If you’re wondering how to study the Bible, you’re asking the right question. Maybe you’ve been a Christian for years but never developed a consistent study habit. Maybe you’ve tried different approaches but nothing stuck. Or maybe you’re ready to go deeper than just reading a verse here and there when you remember.
The good news? You don’t need a theology degree or a complicated system to start studying the Bible effectively. You just need a simple, practical plan that fits your actual life.
I’m going to walk you through creating your first Bible study plan, one that’s realistic, sustainable, and actually helps you engage with Scripture in a meaningful way. This is about building a foundation that works, not adding another item to your guilt list.
Let’s break down exactly how to start studying the Bible in a way that sticks.
Understanding How to Start Studying the Bible With the Right Mindset
Before you get into this, let’s get clear on what you’re trying to accomplish.
You’re not trying to:
- Read the entire Bible in 30 days
- Understand every verse perfectly on the first read
- Have profound revelations every single session
- Become a biblical scholar overnight
You ARE trying to:
- Get familiar with God’s Word consistently
- Learn who God is and how He works
- Discover what Scripture says about your life and faith
- Build a sustainable habit that deepens over time
When you understand how to study the Bible with realistic expectations, you stop quitting when it feels hard. You give yourself permission to learn gradually, which is exactly how everyone, even pastors and theologians, had to start.
Most people abandon their Bible study plans because they set impossible standards. They think they should feel spiritually moved every time, never get confused, and immediately understand complex theology. That’s not how learning works. Start with curiosity and consistency, not perfection. That mindset will carry you through the confusing parts.
(If you haven’t already, check out my post on 5 Bible Study Tips for Beginners for more foundational strategies that will help you succeed.)
Choose Your Starting Point: How to Study the Bible With the Right Book
One of the biggest questions people have is: where do I begin?
Here’s what NOT to do: start in Genesis and try to read straight through. You’ll get bogged down in genealogies, Levitical laws, and tabernacle measurements before you hit Exodus chapter 40.
Best starting points for building your Bible study habit:
If you want to understand who Jesus is:
- The Gospel of John – focuses on Jesus’ identity with beautiful, theological depth
- The Gospel of Mark – shortest Gospel, action-packed, great for momentum
If you want practical life application:
- The book of James – straightforward wisdom about living out your faith
- Philippians – Paul’s letter about joy and contentment (only 4 chapters)
- 1 John – short letter about love, truth, and assurance
If you want to understand Old Testament foundations:
- Genesis 1-11 – creation, fall, flood (the “big picture” chapters)
- Psalms – pick 30 psalms and read one per day
Pick ONE book and commit to finishing it before you jump around. This gives you context, helps you see recurring themes, and builds confidence that you can actually complete what you start.
Your action step: Choose your starting book right now. Write it down. That’s your first Bible study focus.
Create Your Simple Study Plan
Now let’s build your actual plan. This is the framework you’ll use every time you sit down with Scripture.
Your Bible study plan needs these five elements:
1. Time Commitment
Decide how much time you’ll realistically give this. Be honest about your schedule.
- 10-15 minutes/day: Perfect for building a new habit
- 20-30 minutes/day: Allows for deeper reflection and journaling
- 45-60 minutes/day: If you have margin and want to go deeper
Start smaller than you think you need to. You can always increase later, but if you burn out in week two, you won’t stick with it.
2. Frequency
How many days per week will you study?
I recommend 5 days a week when you’re learning how to start studying the Bible consistently. This gives you weekends for catch-up or rest, and builds in grace for the days life gets chaotic.
Daily is ideal once you’ve built the habit, but 3-4 days per week is infinitely better than zero. Pick what you’ll actually do.
3. What You’ll Read
If you’re reading through a book like Philippians, you might tackle one chapter per session. Some chapters are longer than others, so adjust based on your time, not arbitrary goals.
If you only get through half a chapter in your 15 minutes, that’s completely fine. The goal is engagement, not speed. Pick up where you left off next time.
4. Your Study Method
Here’s where people get intimidated, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. When you’re figuring out how to start studying the Bible, pick ONE simple method and use it consistently:
The SOAP Method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer):
- Scripture: Read the passage slowly, maybe twice
- Observation: What stands out? What’s confusing? What do you notice?
- Application: How does this apply to your life right now?
- Prayer: Talk to God about what you just read
The 3-Question Method:
- What does this passage say? (summary in your own words)
- What does this passage mean? (what was happening, why does it matter)
- How should this change how I live? (practical application)
The Character Study Approach: If you’re reading narrative (stories), ask:
- What do I learn about God in this passage?
- What do I learn about people/humanity?
- How do these characters respond to God?
Pick one method. Don’t switch every week. Consistency with a simple approach beats complexity every time.
5. How You’ll Track Your Progress
Get a journal, notebook, or digital doc where you’ll write down:
- The passage you read
- Key observations or verses that stood out
- Questions you have
- One way to apply what you learned
Writing this down isn’t busywork, it helps you process what you’re reading and creates a record you can look back on to see how God’s been working in your life.
Sample Bible Study Plans: How to Study the Bible This Week
Let me give you three ready-to-use plans based on different schedules and goals:
Plan 1: The Foundation Builder
- Book: Gospel of Mark
- Time: 15 minutes, 5 days/week
- Method: SOAP
- Reading pace: 1 chapter per session (16 chapters = about 3 weeks)
Plan 2: The Wisdom Seeker
- Book: Proverbs
- Time: 10 minutes, daily
- Method: 3-Question Method
- Reading pace: 1 chapter per day (31 chapters = 1 month)
Plan 3: The Deep Dive
- Book: Gospel of John
- Time: 30 minutes, 5 days/week
- Method: Character Study + SOAP
- Reading pace: 5-7 verses per session with deeper reflection
Pick whichever plan matches your current season of life, or customize one using the framework above.
Get the Tools You Need: How to Study the Bible With the Right Resources
You don’t need a lot, but a few key tools make a huge difference when you’re learning how to study the Bible:
Essential:
- A readable Bible translation – NIV, ESV, NLT, or CSB are all solid choices
- A notebook or journal – anywhere you can write down your thoughts
- A pen – that’s it
Highly recommended:
- A Study Bible – has notes explaining context, definitions, and cross-references right on the page (NIV Study Bible or ESV Study Bible are both excellent)
- Bible study plan template – keeps you organized and consistent (coming soon: my custom Bible study plan template will be available on my Etsy shop to help you track your progress and stay motivated)
Nice to have:
- Highlighters or colored pens – if you like marking up your Bible
- Bible app – YouVersion or Blue Letter Bible for quick reference
The tools matter less than your consistency. Don’t let “I don’t have the perfect setup” keep you from starting.
Common Questions About How to Study the Bible
What if I don’t understand what I’m reading? That’s completely normal. Write down your questions and keep reading. Many things will become clearer with context. Use your Study Bible notes, or look up the passage on Bible Gateway for commentary. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by confusing passages, check out my post on How to Understand the Bible Without Feeling Overwhelmed for strategies that help Scripture make more sense.
Should I read the whole Bible eventually? Yes, but not right away. Focus on building the habit with one book at a time. Once you’ve finished a few books and have a solid routine, you can tackle a whole-Bible reading plan.
What if I miss a day (or a week)? Just pick up where you left off. Don’t restart, don’t quit, just continue.
How long should I study one book before moving on? Until you finish it. Even if it takes months. Completing one book builds confidence and understanding better than jumping around.
Your Next Step: Just Start
You now know exactly how to study the Bible with a practical plan. You’ve got a framework, method options, and sample plans to choose from.
Here’s what to do right now:
- Choose your starting book
- Decide your time commitment and frequency
- Pick your study method
- Get your journal ready
- Schedule your first session for tomorrow
Don’t wait for the perfect time or until you feel “ready enough.” The best way to learn how to start studying the Bible is simply to start.
God’s Word is meant to be read, understood, and lived out, not just admired from a distance. Your Bible study plan doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to begin.
Open your Bible tomorrow and take the first step. That’s how every meaningful Bible study habit starts.