A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible

Reading the the Word is like digging for treasure. The deeper you dig, the more treasures you’ll find! It may seem daunting at times, but remember that you are not alone! The Holy Spirit is there to guide you and teach you as you familiarize yourself with his word.

1. Understand What the Bible Is

• The word Bible comes from the Greek word biblia, which means “books”.
• The Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40 different authors, including kings, prophets, fishermen.
• It is a factual account of real events, places, people, and dialogue, confirmed by historians and archaeologists.
• Though written by people, the Bible is believed to be inspired by God, using their individual styles to convey His message. This is why the messages of all these books are cohesive, even across narratives that are centuries apart.
• The central theme is God’s desire to have a relationship with humanity and to show us how to trust and know Him.
• The Bible was compiled by the early church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2. Know the Structure

• The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
• The Old Testament covers creation, the history of Israel, the law, prophecy, and poetry.
• The New Testament focuses on the life of Jesus, the early church, and teachings for Christians.
• Use resources like The Bible Project for high-level overviews of each book, which can help with understanding timelines and characters. (Link to The Bible Project)

3. Check for Consistency

• The Bible does not contradict itself; a principle found in one part is often supported elsewhere. Find other verses that reinforce what you’re reading.
• Be careful not to quote verses out of context. Study the surrounding text for a clearer understanding.
• Use multiple translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, KJV) to clarify meaning. Double-checking other translations can help prevent misinterpretation.
• Research the original language (like Greek or Hebrew) for clearer insights, as some words may not have direct English equivalents.

4. Recognize Different Writing Styles

• The Bible contains various literary styles, including historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, and letters (epistles).
• Understanding the style helps interpret the text correctly; for example, poetic books (like Psalms) often use metaphor, while historical books (like Acts) focus on factual accounts.
• Identify the author’s intention: consider what message or lesson the author aimed to convey, as this can affect interpretation.

5. Read in Context

• When reading a passage, ask these questions: Who wrote this? Who was the intended audience? When was it written? Why was it written?
• Always read the verses before and after a passage to grasp its full meaning. This helps avoid misinterpretation.
• Be aware that some contexts are culturally or historically specific and may not apply directly today, while others convey moral principles relevant at any time.
• Examples of common misinterpretations include the belief that men are superior to women. The Bible presents a more complex picture, showing the creation of woman as a corresponding partner to man (Genesis 2:18, 20).
• In 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Paul’s instruction regarding women must be understood within the specific context of false teachings in the church of Ephesus and does not serve as a universal prohibition.

6.  Learn Cultural/Historical Background

• Some passages are tied to specific historical events or cultural practices. Researching these contexts can enhance understanding.
• Recognize that cultural norms at the time of writing may differ significantly from today’s views.
• For example, the strange verse in 1 Timothy 2:15 about women being saved through childbirth makes more sense when considering the context of Artemis worship, a prevalent belief at that time.

7. Practical Steps for Beginners

• You can either start from the beginning of the Bible like any other book, or start with the New Testament, specifically the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which detail the life of Jesus.
• Consider a study Bible with helpful notes and explanations that clarify challenging texts.
• Set a regular reading plan, beginning with small, consistent readings to reflect on what you learn.
• Explore additional resources for deeper understanding, such as:
  • How the Bible Was Written and Transmitted
  • Every Student: Bible Basics
  • Challenging Texts: 1 Timothy 2:11-15
  • Types of Laws

Conclusion

This guide provides a structured approach for complete beginners to explore and understand the Bible more deeply. By understanding its structure, recognizing different writing styles, reading in context, comparing translations, and navigating cultural and historical contexts, you can develop a richer and more informed relationship with this profound text.