How to read the bible

The Bible isn’t just a book to be read — it’s God’s living Word meant to be studied, understood, and applied. You don’t need a theology degree to dive deep into Scripture. With the right approach, you can hear God’s voice and grow in wisdom every day. 

To study the Bible, create a consistent routine with a specific time and place, then select a Bible translation that you understand. Begin by reading entire books or large sections to understand the context, and apply a practical method like the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) or the four-part process of Observation, Interpretation, Connection, and Application. Ask questions about the historical, cultural, and literary context of the text, compare different translations, and use resources like study Bibles or commentaries to deepen your understanding. Finally, take time to reflect on how the passage applies to your life and respond to God in prayer. 

1. Establish a Routine

• Choose a Time and Place: Pick a consistent time, such as the morning, and a comfortable place to read, like your favorite chair or kitchen table. 
• Select a Bible and Translation: Choose a Bible version you find easy to understand. A good starting point is the book of Genesis, which provides a chronological understanding of the Bible. 

2. Read with Context 

• Read in Large Sections: Don't just read isolated verses; read entire books or large sections to grasp the literary and historical context.
• Consider the Genre: Be aware of the different literary types in the Bible, such as poetry (Psalms), history (Kings), letters (Titus, Romans), or prophecy (Revelation), as this affects how you interpret them.

3. Understand the Context

• Ask Key Questions: Ask yourself who wrote the book, when it was written, who the audience was, where the story takes place, and what the author's purpose was. 
• Bridge the Gaps: Recognize the language, cultural, geographical, and historical gaps between you and the biblical authors to understand their original meaning. 

4. Use Study Methods

• SOAP Method:
  • S: cripture: Write down the verses you're studying. 
  • O: bservation: Note your own observations about the text. 
  • A: pplication: Determine how the passage applies to your life and what changes are needed. 
  • P: rayer: Respond to God based on what you've read. 

 Example (Philippians 4:6)

1. Scripture: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
2. Observation: Paul is telling believers not to carry anxiety but to bring everything to God in prayer. Gratitude is a key part of this process.
3. Application: When I feel anxious about work or family, I need to stop worrying and instead turn it into prayer, remembering to thank God for what He’s already done.
4. Prayer: “Lord, help me bring my worries to You instead of carrying them myself. Thank You for always listening and for the peace You promise in return.”

• Four-Part Process: Another method involves:
  • Observation: What does the text say? 
  • Interpretation: What does it mean? 
  • Connection: How does it connect to other parts of Scripture or God's nature? 
  • Application: How should it impact your life? 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

1. Observation – What does the text say?
   Jesus is speaking to His disciples, using the imagery of a vine and branches. He says that remaining connected to Him is the only way to produce lasting fruit.
2. Interpretation – What does it mean?
   This verse teaches dependence on Christ. Just as branches can’t survive without the vine, believers can’t live fruitful lives apart from Him. True spiritual growth only comes through abiding in Jesus.
3. Connection – How does it connect to other Scripture or God’s nature?
   This connects to Galatians 5:22–23, where the fruit of the Spirit is described, and to Psalm 1, where the person rooted in God’s Word is compared to a tree that bears fruit. It shows God’s consistent desire for His people to stay rooted in Him.
4. Application – How should it impact your life?
   This passage challenges me to evaluate whether I’m abiding in Christ daily through prayer and Scripture or trying to live in my own strength. It reminds me that apart from Him, my efforts are empty — but in Him, I can bear lasting fruit.

5. Utilize Resources 

• Study Bibles: These provide helpful context notes and explanations.
• Commentaries: Consult commentaries to gain deeper insights into the text.
• Comparison: Compare different Bible translations to gain a clearer understanding.

6. Reflect and Apply

• Journal Your Insights: Keep a journal or notebook to write down key verses, key thoughts, and personal insights you gain. 
• Apply to Your Life: Look for lessons about God's character, ways to praise Him, or areas where you need to repent and change. 
• Pray: Respond to God in prayer, asking for help to live out what you've learned. 

• Start with a reading plan (like our Gospel in 40 Days or New Testament in 90 Days).
• Set a consistent time daily — morning, lunch, or before bed.
• Use different formats: read, listen to audio, or study verse-by-verse.
• Don’t rush. One verse studied deeply can transform you more than a chapter skimmed quickly.