Is There One “Right” Way to Study the Bible?

A common question I hear from people just starting out in Bible study is: “What's the best way to study?”

It’s understandable—there’s so much advice out there, and some of it, often from well-meaning “experts,” can feel like a list of dos and don’ts.

So, what’s the answer? Is there a one "right" way? Well, my answer is a little bit of no, yes, and maybe. 

No—There Is No One Right Way to Study the Bible

The truth is, there isn’t just one right way to study the Bible. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and people connect with it in different ways. Some love deep word studies, others prefer structured devotionals, and some thrive in verse-by-verse breakdowns. Why?

• • God designed us uniquely. Some of us process information by writing, others by listening, and some through discussion. Different study methods meet different learning styles.
  • Different seasons call for different study approaches. Sometimes, a simple daily reading is all we can manage; other times, we have the energy for deep, exegetical study. Both are valuable.
  • The Holy Spirit is our teacher. While study tools are helpful, ultimately, God illuminates His Word for us as we seek Him.

Yes—Context Matters

While there isn’t one right way to study, there is one crucial aspect that I think should always be considered: context. Misunderstanding the Bible often happens when verses are pulled out of their intended setting and applied in ways that don’t align with their original meaning. Context is what helps us grasp what the Bible is truly saying rather than what we want a verse to mean.

Why is Context Crucial?

• • It Prevents Misinterpretation - One of the biggest mistakes in Bible study is reading a verse in isolation.
  • It Brings Greater Understanding - The Bible was written over thousands of years by different authors, in various historical and cultural settings. Understanding who wrote it, who they were writing to, and why gives clarity to passages that might otherwise seem confusing. 
  • Keeps Us Rooted in Truth - Without context, we risk making Scripture fit our own desires or cultural views rather than submitting to God’s intended message. Context helps us align with His truth rather than twisting the Bible to say what we want it to say.

  • An Example -

    • Paul’s letters (epistles) fall under the literary genre of occasional literature—meaning they were written for specific occasions, addressing specific people, in specific places, dealing with specific issues. This is key to understanding whether a teaching is universal (meant for all believers across time) or situational (addressing a particular issue in a particular church).

      Take 1 Corinthians 11:5, where Paul talks about women covering their heads while praying. If we read this without context, we might assume all Christian women today must wear head coverings. However, knowing that Paul was writing to the church in Corinth—a city deeply influenced by Greco-Roman culture—helps us understand his intent.

      In that time, head coverings symbolized modesty and honor, and in some cases, not wearing one could be seen as disrespectful or even associated with pagan temple practices. Paul’s instruction wasn’t necessarily a global command for all time, but rather a cultural issue specific to Corinth that helped maintain order and avoid unnecessary distractions in worship.

      Understanding Paul’s audience helps us discern whether a passage is meant to be a timeless truth (such as his teachings on salvation by grace through faith) or a culturally specific instruction (like head coverings or certain church customs). Without this awareness, we risk misunderstanding or misapplying Scripture!

How to Find Context in Bible Study

It can be tricky to find the context of what you are reading, so here are a few tips to get you started:

• • Read the Surrounding Verses - Always read before and after the verse you're studying. A single verse pulled out of a passage can lose its full meaning. 
  •  Understand the Historical & Cultural Background - Who was the author? Who was their audience? What was happening at the time? Example: Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you…”) was written to exiled Israelites, not as a blanket promise for modern success.
  • Consider the Literary Genre - The Bible contains different types of writing such as Historical narrative (Genesis, Acts), Poetry (Psalms, Proverbs), Prophecy (Isaiah, Revelation), and Letters (Romans, Corinthians). Knowing the genre helps us interpret correctly. For instance, poetic books often use symbolic language, while letters contain direct teaching.
  • Compare Multiple Bible Translations - Reading Different translations (ESV, NIV, CSB, NASB) can help clarify meanings by providing alternative wording.
  • Use Cross-References - Scripture interprets Scripture. Look at related verses to see how a passage connects to the rest of the Bible. Many study Bibles include cross-references in the margins.
  • Look Up Key Words in the Original Language - The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Sometimes, deeper meaning is found by understanding the original word usage. (Example: The Greek word agape for love is different from phileo or eros).
  • Use Reliable Study Resources - Commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and historical resources can provide extra insight—but always compare them to Scripture. Some of my favorite sources are biblegateway.com, biblehub.com, blueletterbible.com, visualunit.me, and preceptaustin.org
  • Want more info on the importance of context? Read our other blog post here.

Maybe—Some Study Components Are Super Helpful

While there’s no single “right” way to study the Bible, some methods and study components can be incredibly helpful. Think of them as tools, not rules—they’re not required, but they can make your time in the Word more structured, meaningful, and impactful.

When I sit down to study the Bible, I try to always include the following three key steps: 

• • Observation – What Does the Text Say? Before jumping into interpretation, take time to slow down and really see what the text says.
    
    • Read the passage multiple times (maybe in different translations). Look for repeated words or key themes—repetition often signals emphasis.
    • Notice contrasts, comparisons, and lists (e.g., “the fruit of the Spirit is…” in Galatians 5:22-23).
    • Identify who, what, when, where, and how.
    • Example: In John 15, Jesus says, “Abide in me” several times. That repetition tells us abiding is key to understanding the passage.
  • Interpretation – What Does It Mean? Now that you’ve observed what’s in the passage, it’s time to ask: What does this mean?
    
    • Consider the historical and cultural context (Who wrote it? Who was the audience? Why was it written?).
    • Use cross-references to see what other parts of Scripture say about the same theme.
    • Look up key words in their original Greek or Hebrew.
    • Ask, "What did this mean to the original audience?" before applying it to today.
    • Example: When Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, knowing that Jews and Samaritans despised each other makes His message about loving our neighbors even more powerful.
  • Application – How Does This Apply to My Life? Once you understand what the passage meant in its original context, ask: How does this apply to me today?
    
    • Look for commands, promises, or principles to apply.
    • Ask, "What does this reveal about God?"
    • Make it personal: How should this change the way I think, live, or interact with others?
    • Pray through what you’ve learned and ask God to help you live it out.
    • Example: After studying Philippians 4:6-7 (“Do not be anxious… but in everything by prayer and supplication…”), a personal application might be: When I feel anxious, I will choose to pray instead of worry.

If you want a simple guide to walk you through these three steps, our Bible Study Collective digital journals are designed to help! They include structured prompts for observation, interpretation, and application, making it easy to dig deeper into God’s Word. No matter which study method you use, the goal isn’t just to gain knowledge—it’s to grow in relationship with God. So, find what works best for you and keep showing up in the Word! 💛

Final Thoughts

So, is there one right way to study the Bible? Not exactly. The most important thing is that you are in the Word—seeking God, growing in understanding, and allowing Scripture to transform your heart.

Bible study isn’t about following rigid rules or using the “perfect” method—it’s about knowing God more deeply. That said, some study principles can help: Understanding context keeps us from misinterpreting Scripture and helps us see the full picture. Using structured steps like Observation, Interpretation, and Application can guide us in studying with depth and clarity.  Having the right tools (like cross-references, multiple translations, and study resources) can make a big difference.

But at the end of the day, Bible study isn’t about checking off a to-do list. It’s about spending time with God, hearing His voice, and allowing His truth to shape our lives. Keep showing up, keep seeking, and trust that God will meet you in His Word. He is faithful, and He will lead you as you study! 💛