After reading John, move on to the other gospels – Matthew, Mark or Luke. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you’ll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren’t heroes at all. Bible Engager’s Blog. Observation is the first and most important step in how to study the Bible. Next read Philippians, Ephesians and Colossians, which provide practical encouragement and instruction for living the Christian life. So get a good Catholic Bible with great indexed footnotes. Notice any words … Over 25 percent of the New Testament was written by the apostle Paul, and all of his letters fit into the narrative Luke provides in Acts. Subsequent citations do not require the translation unless that changes. It’s been years since I encountered the gal at Barnes and Noble but when I think of her, I smile. By using our site, you agree to our. Choose a Study Bible in a User-Friendly Translation. You may start with a few verses from one of the Gospels to deepen your understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings. Article Images Copyright ©, How to Read the Bible: The Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible, 'Better Is One Day in Your Courts' Hopeful Meaning Behind the Verse in Psalm 84:10, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Her facial expression said it all: I have no idea where to start reading the Bible. For example, if you want to study John 3, look it up using Bible Gateway's search feature. Ask God to help you understand His Word. Work your way through one book at a time, and you’ll never find yourself fumbling for where to read again. You can also scan the Bible for verses that contain terms like “hope,” “love,” “healing,” or “fear.”. If you’re new to the Bible, the best place to start is the Gospel of John. 2. Read the Bible 2. Helpful tips for reading the Bible: Use a translation that is easy to read. Think about how you can interpret older ideas or terms using a modern perspective. Unless the context seems to require it, it is not necessary to use an ellipsis (…) before or after a quoted portion of a Scripture verse. She stood frozen, open-mouthed in front of the rows of Bibles in the religion section at Barnes and Noble. Maybe they speak to an issue you’ve been grappling with; maybe they answer a long held question; maybe they give you comfort or encouragement; maybe they provide an example to follow or avoid. The entire Bible revolves around Jesus as mankind's access to God. I always recommend starting with a translation that is more literal (word … Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find Me, if you seek Me with all your heart.” God loves to reveal himself to those who seek Him. Looking up a Verse by Number Identify the book of the verse. Bible Study Resources - Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions, 3 Reasons the 'Christmas Star' of 2020 Is Bringing So Much Hope. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This practice has cemented God’s Word into my thoughts in countless ways. My new friend looked visibly relieved when I asked if she’d like help choosing a Bible. This may be useful if you are new to reading the Bible and would like to make understanding the sequence of events in the text easier. Add the version of the Bible … Instead of reading single verses, read the entire chapter so that you can know what the verse means in context. She wanted to read the Bible; she hadn’t known there would be so many options. 10 Easy Ways to Get it Back, 10 Things the Bible Says about the Mark of the Beast, 6 Things to Know about the Messianic Prophecies of Jesus, A Prayer for Families Going through Divorce This Christmas, 6 Ways to Protect Your Peace This Christmas. If you’re anything like me, you need a Bible reading plan or you’ll waste precious minutes thumbing through the Bible, never quite landing. Scared of messing up your first relationship? In the original Greek, “love” in this verse is agapaō which means good-will, to be fond of. Romans is jam-packed with essential doctrine. The 27 books of the New Testament pick up the story beginning with the birth of Jesus. First, I encourage you to start, even on a modified and very small level. References. Some translations focus on being more precise and are best for Bible study, while others focus on readability and are great for devotions. The Bible contains 66 separate books compiled into one book. For example, you may follow a teaching on trust in the Bible by shifting how you talk to your partner or how you communicate with God. Here are some interesting facts about the Bible: • The Bible contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. There are four steps to mastering the Bible so well that the Bible masters you: 1. You can also select verses to study based on your interests. Sometimes I memorize it. That’s me. “Every passage of Scripture emerges in the course of history” (47). 10 Signs Your Marriage Is Built on Christ, Christmas Light Show Set To 'Mary Did You Know', Violinist Lindsey Stirling Performs 'Carol Of The Bells', Family Bluegrass Bands Sings 'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow', Lost Your Christmas Spirit? Analyzing the Verses Read the Bible verses aloud. This means that you should be able to get through the entire Bible in a year by spending around 15 minutes a day on this effort. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. Is this God speaking to man or man speaking to God? Study the Bible 3. Don’t take scripture verses out of context. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 17,032 times. You can also bring the verses to a Bible study group so you can share them with others and reflect on them together. So pick one book of the Bible and read a little each day, one chapter, perhaps. Begin by looking up the Bible passage you want to read. For example, if you are reading verses that describe Jesus’ birth, check the surrounding verses for any details about events that lead to Jesus’ birth or an introduction by the author. You may also find it useful to listen to audio recordings of Bible verses. 5) The fifth suggestion is to use a Bible reading plan. return to earth. A popular Bible version for children and those who are still trying to learn … The NLT version of the Bible is most readable while still being literal in its translation; the Study Bibles contain footnotes that explain difficult to understand passages of Scripture. This book (the fourth book in the New Testament) is John’s eyewitness account of the life of Jesus. Be intentional about getting God’s Word into your thoughts and you’ll soon see your relationship with God thrive and your life change. Keep in mind that from a spiritual perspective, the chapter and verse numbers do not have any significance on the meaning of the verses. What does this teach me about how I should live. The Bible was never meant to merely inform us; the Bible was meant to transform us. The Bible contains different kinds of literature — stories, letters, proverbs, poems, and prophecy to name a few — and we must be aware of the different ways each of these communicates. Sometimes I ask God to help me remember it when I need it. “These things were written to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Reference the verse, then cite the book, chapter and verse number in the first in-text reference to the Bible. The 39 books of the Old Testament are the story of God and his people before the coming of the Messiah—Jesus. When Bible verses are listed, the first … It will give you a track to follow. Many books in the Bible, such as the Letters from Paul, were originally read aloud to a congregation, rather than written down. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Learn more... Reading verses in the Bible is a great way to enrich your spiritual practice and learn more about the teachings of God and Jesus. Already installed on over 450 million unique devices all over the world, the Bible App offers a free Bible experience for smartphones, tablets, and online at Bible.com. You may also pull out the verses regularly so you can read them and try to understand them better. Reading the Epistles with Acts. And if studying the Bible doesn’t make you a more loving, kind, and gentle person, then you are doing something wrong. When a verse resonates with you, stop and write it down, word for word. Concept #2: The Biblical literature contains a wide spectrum of literary styles that should be taken into account when trying to read and understand it. Is this a story or a letter? Another example of the Bible explaining it self is found in the prophecy of Isaiah. 40 Day Bible Reading Plan – easy way to get started. One of the earliest translations to English was the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, but today we have a variety of versions to choose from. You may then ask questions about the phrase, such as “Who is the ‘you’ and the ‘me’ in the phrase?” “What does this phrase say about my relationship to God?” “What evils do I fear or worry about in my life?”. Ask Him to use His Word to help you know Him and love Him. • The Bible was written by 40 authors, covering a period of approximately 1600 years. Ask God use His Word to teach you, to direct you and even to re-direct you, when necessary. % of people told us that this article helped them. It is my prayer that this beginner's guide to reading the Bible will encourage you and help you reach your goals! That’s right, never read a Bible verse. Translation names should not be abbreviated (e.g., write out King James Version instead of using KJV). She looked even more relieved when I showed her where and how to start reading the Bible. Chose a time and place that’s convenient for you. Our generous partners make it possible for us to offer 2,062 Bible versions in 1,372 languages for free, and without advertising. This daily Bible reading plan will give you all the benefits of a steady diet of God's Word as you read through Scripture in a year. If you’re a beginner, I recommend the New Living Translation (NLT), or a study Bible in the English Standard Version (ESV) or New International Version (NIV). Did you know: Originally, the Bible was written in … You need to understand the genre, the tone, the purpose for which it was written, and at least have a general comprehension of what the passage means. Genesis explains how everything began. Here’s the flat out truth: If we don’t understand it, we won’t read it. If you keep on reading, starting at verse 18, you ˜nd that you are giv en a complete explanation of the parable. And we all need someone to show us how. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” For exa… Her story is our story. As you read … Meditate on the Bible. For example, if you are reading verses that describe the details and events of Jesus’ birth in the book of Luke, you would be looking at prose. On the radio I use this simple rule to help me answer the majority of Bible questions I’m asked, even when I’m not familiar with the particular passage. Getting God’s Word into your life doesn’t have to take long. Which is why in order to read the Bible in context, we need to read it in its historical context—beginning with the author and the original audience. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. (For example, see UCG Bible Reading Program (OT only, soon to be expanded to include NT.) The table shows on what page number the first chapter of John lies. My mind naturally thinks of “love” as affectionate or romantic, but that’s not what this verse means. But if mornings aren’t your thing, don’t sweat it. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. We all begin somewhere in our relationship with God. Try reading one book of the Bible in one sitting or over the period of several days, as they were designed to be read all at once. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Jesus Christ can be seen in every book of the Bible. May I reach across the computer screen and help you, too? For example, you may focus on a specific phrase like “I will fear no evil, for you are with me” to determine the key idea in the verses. No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. Psalm 119:103-105 “ How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! You may find it useful to pray often on the verses as you read the Bible. Citations in the APA style add the translation of the Bible after the verse. All rights reserved. After all, isn't that the whole point of reading the Bible! No doubt, as you read you’ll find one or two verses that seem to leap off the page. Getting God’s Word into your life doesn’t have to take … Maybe, even now, you’re shaking your head in agreement, thinking, Yes. Next to each reference is a short phrase from the verse containing the word. This can also broaden your faith and deepen your understanding of the Bible as a text. They are often a good option if you are new to reading Bible verses. Most full-Bible reading plans focus on a year, which is a very reasonable amount of time to read through the Bible. The whole Bible is arranged into 365 daily readings, including an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, and a Psalm or Proverb for each day. Pause to let the message sink in because these words are God’s words to you. “When thinking about the original audience,” Hunter and Wellum explain, “we should distinguish the original characters in the story from the original readers, those who were reading Scripture about those characters” (47). Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Start small—five or 10 minutes is better than none. You may also want to get a better sense of the Bible as a text through close reading and meditation. There are many plans available to help with reading the Bible in a year, where passages are assigned for each day of the year. Analyze the verses by reading them aloud and identify any questions or ideas raised. The average reader reads about 200 words per minute. They are strictly there to make locating particular verses easier. Let’s look at a couple of examples: Look at Matthew 13 v 1 to 9 In this chapter we are presented with the parable of the sower. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I rounded the corner and saw her. Start by reading the Bible five minutes a day. At times they are downright mean. Is this a triumphant passage proclaiming the glories of God? Will I Still Be Married to My Spouse in Heaven? You may also come across parables that describe a short scene and ask rhetorical questions or end with a clear lesson. Many people read their Bible first thing in the morning, choosing to spend time with God before daily distractions get in the way. Then close your Bible, and be sure to make that your last waking thought. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, John’s account is both riveting and informative. For example, if you are struggling with feelings of fear or doubt, you may read and reflect on verses that address these topics. It can be difficult to memorise the Bible. Read Multiple Translations. Bible Verses About Forgiveness - Read passages that offer biblical guidance on forgiveness and how important it is to forgive others as we have been forgiven by the blood of Christ. For example, locating John 3:16 requires the reader to first find the book of John in the Bible. Pause before you open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). How to read the Bible: Read a little every day! Scores of people feel overwhelmed when it comes to reading the Bible. John’s purpose in writing is to help us believe, making it the ideal place to start. There are several different Bible reading plans available. For example, historical books of the Bible clearly are meant to be taken literally as real, accurate history. What is God seeking to communicate to us in it? You can also download a Bible app or read the Bible at biblestudytools.com. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? This nontraditional type of Bible takes all the stories from the entire Bible and re-orders them so that as you read from front to back, you also read from the past to the future. For example, in the concordance of the NIV Study Bible, below the word warrior are the references Exodus 15:3; 1 Chronicles 28:3; and Proverbs 16:32. Romans 3:23; 10:9; Ephesians 2:8,10). Abbreviate the name of the book and add a period if it is long – for example, abbreviate “Ezekiel” to “Ezek.” Add the chapter number, followed by a colon, and verse number. Instead, always read a paragraph—at least. Let us know in the comments below how you've been able to begin reading the Bible and what is has done for you! For example, if you are trying to find Proverbs 31:25-27, you would look in the book of Proverbs for chapter 31, verse 25-27. For example, I may read “For God so loved the world” in John 3:16. This is possible by locating the Bible's table of contents, usually found in the Bible's first pages. After few days, I forget though. Is this a poetic, meditative passage reflecting on pain and persecution? These are my top suggestions for those wondering how to start reading the Bible. Sometimes I keep the verse with me throughout the day. You may try picking Bible verses at random to read and analyze once a day so you can spend more time with the Bible. Look at Isaiah 14 v 12 Reading Paul’s epistles as we read alongside his missionary journeys can give us a new appreciation for his relationship to these churches and their backstory. This will help keep you focused and motivated. In order to read a passage well, you first need to understand it. For example, (John 3:16, New International Version). Sometimes less is more, especially when reading less means you’ll actually remember more. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. These are great tools for beginners and veterans alike. Where and how to start reading and making sense of the Bible the... International version ) according to our privacy policy the life of Jesus ’ life and teachings day Bible reading –! Pray often on the verses by reading how to read bible verse example aloud and Identify any questions or end with a lesson. 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