The Secret to Boosting Your Bible Study: Ask Better Questions

Have you ever sat down to do your Bible study and just felt... stuck? Like you're reading the words, maybe even underlining a few things, but nothing's really sinking in? Yeah, me too.

Sometimes we approach Bible study like we're just trying to get through it—check the box, feel like we did the “right” thing, and move on with our day. But when that happens, we miss the richness that’s right in front of us.

One of the simplest ways I’ve found to get more out of my time in the Word is by asking better questions. Not super deep, theological questions—just thoughtful, curious ones. The kind that slow me down and make me look a little closer.

In this post, I’m sharing 7 questions you can ask during your Bible study that will help you notice more, reflect more deeply, and actually connect with what you’re reading. If you’ve been feeling a little dry or distracted lately, this might be the quick boost you need.

Let’s dive in.

Why Questions Matter

When I first started studying the Bible on my own, I thought I had to have all the right tools—commentaries, original language dictionaries, study Bibles with tiny print and a million footnotes. And while those things can be helpful, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful tools I have is already in my head: questions.

Asking good questions slows me down. It helps me move from just reading the Bible to actually thinking about what it says. It’s easy to breeze through a chapter and miss the deeper meaning, but when I pause and ask something like, “What does this tell me about God?” or “Why would the author include that detail?”—suddenly, I’m engaged. I’m paying attention.

Even Jesus used questions all the time when He taught. He didn’t always give people straight answers—He asked things like, “Who do you say I am?” or “Why are you so afraid?” His questions made people think, reflect, and wrestle with the truth.

That’s what we’re after in Bible study—not just checking off a reading plan, but engaging with God’s Word in a way that transforms us. And it often starts with a good question.

7 Questions to Boost Your Bible Study

You don’t need a seminary degree or a shelf full of commentaries to dig deeper into Scripture—just a little curiosity and a willingness to slow down. Asking thoughtful questions is one of the simplest (and most powerful) ways to connect more personally with what you’re reading.

These seven questions are ones I come back to again and again. You don’t need to ask every single one every time, but even picking one or two can completely shift your time in the Word.

Here we go:

1. What does this passage say about God?


This is always my starting point. The Bible is ultimately God’s story—so I want to pay attention to what it’s telling me about who He is.

What do I see about His character, His heart, His actions?

Is He showing grace? Justice? Patience? Power?

Noticing God’s attributes helps me grow in trust and love for Him.

2. What does this passage say about people?


Next, I look for what it reveals about human nature.

Are there examples of faith or failure?

Is there a struggle I can relate to?

Sometimes this shows me where I need to grow, and sometimes it reminds me that I’m not alone in my doubts or weaknesses. It makes the text feel personal and real.

3. What’s the context? 

Who’s writing?

Who are they writing to?

What’s happening?

When and where is this taking place—and why does that matter?


This one might sound a little academic, but it’s honestly a game changer. Understanding the bigger picture—who the author is, who they’re talking to, and what was going on—can help prevent misunderstandings and make the passage come alive. It gives the words weight and meaning, especially when the verses are challenging or confusing.

4. Is there a command to follow, a promise to believe, or a warning to pay attention to?

Sometimes Scripture calls me to action, and sometimes it calls me to simply trust. This question helps me notice the practical side of what I’m reading.

Am I being invited to obey, encouraged to hold onto a promise, or warned to avoid a pitfall?

There’s often a clear next step, even if it’s small.

5. What surprises me or challenges me in this passage?


Don’t skip over the parts that feel hard or uncomfortable.

When something jumps out—whether it's confusing, convicting, or just unexpected—it’s often an invitation to go deeper.

Sit with those verses, ask God to help you understand, and don’t be afraid to wrestle with the text.

6. How does this passage connect to the bigger story of the Bible?


The Bible isn’t a collection of random books—it’s one big, connected story that points to Jesus.

Look for themes, foreshadowing, repeated phrases, or connections to other parts of Scripture.

This helps you see how the passage fits into God’s redemptive plan.

7. How can I live this out today?


This is where truth meets transformation.

Is there a shift in my thinking, a way I need to pray, a conversation I need to have, or something I need to let go of?

Bible study is meant to shape our lives, not just fill our heads.

Ask God to show you how to take what you’ve learned and actually walk it out.

How to Use These Questions in Your Bible Study

Now that you’ve got the questions, how do you actually use them?

The good news is—you don’t need to follow a rigid system. These questions are meant to be tools, not a checklist. Some days, one question might stand out more than the others. Other days, you might work through several.

The goal isn’t to get “all the answers”—it’s to slow down, reflect, and engage with God’s Word more intentionally.

Here are a few simple ways to start:

• Pick one question and sit with it. After reading a passage, choose the question that grabs your attention and journal your thoughts. Let it guide your reflection. 
• Use them in your margins or notebook. Write the question down and jot notes underneath. Bullet points, messy thoughts, or prayers—they all count.
• Start small. These questions work with just a few verses or a full chapter. Don’t feel like you have to study for an hour. Even 10 minutes of thoughtful reading can be rich and meaningful.
• Ask them out loud. If you're someone who thinks better by talking it out, go for it! These questions make great prompts for group discussion or personal prayer.
• Give yourself grace. Bible study is a relationship, not a performance. Some days will feel deeper than others, and that’s okay. Keep showing up, keep asking, and trust that God is meeting you there.

If you’re ready to start using these questions in your own Bible study time, here are 2 tools I’ve created that can help:

Bible Study Binder Bundle
If you’re someone who likes to stay organized or wants a dedicated space for your notes, prayers, and study materials, this bundle is for you. It’s designed to help you create a rhythm and routine that keeps you connected to God’s Word.
Explore the Bible Study Binder Bundle here.

Chapter Mapping Journal
Want to dig deeper into full chapters of Scripture without feeling overwhelmed? The Chapter Mapping Journal helps you break it down step by step—looking at context, key themes, repeated words, application, and more. It’s a perfect fit for using the 7 questions from this post. This ones included in the bundle above, so no need to purchase both!
Take a look at the Chapter Mapping Journal here.

 

Final Thoughts

Over time, these kinds of questions will become second nature. You’ll start noticing things in Scripture you might’ve missed before. You’ll find yourself connecting the dots, leaning in closer, and hearing God speak through His Word in a more personal way. 

You don’t have to be a Bible expert to have a meaningful, powerful time in God’s Word. You just have to be willing to slow down, stay curious, and ask good questions. That’s where growth happens—not in knowing all the answers, but in the process of seeking, noticing, and listening.

The next time you sit down with your Bible, try bringing just one or two of these questions with you. See what stands out. Let it lead you deeper. You might be surprised by how much more alive the passage feels—and how personally God speaks to you through it.

Remember, Bible study isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about drawing closer to the One who loves you and wants to be known. And asking good questions? That’s just one simple, powerful way to do exactly that. You’ve got this—and God’s got you.