Home > Commissions > Faith Formation > Why do Catholics archive > Bible > How do I study the bible

WHY DO CATHOLICS...? ARCHIVE
The following question was answered as a part of our Why Do Catholics...? series. If you would like to submit a question for our Why Do Catholics...? series, email faithform@abecket.org or leave your question in the Faith Formation box in the Parish Office.

How do I study the bible?

If you want to study the bible a study bible edition with commentaries, essays, extensive footnotes and cross-references makes it much easier. But even if it is not a study edition most have introductions to a book and footnotes and cross-references.

Begin with prayer asking God to give you understanding, wisdom and guidance as you study his Word. Then start by reading the introduction and any background material you may have on the book or section you are reading. Then read a section once or more until you get a good grasp of what it is saying. Check any footnotes to the passage. They often provide explanations to customs, terms, symbolic names and so on that are foreign to us today and therefore help clarify what you are reading. Make use of cross-references. They will refer you to other biblical passages where there are similar, parallel, or repeated verses like the verse or passage you are reading.

Finally, don’t be afraid of misinterpreting the bible. Just remember that your interpretation is not necessarily the interpretation! This is why group bible study is very helpful. It brings so much to an understanding of the bible. The sharing of ideas, applications of what is heard, of applying faith and life through group study is very enriching.

Laura Broyles, Adult Faith Formation Director
laura.broyles@abecket.org

Back to Bible Questions