The Study Guides provide an organised study plan for you, but if you want to study the Bible without following a set plan here some brief pointers about how to go about it. There are three common methods of Bible study (some suggest a fourth method – Devotional Study – but we are assuming that you will be studying for personal devotion whichever method you choose, rather than for academic reasons.)
Click or touch the ‘Study Helps’ button for an explanation of the study helps mentioned
in this article.
The three methods are:
(1) Passage Study
1. Read a short passage. Do not try to study a whole chapter in one go, unless the chapter is a short one. Keep instead to one theme or incident within the chapter.
2. Read a Bible Commentary or two to see what they tell you about the passage.
3. If there are any cross references in the margin of your Bible, consult them to see what light they throw on the passage or part of the passage.
3. Read it again slowly, stopping at any word, phrase, incident or instruction that is not 100% clear. Consult a Bible Dictionary, a Lexicon or another Commentary as appropriate to try and gain some clarity (see the list of study aids below).
(2) Topical (or Thematic) Study
1. Follow cross references if you have them, to see how they expand on your knowledge of the theme. Cross References (sometimes called Chain Links) are printed down the centre of the page in many Bibles.
2. Use a Concordance (Bible index) or Lexicon (a reference of biblical words) to follow the verses in which a relevant word or theme is to be found.
3. Use a Bible Dictionary or Bible Encyclopaedia to read about the topic.
(3) Character Study
A similar procedure to a Topical Study, but following the life, actions and character of a person in the Bible.
Whichever method you choose (and try not to stick to one method for every study), do not rush. Pray for understanding, be attentive to the Holy Spirit, and write down what you learn. As you proceed, try to answer the questions “What is this about? When did it take place in the connect of the passage? Who is involved? Why did it happen or why is it recorded here? How does it affect me?”
Always conclude with asking yourself, and the Lord, “Is there anything in this passage that applies to my life, that I should put into effect?” If the answer is “Yes”, then do it!
For more help on how to study the Bible, or any other subject, download a free copy of the booklet A BRIEF GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS.
