8 Beginner-Friendly Bible Study Methods You Should Try
- Lindsay Esterline
- Mar 19
- 5 min read
The purpose of Bible study is to seek to know God, and be in relationship with Him (John 17:3). Matthew 6:33 says that in seeking "all these things will be added to you." We are promised blessings in seeking a relationship with Him, but ultimately the relationship is THE blessing.
So, how do we "seek"? The Bible is often referred to as "God's Love Letter" to the world. He gave it to us as a revelation--or revealing--of himself. Earnestly digging into His Word is the way to go.
What is a Bible Study Method?
A Bible study method is a structured way, or outline, for studying the scriptures. Whether you choose a topical, or themed, study (like prayer, faith, kingdoms, etc.), a character study (like looking into the life, character and context of Moses, Esther, or Paul), or one of the following methods, they all should include similar elements:
Summary/Observation
Context/Interpretation
Application/Personal Reflection
Prayer
Each method may have a slightly different emphasis on one element over another. But, the idea is to find a method that keeps you seeking and studying. But, don't skimp on Application. If the point of study is to know God, what is the point of knowing God if it doesn't lead to change, or improvement in your life? (See our podcast episode on Application for more.)
Here are the 8 methods covered by our blog (so far) with links to the post containing more detail and FREE printable download:
The SOAP Bible Study Method
The SOAP Bible study method is structured around the four elements mentioned earlier:
Scripture - Reading a passage and writing it out by hand.
Observation - Noting observations and asking questions about the text.
Application - Considering how what you have read applies to your life.
Prayer - Thanking God for what you have learned.
Find more details and the FREE printable pictured on our blog here.
The FEAST Bible Study Method
The FEAST Bible Study Method is another acronym to help you organize the steps needed for good study.
Focus - Begin with prayer, asking for God's guidance.
Engage - Journal, or take notes, on your thoughts as you read.
Assess - Use study tools and other references to find meaning.
Seek - Look for ways the scripture applies to you.
Turn - Praise God for what you have learned.
The added step of praise and worship sets this method apart. For more on this method and the FREE printable visit our blog page here.
The REAP Bible Study Method
The REAP Bible study method is another four-step framework that utilizes the same core elements of good Bible study.
Read - Reading the text is the observation step
Examine - Examining the text is the interpretation step.
Apply - Apply what you have learned to yourself.
Pray - Praise Him for what you learned and ask for guidance in the application to your life.
The idea is to choose whichever catchy acronym will work for you! Find out more about the REAP method and get the FREE download here.
The APPLE Bible Study Method
The APPLE Bible study method is a wonderful way to keep your focus on God and His character and what that means for you as a Christian. The five steps are:
Attributes of God - How is God revealed?
Promises of God - What has He promised?
Principles of Life - What are the principles?
Lessons Learned - How do I apply these lessons?
Examples to Follow - What can I learn from those in the text?
To learn more about this method and grab the FREE printable download visit our blog here.
The AEIOU Bible Study Method
Another fun acronym! The AEIOU Bible study method adds a twist to what we have already seen. There is a slightly different progression to engaging with the text.
Ask Questions - Be inquisitive as you read.
Emphasize Key Words - Look for themes and look up words.
In Your Own Words - Rewrite the passage in your own words.
Other Related Scripture - Look for connections to other texts.
Use it in Application - Make a plan to implement what you learned.
If you are looking for a breakdown of the Observation step, this method is for you! Find out more on our blog page and download the FREE printable here.
The TEXT Bible Study Method
The TEXT Bible study method begins and ends with prayer and adds a community, or sharing, element to the steps.
Talk to God - Begin with prayer.
Encounter God - Engage with the scriptures.
eXamine Your Heart - Apply what you have learned to your life.
Talk to God and Others - Thank God for your insights, and share them with others.
If you like the framework that encourages you to read God's text, and then text a friend, check out our blog for more details and download the printable here.
The Inductive or 5 W's Bible Study Method
An inductive Bible study is the process of focusing on details to help you draw a "big picture" conclusion, or interpretation. Many of the acronym methods above rely heavily on the inductive method. Here, we have focused on the 5 W's (and an H): Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How, to help guide our study of the scriptures.
You can see examples of the questions associated with the inductive, or 5 W's, method in the picture (left). You can learn more about this method and get the FREE download on our blog page here.
The Scripture Mapping Bible Study Method
This last method combines all the elements of the previous study frameworks and includes a visual element. The Scripture Mapping, or Mind Mapping, Bible study method calls for organizing your observations using graphic organizers. You can choose to use a printable format, or free-hand them in a journal (my preferred method).
There is a difference between scripture mapping and mind mapping scripture. You can find out more on our blog page, and grab a template for scripture mapping here.
Choosing A Bible Study Method
There is no right or wrong choice if it gets you into The Word! Try a few methods, try them all. One Bible study method might work for you for a season, and then you might pick another way to explore what God has for you in the Bible.
Bonus Methods!
Do you need help choosing a topic? See our Bible Marking episode for help with topics and to explore the various ways you can use Bible marking as a study method. Our Resources page also has links to our previous guests' reference materials, reading plans, and journal prompts.
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