Let’s go step-by-step through 8 simple Bible study methods you’ll want to try!
When I first started reading the Bible, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to share the amazing things I was learning with anyone who would listen. I would pick up and read the New Testament and just soak it all up. I didn’t know the background, or understand everything, so sometimes I was confused, but that didn’t stop me! As time went on, I was still reading, but I found myself wondering what I should read and what I should study. . . Or even how to study . . . and so I went seeking and found the best ways to study that were simple, fun and engaging!
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A friend mentioned to me that she was doing a “word study” and I thought, “What’s a word study?!” She went on to explain and also mentioned doing an “inductive study.” Again, I didn’t know what that was.
I knew I should study the Bible and I really wanted to learn to do that on my own, but I didn’t know where to start.
So, as I’ve learned over the years, there are many ways to approach reading and applying God’s Word, but these are some of the simplest and most understandable ways that I’ve found:
Table of Contents
8 Simple Bible Study Methods You’ll Want to Try
- Scripture Writing
- Inductive Bible Study
- Creative Bible Journaling
- Verse Mapping
- Word Study
- Character Study
- Topical Study
- Memorizing a passage
1. Scripture Writing
Scripture writing is one of my favorite methods of pondering what it says, thinking about what it means and even applying it to my life. This is simple but profound!
Choose a passage of scripture or even a verse or two. Prayerfully read it through a couple of times and let it soak in. Take a few minutes to let it sink in. Then write out the verses in your own words.
You might be thinking, “How is that studying?” But I challenge you to give it a try and see if it doesn’t cause your heart to stir and sharpen your understanding of what it means to YOU.
Here’s an example of some scripture writing I did for just one verse–Psalm 19:4 (New International Version):
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
I took this verse personally as God spoke to me, that everything I say and even everything I think should be pleasing to God.
You can see how pondering a passage and thinking about what it means to YOU, can have a profound impact. Your devotional time will never be the same. I promise!
Try this short example. Take a moment and read through this verse and think about what it means. It’s the verse of the day today as I’m writing this😊 Then put that verse into your own words as it applies to your own life. You can even insert your own name instead of “all.”
2. Inductive Bible Study
This method is one of my Top Three ways to study! When I first discovered this simple method it was like a light bulb went on and I had a HUGE “Aha” moment. For the first time, I had a simple way to study, my devotional time took off and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been using this method ever since, and I’ve taught it to many children, teens and adults.
You will hear God speak to you personally as you study this way, because His Spirit is guiding you, helping you understand, and pouring into your heart just exactly what He wants you to hear. I’ve been studying this way for years with a group and by myself, and it always amazes me how we each get something a little different from a passage. His Word is alive and He’s speaking directly to YOU. He’s very personal. WOW!!!
Choose a bite-size passage of manageable size—no more than 10-12 verses. Prayerfully read it through twice and ask yourself three questions:
What does it say? List what stands out to you. Use scripture and don’t paraphrase
What do I learn? Is there a promise? A command? A warning? An example to follow or not follow? What do I learn about God or man (myself)?
What should I do? This is the application part—Write out some open ended questions. A good way to do that is to start each with, “How, Who, What, When, Where or Why.” For the above passage, I might ask myself, “How can I prioritize my day to have more focused time of worship?” What is God saying to you?
After asking yourself these three questions, end with a prayer or a response to your questions as to how you’re going to apply what you have learned.
The Ultimate Bible Study Toolkit includes study aids for all 8 simple methods. Plus a whole lot more. Learn more HERE.
3. Creative Bible Journaling
I’ve written a lot about Bible journaling, so here are a few of my earlier posts to give you more information on the how-to. I LOVE connecting creatively with God’s Word in this way. I’m not a gifted artist by any means, but I find myself coming back over and over again to the pages of my journal or my Bible that I’ve drawn a doodle or scribed a verse.
What you learn will be so deeply planted in your heart that you won’t forget it.
Take a look at some of my other posts on the subject for ideas on how to enjoy this spiritual art.
Bible journaling using vellum paper
Easy Bible Journaling—no talent required
Bible Journal five ways without covering the text
In short, it’s interacting with scripture that you’ve studied in a creative way. Think—colored pencils, stickers, pens, etc. Study the passage, then create something on the page of your Bible or in a separate journal that comes from your heart.
If you have a journaling Bible (I use the ESV Journaling Bible) you can do this in the side margin. Or use the Interleaved Journaling Bible where every other page is blank. It gives you a full blank page opposite your scripture for note taking and creating. I really like the option of not covering text in my Bible and this version is patterned after Jonathon Edwards (theologian from long ago) note-taking Bible.
Interleaved ESV Journaling Bible
ESV Journaling Bible (With Wide Side Margins)
4. Verse Mapping
In this method of study you’re focusing on specific verses that you’re interested in looking at more in-depth.
Choose a verse that you’re interested in or that you want to understand further.
Read the verse in different translations. It will broaden your understanding.
Highlight or circle the words where you want to dig deeper or find clarification. Especially note any repeated words or phrases (the Lord is wanting to draw your attention to this). Use a Bible dictionary or concordance to look them up.
Read the verse in context ( read the verses before it and after it). Read the whole passage and note the setting, to whom it was addressed and what’s happening.
Think about ways that you can apply the verse to your life. What do you learn that applies to your present situation or thoughts? What do you learn about God and His character?
5. Word Study
Sometimes words are unclear because they’re not words we use in our everyday language. Or perhaps it’s just a word that’s difficult to define, such as “grace.” This is a great way to study a specific word to gain better understanding.
Prayerfully choose a word to study.
Look up the word in a dictionary and define it.
Review the word in a concordance or Bible search app.
Write down the scripture references for this word and look them up in your Bible.
Read the verse(s) that are before and below those verses for context.
Compare those scriptures to get a better understanding of the word.
Summarize your notes in your own words to understand the full meaning of the word.
Looking for some words to get you started? Try: Worship, Delight, Hope . . .
The Ultimate Bible Study Toolkit includes study aids for all 8 simple methods plus a whole lot more. Make studying the Bible simple with this complete toolkit! Learn more HERE.
6. Character Study
We can learn so much from studying a person that walked with God (or didn’t walk with God.) I just finished a lengthy study of the life of Joseph and I learned SOOOO much of his character and trust in the Lord. It definitely challenged me and encouraged me.
Choose someone that you want to learn more about.
Look up passages that person either wrote or is written about.
Write out the main points that you find about them.
Compare/contrast their strengths and weaknesses.
How were they used by God? Or how did they turn from God?
From what you learned, what will you apply to your life? How can you follow this person’s example?
Here are a few to get you started: Noah, Esther, Lot’s wife
7. Topical Study
Studying a topic is so valuable. For instance, what does it really mean to “abide” in Christ? How do you pray? You can do a lot of digging and apply a lot when you search and study a topic.
Here’s how you study a topic:
Look up the topic in a concordance. Make a list of references.
Choose 10-20 verses that you’d like to use.
Review unfamiliar words and look for keywords or repeated phrases.
Take note of what stands out.
Jot down what you learn from your notes.
Summarize and pray for the Lord to help you apply what you have learned.
Here are a few ideas for a topical search: Obedience, mercy, discernment
8. Memorizing a Passage
Maybe you don’t often think of this as a way of study, but it sure is!
- Choose a verse or a short passage and write it out.
- Carry it with you or put it in prominent places for you to see often.
- Repeat it frequently and break it down into smaller parts if needed.
8 SIMPLE Bible Study Methods You’ll Want to Try!
If you’d like to incorporate any of these study methods into your devotional time, I highly recommend my Ultimate Bible Study Toolkit. It’s what I use when I study. There are step-by-step instructions for each way you want to study, along with printable forms for you to jot down what you learn in an orderly fashion. You can easily compile a Bible study notebook so you can refer back to your notes and remember your devotional time. And if you want to include prayer or use Bible journaling templates, I’ve got you covered😊
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