Bible Reading Isn’t Just Reading—It’s Studying (And How to Understand It Daily)

Ever read the Bible and felt like you didn’t understand a word? You’re not alone—but here’s the good news: God’s Word is meant to be grasped, not just skimmed.

Many of us have been there. You open your Bible with good intentions, read a few verses, and then think… "What did I just read?" Maybe you’ve even struggled with:

Confusion – Some passages feel like they’re written in another language.
Boredom – Let’s be honest, genealogies and laws aren’t always page-turners.
Inconsistency – Starting strong but fading after a few days.

Here’s the truth: The Bible wasn’t designed to be speed-read like a novel. It’s a living, breathing message from God—one that becomes clearer when we shift from passive reading to active studying.

And the best part? You don’t need a theology degree to understand it. You just need the right approach.

Why Bible Reading Isn’t Enough (You Need to Study)

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
— 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

There’s a big difference between:

Reading the Bible → Like scrolling through social media. You see words, but they don’t always stick.
Studying the Bible → Like sitting down for a deep conversation. You ask questions, take notes, and let it change you.

What Happens When We Only Read (Without Studying)?

We miss deeper meanings. (Example: Jesus’ parables weren’t just stories—they had layers.)
We misinterpret verses when taken out of context. (Example: "I can do all things" [Phil. 4:13] isn’t about sports victories—it’s about contentment in hardship.)
Our faith stays surface-level.

The Fix? Treat the Bible like a treasure hunt, not a checklist.

How to Study (Not Just Read) the Bible

1. Start with Prayer (Invite God Into Your Reading)

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."
— Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

Before you even open your Bible, pause and pray something like:

"God, speak to me through Your Word today."
"Help me understand what You want to show me."
"Let this change my heart, not just my knowledge."

Why this works: The Holy Spirit is your ultimate Teacher (John 14:26).

2. Use the SOAP Method (Simple But Powerful Study Tool)

Example (Using Psalm 23:1):

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."
Observation: David, a former shepherd, sees God as his provider.
Application: Do I truly trust God to supply my needs?
Prayer: "God, help me rely on You, not my own efforts."

3. Cross-Reference (Let the Bible Explain Itself)

Stuck on a confusing verse? See where else it’s mentioned.

Example: If you’re reading about "the rod and staff" in Psalm 23, check how shepherds used these tools in Exodus or John 10.
Easy Tool: Use BlueLetterBible.org for linked cross-references.

4. Use Study Tools (Without Overcomplicating It)

You don’t need 20 commentaries—start with these free resources:

YouVersion (Bible App) – Read plans with built-in notes.
Enduring Word Commentary – Simple, practical explanations.
GotQuestions.org – Answers to common Bible questions.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for 10 minutes to avoid falling down a research rabbit hole!

Why Daily Reading Makes the Bible Easier to Understand

"Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
— Romans 10:17 (ESV)

Think of Bible reading like a friendship:

Meeting once a month? The conversation feels awkward and shallow.
Meeting daily? You start to know the person deeply.

3 Benefits of Daily Engagement:

Familiarity Breeds Understanding – The more you read, the more patterns you notice.
The Holy Spirit Works Over Time – Truths you didn’t get last month suddenly click.
It Builds Spiritual Muscle – Even when you don’t feel it, you’re growing.

Real-Life Example:
A man once told me he read Proverbs every day for a year. By the end, he said, "I didn’t just memorize verses—I started thinking differently."

Staying Motivated (Even When It Feels Boring or Hard)

Let’s be real—some days, Bible reading feels like chewing on cardboard. Here’s how to push through:

1. Change Up Your Method

If you’re bored, try:
✅ Reading aloud (engages your ears + mind).
✅ Listening to an audio Bible while walking.
✅ Drawing or journaling a verse.

2. Focus on One Takeaway

Instead of rushing through chapters, ask:

"What’s one thing God is saying to me today?"
Even if it’s just "God loves me"—that’s enough.

3. Find a Buddy (Accountability Helps!)

Join a Bible study group.
Text a friend: "What’d you read today?"

4. Remember: Dry Seasons Don’t Last Forever

"The rain and snow come down from heaven… making the earth bring forth life. So shall My word be—it will accomplish what I desire."
— Isaiah 55:10-11 (paraphrased)

Even when it feels fruitless, God’s Word is working.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Quitting When Confused

Instead: Circle the verse, pray, and come back later.
"The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)

2. Ignoring Context

Example: "Where two or three gather…" (Matt. 18:20) is about church discipline—not just prayer meetings.
Fix: Read the surrounding paragraphs.

3. Comparing Your Journey to Others’

Some people devour 10 chapters a day; others meditate on one verse. Both are okay.
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning." (Proverbs 1:5)

Final Challenge: Try This for 7 Days

Pick a short book (e.g., James or Philippians).
Use the SOAP method for 10 minutes/day.
Pray before and after reading.

Watch what happens.

Closing Thought

The Bible isn’t a book to finish—it’s a Person to know. The more you seek Him in its pages, the more He’ll reveal Himself to you.

"Lord, give me a hunger for Your Word—even when it’s hard. Amen."

Your Turn:
What’s one Bible passage you’ve always found confusing? Share in the comments—let’s explore it together!

7 Keys to Understanding Difficult Bible Passages