The Bible can be a complex book and trying to understand it can feel like an insurmountable task. But it doesn’t have to be! By reading with a critical eye and asking the right questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of this ancient text. Not sure where to start? Here are a few questions to get you started.
56 Questions to ask when reading the Bible:
- What was the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
- What does this passage say about God?
- What does this passage say about people?
- What does this passage say about sin?
- What does this passage say about Jesus Christ?
- What does this passage say about salvation?
- What does this passage say about sanctification?
- What does this passage say about the church?
- What does this passage say about eternity?
- How can I apply this passage to my life?
- What areas in my life need to change in light of this passage?
- Who can I talk to about what I’m learning from this passage?
- What questions do I still have after reading this passage?
- Who or what can I read/listen to better understand this passage?
- What did I learn about God in this passage? About myself? About others? About the world around me?
- How does what I learned to change my view of myself, others, or the world around me?
- In what ways have I been challenged by this passage?
- How can I grow because of what I’ve read?
- Was there anything in this passage that particularly spoke to me or seemed important?
- What themes, words, or concepts appear frequently in this section of the Bible?
- How do they help give shape or context to what is going on in the text?
- What story is told in this section of the Bible?
- How do the different parts of the story fit together?
- How do they contribute to the overall narrative of Scripture as a whole?
- Are there parallels between what’s happening in this section of Scripture and things that are happening in my own life right now?
- If so, how can understanding what Scripture says provide clarity, hope, or direction for me in my current situation?
- What’s the historical context of this passage?
- What cultural context should I consider when reading this passage?
- What literary genres are used in this passage?
- What’s the context of this passage concerning other parts of Scripture?
- What are the key concepts in this passage?
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?
- How should this passage be applied today?
- What personal implications does this passage have for me?
- What questions do I still have about this passage?
- Is there anything that prevents me from following what this passage says?
- What action do I need to take after reading this passage?
- Can I think of an analogy or illustration that I can use to explain this passage to someone?
- How does this story fit into the overall picture of the Bible?
- What does the character of God look like in this story?
- How do the people in this story respond to God?
- What do I learn about redemption in this story?
- In what ways does this story challenge or confirm my beliefs?
- Are there contradictions or inconsistencies in this text?
- What do scholars say about this passage?
- What’s the literal meaning of this passage?
- What’s the figurative meaning of this passage?
- Are there symbols or images in this passage?
- What emotions does this passage evoke?
- What do these characters represent or symbolize?
- What does this passage teach about righteousness and holiness?
- What does this passage teach about love and forgiveness?
- What does this passage teach about relationships?
- What does this passage teach about work and vocation?
- What does this passage teach about money and possessions?
- What truths can be derived from this book?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bible journaling?
Bible journaling is a way to connect with the Bible on a deeper level. It’s a way to write down your thoughts and feelings about the passages you read and make a more personal connection with God. It can be a great way to pray and connect with God, and it can also be a way to track your progress in reading the Bible.
How do beginners read the Bible?
One way to read the Bible is to read it chronologically, starting with the first book and working your way through to the last. This can be a good way to get an overview of the history of the Bible. Another way to read the Bible is by topic. This can be helpful if you’re looking for a specific guide or advice. However you read the Bible, take your time and allow God to speak to you through His Word.
Is it OK to write in your Bible?
In general, it’s permissible to write in the Bible as long as the ink doesn’t bleed through to the other side of the page. Some people highlight or underline passages that seem particularly important to them, while others take notes on specific chapters or topics. Writing in the Bible can be a personal way to connect with the text and make it your own.
Conclusion
Asking questions is a great way to interact with any text, but it’s especially important when reading something as dense and historical as the Bible. If you take the time to ask these questions as you read, you will find that you’ll better understand not only the individual stories but also how they fit together to form a whole. So give it a try – you might just be surprised how much more you can get out of your Bible study!
