Practical Tips For Studying the Bible

  • Study when you are physically and mentally alert. For some it is early mornings and for other is could be late evening.
  • Make sure you choose a time when no one interrupts you and spend at least 30 minutes every day.
  • Bible is a spiritual book, so you need guidance of the Holy Spirit, who is given to us to teach all truth (John 16:13). So make sure you spend time in prayer, confess your sins and ask for God’s help before you begin.
  • Read the Bible itself and not a book about the Bible.
  • Bible is a very large book, so you need to have a plan to guide your study. There are several methods of studying the Bible, so make a systematic plan and stick with it.
  • Use a notebook to write as you study. Keeping a record of thoughts and insights that you might have so that you can refer again or verify them as you progress in your study.
  • The purpose of the Word of God is to bring us to salvation (2Tim 3:15) and not a simple application to our daily needs. So don’t be discouraged and skip over the passages that do not excite you.

When choosing a Bible version, choose a version that is easy for you to understand and comfortable in reading. However do not take this too far and pick a version that does not accurately translate the original words. Try to stay away from paraphrased translations.

Below are few versions to choose from:

  • King James Version (KJV):
  • New King James Version (NKJV)
  • English Standard Version (ESV)
  • Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)

Study Bibles with Strong’s numbers and cross-references are quite helpful in gaining insights. However stay away from study Bible’s that have lots of footnotes, as these are often results of theological bias of the publishers.

Some study Bibles to consider:

  • Complete Word Study Bible / Key Word Study Bible by Spiros Zodhiates
  • New King James Version with Strong’s Numbers – NKJV Strong’s
  • Holman Christian Standard Bible with Strong’s Numbers – HCSB Strong’s
  • ESV / KJV/ NKJV Greek-English Interlinear New Testament

Study the Bible with humbleness, setting aside all theological, cultural and experiential bias. Be always teachable and ready to obey what is revealed to you.