The five steps in this guide will help you learn how to read and understand the Bible more so you can grow closer to God.

The Bible was written in three ancient languages. Each translation to your language represents years of work to help you process the Bible in a way that makes sense. 

Get the Bible App

Access more than 2,400 Bible versions in over 1,600 languages wherever you are.

Read a Quick Note on Different Versions

Still want to know more about different versions? Read this. 

The Bible: Explained

A seven-day Bible Plan by Life.Church that’s great for reading with friends.

​​Consider a Study Bible

If you prefer paper, or need a technology break, find a paper study Bible to fit your life.

How to Read the Bible

This 19-day Plan by BibleProject will introduce you to the Bible’s unified story.

Are you a morning person or night owl? Do you like quiet places or bustling coffee shops? Do you learn by watching, listening, or reading? Do you sometimes read paper and other times digital?

Once you decide on a routine that works for you, start one of these Bible Plans or consider finding a paper Study Bible.

Think like a detective and discover the story behind the story.

The Bible is a collection of 66 different books, written in three languages, across three continents, over a 1,500-year period by 40 different authors. Use tools like these to learn who the text was written to, when, where, and why. 

Download Bible Project’s App

Through videos, podcasts, and articles, you’ll experience the Bible as one unified story that leads to Jesus.

Try Blue Letter Bible

Do-it-yourself access to scholarly tools—like language searches and commentaries. Tap to preview an Interlinear search of Philemon 1:1.

Listen to The BEMA Podcast

Listen to content about the Bible with this walk-through podcast about the context of the Bible, the text, and surrounding history.

Work Through the Weird Stuff

Surprised or confused by something in the Bible? You’re not alone! This article answers some questions while encouraging you to keep asking more.

Process Your Doubts With This Jesus Story

This podcast episode by Life.Church invites you to work through questions and doubts by placing yourself inside a well-known Jesus story.

There’s no need to rush. Take your time and get curious.

After studying the context, what questions do you still have? Use your questions as tools to help you dig deeper through prayer, study, and conversations with friends.

A LifeGroup is a safe place to make friends who'll help you process your questions about the Bible.

The Bible is meant to transform us, not just inform us. The more we apply what we learn from God’s Word, the more we become like Jesus. 

Ask God what He wants you to learn about Him and yourself.

Guided Prayer in the Bible App

A simple, Scripture-based, daily prayer feature of the Bible App to help center your heart and mind on God. 

Connect the Bible With Prayer

This podcast starts a conversation about the many connections between the spiritual practices of reading the Bible and prayer.

Journey through the book of Philemon with Pastor Craig in this special two-part series, How to Study the Bible.