Bible Study for Beginners + A Peek Inside My New Favorite Bible
So, you’ve decided to dive into Bible study—and now you're wondering, where do I even begin? Or maybe you've tried before, but it felt a little overwhelming or confusing. Trust me, I’ve been there! The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this post, I’m sharing some beginner-friendly Bible study tips that will help you feel confident and excited to open God’s Word. Plus, I’m giving you a peek inside my newest Bible (spoiler alert: I’m obsessed with it).
Let’s make Bible study fun, doable, and something you actually look forward to each day!
6 Beginner Friendly Tips for Bible Study
1. Start with Prayer
Before you even read a single verse, pause and pray. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, teach you, and reveal what God wants to say. Bible study isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about experiencing transformation. Without the Holy Spirit coming and breathing on the Word, the bible will be merely black ink on paper with ordinary words. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, who comes to teach us all things (see John 14:26). So, pray, asking God to help you understand what you are about to read in His word.
2. Get a bible in the version or translation that you love and can easily understand.
The bible is written in different translations such as The King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), and a whole lot more. My personal favorites are the NIV, NLT, and AMP (Amplified Bible). These versions or translations of the bible are written using simple, everyday words that are easier for me to understand. But if you are someone who thrive in “thous” and “thys” etc, then my friend, by all means, get the KJV translation. The most important thing is that you get the translation that will support your bible study and make it more impactful and meaningful.
3. Start with the Gospels or a Bible Reading Plan
If you’re just starting out, don’t feel pressured to begin in Genesis. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are a beautiful way to learn about Jesus, His heart, His mission, and His love for you. You can also grab a simple Bible reading plan (many are free online or in Bible apps) to stay on track. I would even recommend getting a study bible such as the ESV Study Bible that would break down each verse even more and give you better understanding, clarity, and context of what you are reading. The YouVersion bible app has a lot of wonderful bible study plans in different topic areas.
4. Highlight, Write, Reflect
Get a journal. Grab some highlighters. Write down and highlight what jumps out at you. Ask yourself:
What is God saying to me?
How does this apply to my life right now?
Is there something I need to do, change, or believe differently?
According to James 1:22, we are called to be “doers of the Word, and not hearers only…”
Journaling bibles such as the NLT Inspire Praise Bible or the ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible 5 Volume Set are great for writing notes down next to the verse or chapters you are studying. But if you prefer to get a physical journal or notebook for your writing, that is fine as well – it can even be in your digital notebook. The most important thing is that you are noting down what the Holy Spirit reveals to you and/or any questions you may have or anything you need further clarity on. There are several places in the bible where God instructs people to write “it” down, and I believe that same instruction goes for us even in today’s modern society as well.
5. Use Bible Study Tools
You don’t need to be a theologian (a person who has read and studied religious thought and ideas)! A good study Bible, a simple concordance, and a notebook can go a long way. Bible apps like YouVersion or Blue Letter Bible can help you understand verses and context with ease. Bible commentaries are my favorite tools to use because it helps break down the verses even more, giving me a deeper understanding and clarification on some things that are difficult to understand or grasp in the bible. My favorite tools for my bible commentary needs, bible dictionary, bible word study, plus more is The Logos Bible Software and The Bible Study with Concordance app. These are by far my favorites when it comes to bible study tools that has helped me grow deeper in my bible study journey.
6. Consistency Over Perfection
It’s not about reading 10 chapters a day. Start small—just a few verses—and let them sink in. God isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for connection. His desire is to spend time with you in His word. Remember, we study the bible for transformation not just for information. So, take your time in His Word. No need to rush, it’s not a competition. Start from somewhere and build upon it at a pace that you are comfortable with and is more impactful and meaningful to your Faith Walk with God.
My Newest Bible: A Quick Review!
Okay, let’s talk about my new favorite Bible, it’s The Parallel Bible by Zondervan. If you’re looking for a Bible that’s perfect for study and devotional time, this one is perfect.
Why I Love It:
Readable Translations —super easy to understand!) It has four different translations in one – NLT, NIV, NKJV, MSG (The Message bible). These are some of the translations I use frequently during my bible study, and to have them all contained in the same bible is amazing!
Watch my full video review of this bible in the video below.
New Bible + Easy Bible Study Tips for Beginners! Whether you're just starting your Bible study journey or looking to grow deeper in the Word, this video is for you! I'm sharing beginner-friendly tips to help you understand and enjoy studying the Bible—and I’m also revealing and reviewing my brand new Bible! Start your journey with confidence, clarity, and the tools you need to stay consistent and connected with God.
Starting Bible study doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right mindset, tools, and a teachable heart, you’ll be amazed at how alive and personal God’s Word becomes. I hope today’s tips (and my Bible review!) gave you a helpful nudge in the right direction.
Remember: God wants to speak to you—yes, you—through His Word. Just show up with an open heart and watch what He does.
