc.

But most of all, have fun doing it. Take delight in learning the Word of God and take pleasure in the discernment that rewards a diligent study. The Bible gives away a lot to the casual reader, but the diligent student that wrestles and digests the text often finds something hidden.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

Proverbs 25:2 KJV

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Deut. 29:29 NKJV

Take notes as you study. I use the Evernote software to sort by topic and subject, but pen and paper work just as well. Start building your personal library of verses and track insights into the subjects that you care about the most. Keep track of your thoughts about the verses in the broader context of the world and the current events that are unfolding.

It’s a cool feeling picking up on a subject after a hiatus to see just how many Bible verses you’ve found as well as corresponding notes, thoughts, and links to news you put with them. It’s an even cooler feeling to add to that list. Maybe that list becomes your “go-to” strike file when someone asks what the Bible says about a particular subject. Or maybe you wind up with your own, tailor-made Bible commentary. Go where the spirit moves you.

The last thing I’ll mention is where to start. Most Christians will sternly tell you to read from Genesis to Revelation – no deviation! But I say, this is YOUR study. Your relationship with God will require different starting and stopping points in the Word. I dare say, there’s almost no “bad” way to read the Bible, so long as you walk in with a prayerful mindset.

And since we’re on the topic of reading the Bible, consider investing in an excellent chronological reading plan. I found one that you’ll like.

In the meantime, open the Bible and get studying.

Good luck!