Bible Study 101
Bible Study 101 is your essential guide to understanding and studying the Bible with confidence. Learn the foundational skills to explore Scripture, discover the best study tools, and master how to use them effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your study habits, this resource will equip you to engage with God’s Word in a meaningful way.
Bible Study 101: Categories
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Theory
How Tos
Genre
Study Tools
Biblical Greek
Greek Word Studies
Bible Study 101 Latest Articles
Mastering Bible Study Interpretation
After you’ve done your observation, word studies, outlining and answered the questions you generated, it’s time to start putting it all together. In this step, you want to collect, refine and organize all those details you observed into a coherent meaning.
Figurative Language in the Bible: How to Read Imagery & Metaphor Well
We use figurative language all the time: “I’ll have to face the music.” “I’m bored to tears.” “She has a green thumb.” “Don’t let the cat out of the bag.” “He died of embarrassment.” Biblical writers also used figurative language and vivid imagery. How are we to understand it?
How to Transform your Bible Study with an Outline
An analytical outline is a way of displaying a text of Scripture so that the flow of thought and the relationship between the grammatical parts become clear. It is my favorite study tool and one of the first things I do. Learn how to make one.
4 Classic Commentaries You Can Read Online for Free
Many of the classic commentaries are free online, but how do you know which one(s) to use? And where do you find them? Here’s a quick list and explanation
How to Use the 5Ws and H to Study the Bible
You may have been taught to create a list of questions, using the “5Ws and H” (who, what, when, where, why, how). If you need some help learning how to use the “5Ws and H”, here are some questions to get you started.
Why Context Is Key to Understanding the Bible
Discover why understanding the Bible requires context. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and read Scripture more clearly and faithfully.
How to do a word study
Word studies are one of the basic tools of Bible study. With today’s tools, you don’t have to know Greek and Hebrew to do a good word study. Here’s how.
Bible Study Procedure: A Step‑by‑Step Approach to Scripture
Wondering how to put all the tools and pieces of Bible study together so that you can tackle a specific passage of Scripture? Here’s the overall procedure.
How to Observe Scripture: The First Step in Bible Study
Learn how to observe scripture with purpose. Discover the first and most overlooked step to deeper Bible study and more meaningful insight.
6 Online Bible Encyclopedias Every Student of Scripture Should Bookmark
Multi-volume encyclopedias used to be too expensive for home use and were confined to those with access to a large library system. However, they are becoming more widely available on computer software and online.
Understanding Narratives
Narratives are true stories. Over 40% of the Old Testament Scriptures are narratives. Generally, the purpose of a biblical narrative is to show the Lord at work in His creation. Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Narratives are no exception. With narratives we think in scenes, plot and character, rather than paragraphs and outlines.
Master Bible Observation: What to Notice and Why It Matters
Once a friend confessed: “I know an essential step of any Bible study is observation. But what am I supposed to observe?” So glad you asked! Sometimes we take this step for granted when teaching on how to study the Bible, but observation is a skill we learn and practice like any other.
Understanding Prophecy
Studying biblical prophecy is an often overwhelming task. Much of it is written in Hebrew poetry. The names and places are foreign, and the metaphors don’t always resonate with our modern ears. Yet we can usually understand the main point. If studying an Old Testament prophet overwhelms you, here are some tips to get you started.
Understanding Epistles
Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Here are guidelines for studying epistles.
The #1 Mistake Christians Make When Interpreting the Bible
Discover the #1 mistake Christians make when interpreting Scripture
and how to avoid misreading the Bible’s true meaning by understanding context.
Basics of Bible Interpretation: Stop Guessing, Read Right
If you’re looking for a refresher course on how to study the Bible or want to start learning, Bob Smith’s Basics of Bible Interpretation is still a good choice.
Stop Believing These 5 Myths about your Bible
What do you believe about your English translation of the Bible? Here are 5 ideas you should NOT hold.
Bible Study Disagreements: 2 Fixable Causes and How to Promote Understanding
Why do we have so much interpretative disagreement over the meaning of the Bible? Two explanations: one we can solve and one we can’t.
When to Use Commentaries (and When Not To)
Commentaries can kick-start your thinking when you hit a dead end but should not be a substitute for your own work. Here’s my two rules of thumb.
Why Every Bible Student Should Use an Encyclopedia
Multi-volume encyclopedias are good sources for historical and biblical themes. But background information does not impose meaning.
What’s the Difference Between a Bible Lexicon and Dictionary?
Lexicons & dictionaries can reveal what might be “lost in translation” but they also tempt us to fall into the trap of “I learned a fact about a word and I must use it.”
Unlock Scripture with a Concordance: The Bible Study Tool You Need
A concordance is an organized list of all the biblical texts which contain a given word. Concordances allow you to broaden your understanding of how a word is used and its range of meanings.
30 Tips to Improve your Bible Study
Improve your spiritual life with 30 Bible study tips; practical methods to deepen understanding, boost consistency, and grow closer to God.
Maps for Bible Study: Visual Tools That Illuminate Scripture
Bible Maps. Access to geographical information about the ancient near east will improve your Bible Study. Here’s where to find good maps.
How to Choose a Bible
Not sure which Bible to read? Learn the difference between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase translations—and which one is best for study and devotion.
Before You Study: 6 Convictions to Bring to the Bible
How do you know if you’ve successfully understood a passage of Scripture? Start by understanding and embracing these basic interpretative convictions.
How to Study the Bible: The 5 C’s that Clarify Any Passage
Learn to study Scripture using the 5Cs. Move from confusion to clarity with a method that works for any passage and any reader.
Goal of Bible Study: Author’s Intent Explained
Goal of Bible study: Understand the author’s intended meaning. Learn a simple, reliable approach to read Scripture accurately and grow your faith.
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