How to Study the Bible for Beginners: Tools and Tips
So, you’re a new believer? Now what? It can confuse to know what to do next. Thankfully, we have the Bible. It has all we need to learn about God and how to love Him. But where do we start?
The Bible is a comprehensive book. It’s big because it contains the story of God, his people, and his plan for the world. If you want to read the Bible and understand it, you need some tools.
We will discuss some of the best tools for studying the Bible as a beginner and provide tips on how to use these tools to get the most out of your Bible study time!
What is the Bible, and Where Did it Come From?
The Bible is a compilation of 66 books that were written over 1,500 years. Various authors wrote these books that tell the story of God’s people, from creation to the end of the world. The original language of the Bible is Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, but translated into many languages over the years.
There are two sections in the Bible: The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s people from creation to the coming of Jesus Christ. The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ, his ministry, death, and resurrection. It also contains letters written by Paul and other apostles to various churches throughout the world.
How do I read the Bible for myself and what should I look out for?
If you have never tried reading the bible on your own before, and you want to gain maximum benefit from such time you spend with God’s Word, there are some important things about reading his Word that will help guide your way.
- Always be aware of the context of what you are reading. Read the verses before and after the passage you are studying and check online dictionaries and commentaries as needed.
- Read with prayer, asking God to open your understanding and for guidance on how to apply what you are reading in your life.
- Mark verses which particularly speak to you or that you want to remember so that you can come back to them later. If a particular verse is confusing, mark it down and come back to it after you have studied the surrounding verses and/or looked up any cross references.
Tools for Studying the Bible
There are many tools that can help you study the Bible. Here are some of the most popular tools:
Bible dictionaries
A Bible dictionary is a great tool for studying the biblical languages. It can help you understand the meaning of words in the Bible, as well as the culture and historical context of the passage.
Bible commentaries
A Bible commentary is a book that provides explanations and interpretations of the Bible. Commentaries can be helpful when you are trying to understand a difficult passage of Scripture.
Bible concordances
A Bible concordance is a book that lists all the words in the Bible and provides information about each word, such as its definition and where it appears in the Bible. Concordances can be helpful when you are looking for specific verses or studying a particular topic.
Bible translations
There are many English translations of the Bible. Each translation is slightly different, so it is important to choose a translation that you understand and that you feel comfortable reading.
These are just a few of the many tools that can help you study the Bible. Be sure to ask your pastor or another trusted Christian for advice on which tools are best for you.
How can I apply what I’m learning from my Bible studies to my everyday life?
One of the significant benefits of studying the Bible is that it can help you apply God’s Word to your everyday life. As you read and study the Bible, ask God to help you apply what you are learning. Here are some ways that you can apply biblical principles to your life:
- Follow Jesus’ example of love and forgiveness.
- Obey God’s commands to love your neighbor as yourself.
- Let the Bible be your guide in decision-making.
- Prayerfully ask God for guidance.
The last thing you need to know
It’s important to remember that the Bible is God’s Word. The Bible is not just a book of stories or a collection of moral principles. It is the living word of God, and it has the power to change your life. When you study the Bible, you are spending time with God, and he will speak to you through his Word. So be sure to read and study the Bible with prayer and reverence and allow God to change your life through his Word.
Common Questions About Bible studies
How long should it take?
This is different for everyone and depends on how often you do your studies and what method you’re using, but typically a bible study takes 30 minutes to an hour.
What translation should I use?
This is completely up to you! If one translation says something a little differently than another, they both can still be correct! The different translations are just trying to express the same thing in their own words. For a beginner, I would recommend the English Standard Version (ESV).
Which method should I use?
I suggest picking up a book on basic bible study methods or checking out this website for the REST Bible Study Method.
How should beginners study the bible?
Beginners should start by reading the bible. You can also find a study Bible to help you understand the scriptures better. There are many translations of the bible, so find one that you feel comfortable with.
There are online resources such as Blue Letter Bible to help you with your studies. There are many helpful websites and videos that can provide guidance and instruction.
You can also join a church or small group Bible study class to learn with other Christians.
