There isn't one right way to grow in Scripture. Whether you're opening the Bible for the first time, rebuilding a reading rhythm, or ready to study more deeply, we've gathered trusted resources to help you take your next step.
For the person who is ready to move beyond reading Scripture and learn how to study it with greater understanding and confidence.
Start Here: Choose One Book of the Bible
One of the best ways to grow in your understanding of Scripture is surprisingly simple: slow down and study one book of the Bible from beginning to end.
Instead of jumping between individual verses or passages, reading an entire book allows you to understand its larger message. You'll begin noticing repeated words and ideas, following the author's argument, and seeing how individual passages fit together.
Start with an approachable book like Philippians, Ephesians, James, or Ruth. Read through the entire book once before slowing down to study it passage by passage.
As you read, keep three questions in front of you:
What does the text say?
What does it mean?
How should I respond?
These simple questions will help you move from observation → interpretation → application.
Learn the Context
Before you begin studying individual passages, spend a little time getting to know the book as a whole. Read the book's introduction pages in your study Bible or watch a Bible Project overview video.
Then ask yourself:
Who wrote it?
Who were they writing to?
When and where was it written?
What was happening at the time?
Why was this book written?
What kind of literature am I reading?
A good Study Bible or Bible dictionary can help you answer these questions without requiring hours of additional research.
Understanding context helps us resist the temptation to begin with "What does this verse mean to me?" and instead ask first, "What did the author intend to communicate?"
Want Some Guidance?
You don't have to learn how to study the Bible entirely on your own.
A guided, book-by-book Bible study can help you develop these skills as you practice them. Look for studies that include the biblical text, historical and cultural context, thoughtful questions, and trusted commentary.
Recommended: Knowing and Believing God's Love (1–3 John)
John emphasizes how we dwell with Christ by realizing that Christ dwells within us! This mutual abiding is the key to a transformed Christian life.
Another Great Option: Luke in the Land - Bible Study
Follow Kristi McLelland through Israel as we study snapshots from the Gospel of Luke to see where the stories of the Bible took place. Over 7 sessions in this Bible study workbook, challenge the way you read the accounts of Jesus through teaching videos that take you to locations in Israel like Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, and the road to Emmaus. Along the way, you'll see how Jesus, the Messiah, brought His kingdom to earth for everybody.
One More Recommendation: Better: A Study of Hebrews
Add a Few Simple Study Tools
You don't need an entire theological library to study the Bible well. Start with a few trusted resources and add more as your confidence grows.
A Study Bible can help with historical context, difficult passages, maps, and introductions to each biblical book. Check out some of our favorite NIV, ESV, and NLT options.
A Bible dictionary can help you understand unfamiliar people, places, customs, and theological terms.
A commentary can help you explore a passage more deeply after you've spent time observing and interpreting it for yourself. Check out our favorite Old Testament and New Testament resources.
The key is to let these resources support your reading of Scripture rather than replace it. Start with the biblical text, make your own observations, and then turn to trusted resources when you need help.
One Last Thing
You don't have to become a Bible scholar to become a thoughtful student of Scripture. Take your time. Ask questions. Notice what you don't understand. Look for context. Follow repeated ideas. Don't be discouraged when a passage requires more work than you expected.
The more you practice studying Scripture carefully, the more naturally these skills will begin to come.
Slow down. Stay curious. Let Scripture teach you how to read Scripture.