Learning how to study the Bible has been vital to my spiritual maturity and ministry. I don’t know who or where I would be without it. Bible study helps us understand doctrine (what the Bible teaches), and it allows us to share our faith with confidence in our biblical beliefs. When we study the Bible, we gain a deeper knowledge of God, which intensifies our love for Him, and our loyalty to Him. Bible study also gives us the strength to withstand the storms of life and guides us on the paths of righteousness.
There are so many more benefits to Bible study, but in this post, I want to share how to study the Bible in 7 simple steps.
3 Key Components of Bible Study
- Comprehension– which answers the question “What does the text say?”
- Interpretation– which answers the question “What does it mean?”
- Application- which answers the question “How should this truth change my life?”
No matter what method of Bible study you use, those 3 components never change. You always want to understand what the Bible says, what it means, and how it should shape your thinking and transform your life.
Romans 12:2 KJV~ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
7 Simple Steps to Bible Study
1. Pray over the passage- Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and for sweet fellowship with the Lord as you study his word. James 1:5 KJV- If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2. Ponder on the passage- Read the passage several times, meditate on it, memorize it, and saturate your mind with it. Joshua 1:8 KJV-This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
3. Pick apart the passage-
- Make general observations.
- Ask questions-who is the author, who are they writing to, what is the thrust, what can I learn about God, what did this mean in the time it was written, when was it written, where does it take place, why is this book/chapter/passage/verse important? How does this fit into the theme of the Bible as a whole?
- What biblical principles are clearly evident?
- Determine the context.
- Find the keys in the passage-key people, places, words, phrases, or doctrines.
- What is the passage literally saying?
- Are there any words to define?
- Do word studies.
Four Final Steps
4. Cross Reference- Compare scripture with scripture, because the Bible defines itself, so use a concordance or a Bible app to find every reference and read them to get a better understanding of the text.
5. Consult Commentaries- Do your own study of the text, let the Holy Spirit teach you, and then read some commentaries on it from trusted Bible scholars. Commentaries add insight into the text and also confirm or redirect your interpretation of it. I like Charles Spurgeon and John MacArthur, but you could ask your pastor for their recommendation.
6. Compile it- Synthesize and organize your notes, and put turn your research into an outline.
7. Apply it– Lastly, apply what you have learned before you teach it to someone else. Jesus gives a scathing sermon about the scribes and the Pharisees in Matthew 23:1-33. Jesus warned his disciples not to follow the Pharisees because they were all talk with no action. They loved their titles and privilege and Jesus calls them hypocrites 7 times in this passage!
Simple, not stressful Bible study
Studying the Bible can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just come to the scriptures with an open mind, a tender heart, and a willingness to learn, and the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. (John 16:13)
Take it one simple step at a time, and the more you do it, the easier it will become. Before you know it, these 7 simple bible study steps will be like second nature to you.
2Timothy 2:15 KJV~ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
More on How to Study the Bible:
10 Simple Steps to do a Bible Word Study
3 Study Tips to Sweeten Bitter Scriptures
Bible Study for Busy Women~ 20 Minute Word Study
And check out this book:
Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin
New Resource Library
I have created a resource library with tools for spiritual growth here at Daily His Disciple. This includes a 17-page guide to How to Study the Bible, complete with step-by-step instructions, study sheets, and much more! There are also bookmarks and scripture lists for topical study and memorization (including 14 Scriptures for a Sober Mind).
Simply enter your email address and hit subscribe to get the link to the resource library and the password.
Besides the resources, you will get my blog posts in your email. I only post weekly or bi-weekly, so I won’t flood your inbox.
Already subscribed to Daily His Disciple? Just email me and I will send you the link and password!
Pray With Confidence
If you would like to grow in your prayer life, then check out Pray with Confidence. It’s a website for helping women overcome prayer obstacles, and I am one of the regular contributors. Here are a few links I think will be a blessing to you:
3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability
19 Bible Verses that Reveal the Will of God
Check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs as well. There are many great options to boost your spiritual growth!
Bible study is so much fun and a bit addicting. Once you start you desire more and more.
Yes!!
Yes Yes Annie!
These are simple steps for a deep dive into the Word.
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for reading! 😊
Very good instructions and steps. Prayer first is always key.
Yes, definitely! Thank you for reading.
Wow. I love this. Thank you!
You’re welcome, thanks for reading!
I like how you have such thorough analysis, but also application. Many Bible studies do not include application, and that’s the most important part!
I agree, without application we’re just puffed up with knowledge, and don’t mature in Christ. Thank you for reading and for your feedback, I appreciate it! 🙂
Annie, what a powerful, practical post. I’ll be pinning and sharing. I loved the worksheets, too.
Thank you so much Donna, have a blessed day! 🙂
I am passionate about discipleship and loved your instruction here. It’s not something that necessary comes naturally. It takes work and intentionality. Thank you!
It absolutely does. When I teach this material in bible studies that’s one of the things I stress with the ladies, that we have to intentionally invest in our own spiritual growth so we’re equipped to intentionally invest in other women. Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Good stuff here! I’m a structured person, so having a study-guide is invaluable to me. These steps if taken sincerely will benefit all involved to the glory of God! Thanks!
The study sheets help me to keep the notes organized instead of scattered on sticky notes lol! I’m glad they’re a blessing to you too! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
So much good information in this! DIscipleship is so important! I appreciate all the tips and detail you’ve equipped us with!
Thank you for reading and your feedback, I appreciate it! 🙂
Annie, I really love your teachings! I love my sweet time with Jesus in His Word. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me read and I love to ‘enter’ the Scripture through meditation as if I’m there. I’m pretty visual with the Lord. But I don’t consult commentaries like I should. One of my girlfriends just introduced me to the Passion Version of the Bible which I never knew existed. It gives commentaries under the Scriptures. I was intrigued. I am a team leader now in P31 OBS. But when I was a group leader, we learned to break down Scriptures in what Proverbs calls ‘verse mapping’. It has been great to do to break down each Scripture and personalize the Scriptures! Keep up the awesome work you are doing! You are definitely servant hearted and have a heart of a teacher for sure!! Blessings to you! XO Donna
I do love to teach the Bible! But I also love teaching other women how to dig into the scriptures themselves. I’ve heard of verse mapping but don’t know anything about it, I’ll have to check it out! Thank you for your faithful encouragement, I appreciate you! 🙂
This is very comprehensive and detailed!
I hope it was a blessing to ya!