God’s commands and wisdom shape our lives. Study the Bible and be equipped to live as his people<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several different methods and tools that you can use to get the most out of your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many different translations intended for different purposes. (Read this article on why we have so many translations<\/a><\/em> to understand some of the differences.) But when it comes to regular Bible reading and study, the most important criterion is to opt for one you will actually use. Consider your reading strengths and comfort levels and pick the translation that suits you best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One way to help you select a translation that you can connect with is to read a passage in multiple translations<\/a>. Let\u2019s review the most popular verse on Bible Gateway, John 3:16<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.\u201d (NIV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.\u201d (ESV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.\u201d (NKJV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.\u201d (KJV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.\u201d (NET)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.\u201d (NLT)<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can see that each translation is similar, but not exactly. This is because some translations are focused on translating the words of Scripture into English as closely as possible, where others focus on the meaning of the passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn’t a right or wrong choice, so choose the one that connects with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading the Bible is an undertaking for anyone. From the size of the Bible alone to finding time to read it can be daunting. It requires dedication, and Bible Gateway helps you break it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can read the Bible in bite-size pieces by taking advantage of the Verse of the Day<\/a>, or we make it easy to read it straight through with a variety of reading plans<\/a> that you can access on the site or via email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we’re reading the Bible, we need to be aware of the context of each passage. To better understand the context, ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are very conscious of this, and no matter what single verse you are looking at, you will see a link to \u201cRead Full Chapter\u201d so that you can bring up the full chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you heard of Parallel Bibles<\/a>? If not, it is a simple concept. Similar to our example above of comparing the single verse, John 3:16 in all translations, you are instead comparing entire translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a printed version of a Parallel Bible, there will be two columns. The column on the left would lay out text from one translation. The column on the right would show the same selection of verses from another version of the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On BibleGateway.com, you can compare up to 5 versions at once.<\/a> You can compare multiple English translations, or add in other languages including the Ancient languages. Hit the “Add Parallel” button to the left above the passage area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the main features on Bible Gateway are the reading plans<\/a>. We have more than 15 options with time commitments varying from 10 days to one year. With daily dedication and these reading plans, you can read through the entire Bible within the time frame you\u2019ve chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the translation you are following, there may be options available to listen as well. Visit the Audio Bible page<\/a> for all available options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenging yourself to memorize verses is a way to make Bible study more fun. You can make yourself flash cards. You can use study tools that help you write it out from memory. (Sign up to Memorize 7 Bible Verses in 7 Days.<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are even apps that make it easy. The Bible Audio App<\/a>, for example, allows you to listen to the Bible and has features that will repeat a verse or chapter to assist you as you memorize your favorite Scripture passages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional reading:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You may notice a letter or number next to a word in your Bible that points to another verse or an explanatory note at the bottom of the page. These are essential features that help bring clarity to a passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Footnotes give you additional insight into the passage. These footnotes usually explain how translation decisions were made or explain specific words. Sometimes they give alternate translations. They are helpful to review when you are unsure what a passage means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cross-references refer you to Bible passages related to the one you\u2019re reading. That relationship might be a quotation or allusion to another passage. it could also show a thematic or theological connection between passages. It might also indicate a parallel passage (one describing the same event) in another book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To turn on cross-references or footnotes on Bible Gateway, find the Page Options menu above the Bible text and make sure to check the appropriate boxes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You should have three resources available to study the Bible most effectively. These are a Study Bible, a Bible Commentary, and a Bible Dictionary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Study Bible is a core tool that helps bring key insights on integral Scripture to the forefront. The notes in a Study Bible contain insights into how to interpret and apply a passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many different Study Bibles available. Some are thematic in nature. Others include notes from a well-known Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study Bibles do not usually explain something on every single verse. They provide a broad overview of the themes and topics they were built around. Bible Gateway Plus includes over 25 premium study Bibles to enhance your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Bible commentary, in comparison to Study Bibles, tends to be comprehensive. Unless you are reading a single volume or an abridged edition, you’ll find detailed exposition for nearly every verse in the Bible. Commentaries tend to be thorough narratives that detail everything you should and could know about a particular passage. In Bible Gateway Plus, you can find 10+ commentaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bible Dictionaries come in all shapes and sizes. Which one to buy depends on how far along you are in studying the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting with a dictionary that defines key words used in the Bible is the most helpful to start with. It may also include the names of people, themes and definitions of doctrines. Once familiar, you can find dictionaries focusing on more specific themes or the original ancient languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many other tools available to you. Try using Encyclopedias<\/a>, Interlinear Bibles<\/a>, and even exploring the original languages<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bible Gateway has free commentaries, dictionaries and encyclopedias<\/a> for you to consult as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several other physical and digital resources available to help you study the Bible most effectively. These include Bible study books, group studies, daily devotionals, Bible study guides, and online resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend two books written by the late Gordon Fee<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three additional books worth reading are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several different kinds of Bible study methods that emphasize different aspects of Bible study. However, all share a focus on observation, application, interpretation, and personal reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about all of these 6 Bible study methods you need to know and try<\/a><\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know why studying the Bible matters and have a starting point for how to do it, it’s time to get started for yourself. Read, take notes,<\/a> journal and find ways that you can regularly engage with the Bible.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with the free tools available in Bible Gateway. Sign-up to receive the Verse of the Day<\/a> or try out a Reading Plan.<\/a> And when you’re ready to dig deeper, create a free account<\/a> or join Bible Gateway Plus<\/a> for access to 50+ resources and features!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: The products linked above are published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are you ready to engage more deeply with God’s Word? Here’s everything you need to know to get started on your own Bible study \u2014 and how Bible Gateway can help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3085,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[463],"tags":[79,78],"yoast_head":"\nHow Do I Study the Bible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose a Bible translation that works for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTry multiple translations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Bible Gateway Helps You Study the Bible on Your Own<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reading the Bible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Comparing Bible translations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>How to find a Bible reading plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Memorize Bible verses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Follow the footnotes and cross-references in your Bible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChoose your essential study resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is a Study Bible?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What is a Bible Commentary?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What is a Bible Dictionary?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What other tools can I use?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Other Resources Exist to Help You Study the Bible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bible Study books<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What else can I do to learn about Bible study and how to study the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Find additional Bible study books or topics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Where Do We Go From Here?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n