When you’re just starting out, Bible study tips for beginners can feel like drinking from a fire hose. Everyone’s got an opinion about which translation to use, what study method works best, and how much time you should spend reading. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to figure out where Genesis ends and Exodus begins without falling asleep.
I get it. I’ve been there, sitting with my Bible open, feeling like I should understand more than I do, wondering if everyone else just has some secret decoder ring I never got.
The truth is, Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a theology degree or perfect attendance at church to connect with Scripture. You just need to start somewhere, and these five tips will help you build a foundation that actually sticks.
1. Bible Study Tips for Beginners: Start With One Book (And Actually Finish It)
Here’s where most beginners go wrong: they bounce around the Bible like they’re channel surfing, reading a Psalm here, a Proverb there, maybe a random chapter in Revelation that leaves them more confused than inspired.
Pick one book and commit to reading it all the way through. I recommend starting with one of the Gospels… Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. These books tell the story of Jesus’ life and ministry, and they’re written in a narrative style that’s easier to follow than some of the Old Testament genealogies.
The Gospel of Mark is particularly good for beginners because it’s the shortest and moves quickly. You can read it in a couple of weeks without feeling overwhelmed. When you read one book from start to finish, you begin to see themes, understand context, and notice things you’d miss if you were just picking random verses. Context matters… a lot. A verse that seems confusing on its own often makes perfect sense when you understand what came before and after it.
One of the most practical Bible study tips for beginners I can give you is this next one:
2. Use a Study Bible That Actually Explains Things
Not all Bibles are created equal when it comes to helping beginners understand what they’re reading. A study Bible includes notes, explanations, and background information right on the page with the Scripture text.
I can’t overstate how helpful this is when you’re starting your Bible study journey. Those little notes at the bottom of the page explain historical context, clarify confusing passages, and connect related Scriptures together. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend reading along with you.
For beginners, I recommend the NIV Study Bible or the ESV Study Bible. Both have extensive notes without being overwhelming, and they use modern language that’s easier to understand than older translations.
The investment in a good study Bible is worth it. This is a tool you’ll use for years, and it makes the difference between struggling through confusing passages alone and having someone explain what’s happening as you read.
3. Ask Questions (Even the “Dumb” Ones)
One of the best Bible study methods for beginners is simply learning to ask good questions as you read. There are no stupid questions when it comes to Scripture, if something confuses you, you’re probably not the first person to wonder about it.
As you read, write down questions like:
- What is this passage actually saying?
- Why did this person act this way?
- What does this word mean?
- How does this connect to what I read yesterday?
- What is God showing me through this story?
Don’t pressure yourself to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes the questions are more valuable than the answers because they keep you engaged and thinking critically about what you’re reading.
When you have questions you can’t answer on your own, that’s where your study Bible notes come in handy. You can also use online resources like Bible Gateway or Blue Letter Bible to look up specific verses and see what biblical scholars say about them.
4. Keep a Simple Bible Study Journal
When people ask me for Bible study tips, journaling is always on my list. You don’t need fancy journaling supplies or artistic skills to benefit from writing down what you’re learning. A simple notebook where you record your thoughts, questions, and observations is one of the most effective Bible study tools for beginners.
Here’s a basic format that works:
- Date and verse: What you read today
- What stood out: A verse or idea that caught your attention
- What I learned: One main takeaway from the passage
- Questions: Anything that confused you or made you curious
- Application: How this applies to your life right now
This process helps you slow down and actually think about what you’re reading instead of just checking “Bible time” off your daily to-do list. It also creates a record you can look back on later to see how God has been working in your life and what He’s been teaching you.
Writing by hand engages your brain differently than typing, so I recommend an actual physical journal if possible. But if you’re more likely to stick with it digitally, use whatever method works for you.
5. The Most Important of Bible Study Tips for Beginners: Start Small and Stay Consistent
This might be the most important tip on this entire list: consistency beats intensity every single time. It’s better to read your Bible for 10 minutes every day than to have a two-hour study session once a week and then feel guilty the other six days. When you’re building a new habit, small and consistent always wins.
Set a realistic goal based on where you are right now, not where you think you should be. Maybe that’s reading one chapter a day, ,or just five verses, or even just spending 15 minutes with Scripture before bed. The goal is to create a sustainable rhythm of engaging with God’s Word. As that becomes natural, you can gradually increase your time and depth of study. But if you start too big, you’ll burn out and quit, and that helps nobody.
Give yourself permission to be a beginner. Everyone who’s good at Bible study now was once exactly where you are, wondering if they’d ever really understand what they were reading.
Your Next Steps in Bible Study
Learning how to study the Bible is a journey, not a destination. You’re not trying to become a biblical scholar overnight, you’re just opening yourself up to hear from God through His Word. These five Bible study tips for beginners give you a practical starting point. Pick one book to read, get a study Bible that explains things clearly, ask lots of questions, journal your thoughts, and stay consistent with small daily habits.
You don’t need to do all of this perfectly. You just need to start.
If you’re still wondering exactly how to begin your Bible study practice, check out my next post: How to Start Studying the Bible where I walk you through creating your first simple Bible study plan.
The Bible wasn’t written to confuse you or keep you at a distance. It was written so you could know God better. And that’s exactly what will happen when you show up consistently, even as a beginner who’s still figuring things out.
Start today. Start small. Just start.