Which Bible Translation Should I Use
Ultimately, the decision is up to you but I recommend having a word for word version for deep study. When studying the Bible, you want your interpretation to be as accurate as possible so that you dont miss anything. Sure, these might be a bit harder to grasp but thats why we have so many tools and resources available to us to make understanding them easier.
I study with an English Standard Version from the Daily Grace Co. and use a New International Version if Im just reading quickly or trying to get the overall gist of a particular bible passage. Ill use a paraphrased version for entertainment, quoting, or if I want to share scriptural encouragement with someone who is completely new to the bible.
Printable Bible Study Guide For Beginners
We have simple printable Bible study guides for beginners! These guides are designed to help you start your Bible study journey.
The guide includes space for scriptures verse or verses that stand out to you, space for observations such as what you feel God is showing you in that verse, how to apply what you have just read to your life, and a simple prayer of thanks to God for the knowledge of His word.
Read Scripture Verses In Context
As you learn how to study the Bible for yourself, its important that you dont get in the bad habit of reading individual verses in isolation.
This is a common mistake many people make when first learning how to study the Bible for beginners, but it can completely change the meaning of the text.
Instead, youll want to learn how to study the Bible as a whole.
This means finding as many relevant Scripture verses as you can, reading them within the context of the passage or chapter theyre in, and comparing them to see how they fit together.
Tip: BibleGateway is a website that lets you do this easily if you dont have your physical Bible handy.
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself while youre learning how to study the Bible for beginners:
- Who is writing this passage?
- Who are they writing to?
- What is this passage mostly about?
- What does this passage teach me about Gods/Jesuss character?
- Are there any lessons I can learn from this passage?
- Does this passage have any specific instructions for me to follow?
- Does it provide a good example for me to follow ?
- What positive changes can I make in my life as a result of this passage?
One passage that really illustrates this point is Ephesians 2:8-9.
In the church I grew up in, they understood this passage to mean that, since we are saved by faith alone, works dont matter at all.
Typically, you can find all the information you need to answer your question by looking up only a handful of verses.
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Study It By The Verbs In The Verse
For example, if you were studying John 3:16 you would find the following verbs: loved gave should not perish have
You could make a comparative list like this:God loved Humankind believesGod gave Humankind shall not perish Humankind has everlasting life.
Or simply take the nouns in this wonderful verse: God world only begotten Son whoever everlasting life.
Use Free Online Bible Study Tools And Apps
There are many other free online Bible study tools similar to Biblehub.com, where you can read the Bible in different translations, look up geographical maps, read commentaries written by biblical scholars, and understand the Bible by looking up words in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic.
Some of these Bible study tools are:
Some free Bible apps include:
We certainly live in a day and age where having the Bible at our fingertips is easier than ever!
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Word Study By Bible Books
Certain words have special significance in certain Bible books. For example, after studying the Gospel of John as a book and by chapters, youll find it instructive and inspiring to trace the words believe and belief. They occur almost 100 times. By reading the book hurriedly and underlining each passage where the words believe and belief occur, youll understand why Bible scholars contend that the purpose of the Gospel of John is expressed by the author in John 20:31.
Navigating A Toxic Culture With Your Daughter
As a pediatrician, Dr. Meg Meeker has seen thousands of girls come through her office through the years. They struggle with eating issues, sexual identity, social mediaand many other challenges in this toxic culture. Dr. Meeker will encourage parents to invest love and time in their daughters and develop their character to give them the best opportunity for a bright future, all rooted in a spiritual foundation. The discussion also includes healthy feminism vs. toxic feminism
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Why Are There So Many Bible Translations Out There And Which Should I Use
Does that question sound familiar? Yes? Well, Ill break it down for you. There are three major types of bible translations and each serve a different purpose for us as readers. These include the word for word, thought for thought , and paraphrased Bible versions.
- Word for word follows the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts most accurately. These are direct translations. Examples of these include the King James Version, English Standard Version, and the New Revised Standard Version.
- Thought for Thought versions convey scripture in its most understandable wording. Ancient cultural slang, sayings, and expressions are replaced with modern ones that can be easily understood by todays reader. These include the New International Version and the New Living Translation.
- Paraphrased versions are the least accurate to the original text. Authors are given a great amount of freedom in interpretation, so some passages may stray slightly from its original meaning. However, they are very easy to read in modern language. A popular paraphrased Bible translation is The Message translation.
How To Study Your Bible: 7 Effective Ways
Its one thing to read the Bible, its another to study it. Heres how to get the most out of your Bible study so you can find freedom, healing and hope in Jesus.
Youve made the decisionyoure diving in!
The Bible is a unique book. Its got exciting parts, its got boring parts. Its got weird parts and inspiring parts. It can cut to the heart while also filling you with a new kind of peace. It covers the big picture and also zeroes in on the smallest details that still make a difference. The Bible can affect your life in ways you never thought possible.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart .
The Word of God is Food for the Soul
It might feel intimidating to begin your studyjust like how it can feel before having to dig into a new textbook at school or begin a new project at work. Whats different about the Bible, however, is that you can take comfort in the fact that it was written for your own benefit.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus .
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path .
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Seek Help When You Need It
After all the previously mentioned Bible study tips for beginners, if youre still struggling with some aspect of the Bible, definitely pray about it first. Then, seek advice from your brothers and sisters in Christ who are more advanced in their faith. Join a Bible study group at your church, or ask your pastor or other church leader for help.
If you want more solo study help, Through the Word is a great Bible study for beginners app it has audio devotionals to guide you through each book of the Bible, which can be especially helpful for some more-difficult-to-understand books like Ezekiel or Revelation.
Visualize The Scriptures Through Drawing And Doodling
Another great way to study the Bible is to doodle what passage means to you. For example, if you are studying a passage like Psalm 23, you might draw a shepherds crook or a sheep to represent how God is your shepherd.
I am not artistic at all, but I understand the value of not only writing my thoughts, but drawing them toono matter how silly my sketches might look! Drawing pictures to visualize what we read in the Bible helps us understand and grasp Scripture even more, so that we can recall those passages later in our memory when we need them!
Related: Check out this post on 10 Creative Ways to Study the Bible!
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A Practical Guide On How To Study The Bible For Beginners
IS STUDYING THE BIBLE A STRUGGLE? LEARN HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE FOR BEGINNERS AND APPLY EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY METHODS TO GET MORE FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
It was an odd sight to behold, but there she was. A woman with twelve stars on her head and clothed with the sun and moon under her feet. Her attire was rather peculiar for a woman that was evidently so advanced in pregnancy. It was obvious that she was in labor as she cried out in much pain and agony.
As if things couldnt get any stranger, standing close by was a red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns on his head. He stood there as if just waiting to devour her child the minute the baby was born. As if he didnt look intimidating enough, his tail swept away one third of the stars in the sky and they came falling to the ground.
While this may sound like the perfect beginning scenes for an animated movie, it is actually taken from the Bible. You can read the full story in Revelation 12.
Maybe you are at a point where:
You stare at the Bible on your table gathering dust and ponder, what is the best way to study the Bible?
I know I should participate in daily Bible reading, but Bible reading is just so boring. Most days its literally my sleeping pill.
You want to unlock the gems of the Bible for yourself instead of always turning to Google or relying on sermons.
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How Do You Study The Bible
Thats all Ive got for now. I hope that these methods will guide others in how to study the Bible for beginners out there. May it inspire you to find what works best for you in your own Bible study. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide to how to start studying the Bible. If you have any questions or comments, please dont hesitate to comment below. Let me know: how do you do your Bible study?
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Bible Study By Verses
In studying the historical passages of the Bible, such as most of the Old Testament or parts of the Gospels, each verse may have only one simple meaning.
But many verses in both the Old and New Testaments are rich with many great Bible truths that will demand more detailed study. There are many ways for you to study a single Bible verse.
Recommended Beginner Bible Study Books
Two books Ive read and recommend for learning more about studying the Bible are:
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Mindsby Jen Wilkin
We all know its important to study Gods Word. But sometimes its hard to know where to start. Whats more, a lack of time, emotionally driven approaches, and past frustrations can erode our resolve to keep growing in our knowledge of Scripture. How can we keep our focus and sustain our passion when reading the Bible? This book will equip you to engage Gods Word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart.
In a simple, step-by-step fashion, this book explains how to glean truth from Scripture. It is practical, readable, and applicable. By following its easy-to-apply principles, youll soon find yourself drawing great nourishment from the Wordand enjoying the process!
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B We Are Required To Rightly Divide The Word Of God
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We are to be diligent in our study of Gods word. Sound biblical doctrine is the result of careful and laborious study, not chance.
What does it mean to rightly divide the word of truth? To rightly divide the word of truth means to make a conscious, concerted effort to faithfully interpret and teach Gods word.
On the way to Emmaus, Christ explained the Old Testament prophecies about Himself to two of His disciples.
Christs breakdown of prophecies to the two disciples is an example of what it means to rightly divide the word of truth.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:27
Christ guided the disciples through the Scriptures, explaining what the law and prophets had written about Him.
The result of Christs faithful interpretation and application of the Scriptures was that His disciples hearts burned within them.
They asked each other, Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? Luke 24:32
When the scriptures were opened to the disciples, their hearts burned within them. Every believer should have this Emmaus experience at the end of each Bible study session.
Our hearts will be warmed and drawn closer to God as we study His word.
How To Study The Bible With Delight Joy And Wonder
How do we usually study the things we are most interested in? If I had an interest in learning how to garden, I would probably read lots of books about gardening, watch videos about gardening, read the latest gardening magazines, and reach out in my community to find people who are also interested in gardening.
After I have done all my research, I probably would invest in a few gardening tools, buy the best soil, and start a garden in my backyard. Over time, if I diligently apply the gardening techniques I learned, I would eventually have a thriving garden.
The same steps can be applied to studying the Bible. If we truly have a genuine desire to study the Bible and grow in our understanding of Gods Word, we can read books about studying the Bible, watch videos, and reach out to our community to find other people who are interested in growing in their faith through Bible study.
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What To Do When You’re Not Okay
Life can be pretty stressful. Between work, relationships, and other obligations, the pressure builds, and we lose sight of who we are. Counselor Debra Fileta helps you better understand your emotions, assess your mental, physical, and spiritual health, and intentionally pursue a path to wellbeing. In dealing with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, Debra understands the importance of self-examination as well as the benefits of seeking professional help. She offers biblically-based advice, tools, and encouragement to help you get on a path toward healing and wholeness.
What If I Dont Understand Parts Of Scripture
There WILL be parts of Scripture you dont understand. Welcome to the club! Fortunately, the most confusing parts of Scripture have been the places in Gods Word that I have found to be most rewarding. Sometimes its when Scripture seems to contradict itself is when we dig further to discover the gem of Gods truth that is hidden there.
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How To Study The Bible Like A Pastor
Most pastors use the inductive Bible study method to study Gods Word formally in informally because it helps us to see the truth of Gods Word and the purpose it was written.
But if this is your first time studying the Bible, dont let that discourage you. These steps show you exactly how to break it down to get the most out of your study time. Also, dont forget to download the printable Bible study guide for beginners that will remind you of the steps.
How To Study Theology
The study of theology is a proper and needful exercise in the life of every Believer. One result of the UK 1904 Welsh Revival was that virtually everybody discussed theology. Even coal-miners, working deep underground in harrowing conditions, talked nothing but theology in its smallest detail! But today? It is refreshing, but a rarity, to find Christians talking theologically. Many I know think their limit is to read popular books by famous authors, or glossy-covered books on the latest charismatic fad.
Theology has been hi-jacked by academics and made to seem beyond the experience of ordinary Christians. That is far from the truth. Every Christian can at least be a ‘basic’ theologian! For our present purposes, ‘theology’ can be defined as being the study of God. In scripture, God is not separated from what He says. As the Christian Bible is God’s word, Christian ‘theology’ is, then, the in-depth study of God’s word, the Bible. All Believers are called to study God’s word diligently.
Two factors can affect the level we reach in theological study: one is the intelligence we were born with and the second is the level of spiritual understanding given to us by God. However, it does not follow that the more intelligent we are the higher will be our theological understanding. The reason for this is very simple: the two factors are not necessarily connected. Having a high intelligence may indeed produce excellent theology, but what the Holy Spirit does is of greater importance.
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