How should I read the Bible?

Start with Prayer

Before opening the Bible, ask God to open your eyes to understand it. Psalm 119:18 models this: "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." This isn't magic — it reflects the conviction that Scripture is God's Word and that its author helps us understand it.

Read in Context

The most common Bible interpretation mistake is lifting a verse out of context. Every passage has three layers of context: the immediate paragraph, the book it's in, and the whole Bible. Ask: What did this mean to the original author and audience? What kind of literature is this — history, poetry, prophecy, letter?

Understand the Type of Literature

The Bible contains many genres, and each should be read differently:

• Narrative — describes what happened; not everything described is prescribed
• Poetry (Psalms, Song of Solomon) — uses imagery and hyperbole; not to be read with strict literalism
• Prophecy — often symbolic; context determines how literally to interpret it
• Epistles — letters to specific churches; understand the situation they addressed
• Law — understand the covenant context and how Christ fulfills it

A Simple Daily Plan

You don't need to read the whole Bible every year to benefit from it. A sustainable rhythm:

• Read a passage slowly — even just a paragraph
• Ask: What does this say? What does it mean? What does it ask of me?
• Meditate on one verse or thought through the day

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105

Don't Read Alone

Scripture was meant to be read in community. Join a Bible study. Read alongside a good commentary. Benefit from 2,000 years of faithful interpretation. The Holy Spirit illuminates — but he has also been illuminating the church through history, and that wisdom is available to us.