Life giving resources. Faithfully delivered.
FREE delivery on orders over £10
Serving over 2 million Christians in the UK
with Bibles, Books and Church Supplies
Our Buy-Now-Pay-Later accounts used
by over 16,000 UK Churches & Schools
The Editor
Estimated Read Time: 6 Minutes
So, you want to start studying the Bible. That's a fantastic, life-changing decision! But it’s often followed by a daunting question: how do I actually do it? Opening up the Bible and not knowing where to begin is a feeling that stops many people before they even start.
The good news is, you don't need a theology degree to study Scripture in a meaningful way. All you need is a simple method to guide you. A good Bible study method is like a friendly tour guide, helping you to move beyond simply reading the words on the page to truly understanding and applying them to your life.
This guide is designed to be that friendly guide for you. We'll walk you through five simple, popular, and incredibly effective Bible study methods that are perfect for beginners.
The best Bible study methods for beginners are simple, memorable frameworks like the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the HEAR method (Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond), which provide a clear structure for understanding and applying the text.
The great thing about Bible study is that you don't need a lot to get started. You just need three simple things:
The Perfect Tools for a Beginner:
Hosanna Revival ESV Journaling Bible: Westminster Theme
"This Bible has transformed my study time. Having the wide, lined margins right next to the text makes it so easy to jot down my thoughts and prayers as I read. The perfect tool for getting started." ★★★★★ Find Out More ►
Best for: A simple, all-round framework.
The SOAP method is one of the most popular and simple ways to get started. It's a memorable acronym that gives you four clear steps to walk through any passage.
Best for: A focus on personal application.
The HEAR method is very similar to SOAP, but it's designed to help you zero in on the single most important message for you from a passage.
Best for: Discovering the meaning for yourself.
This is a slightly more in-depth method, but it's incredibly rewarding. The goal of Inductive Study is to figure out the meaning of the text for yourself, without relying on outside commentary. It has three steps.
Best for: Understanding the Bible through its people.
The Bible is filled with the stories of real, flawed, and faithful people. A character study is a fascinating way to learn from their lives. Simply choose a person from the Bible (like David, Ruth, Peter, or Mary) and read all the passages about them. As you read, ask questions like:
Best for: Understanding the "big picture" of a book.
Before you dive into the details of a book, it's helpful to get a "bird's-eye view." For this method, read a book of the Bible (a short one like Philippians or James is great to start with) all in one sitting. Don't worry about the details. The goal is to get a feel for the book as a whole. As you read, try to answer these questions:
The Best Tool for Understanding the Big Picture: Explore the ESV Bible Range
The best Bible study method is the one you will actually use. Don't feel pressured to be a scholar overnight. Just pick one of these simple methods, open your Bible, and start the wonderful journey of listening to God through His Word.
Ready to get started? Explore our beautiful range of Journaling Bibles.
Bible Study
Want to study the Bible but don't know how? Our simple guide for beginners explains 5 easy methods (like SOAP and HEAR) to help you start with confidence.
Hosanna Revival
Discover the beautiful new Winter 2025 collection from Hosanna Revival, featuring new artistic Bibles, prayer journals, and notebooks in stunning themes.
Worship
Christingle is a Christian tradition, often celebrated during Advent and leading up to Christmas, particularly in Anglican, Methodist, and Catholic churches.
We've taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect presents! Dive into our ultimate Christmas Gift Guide series, where we've handpicked the best Christian gifts especially for babies, toddlers, children and tweens.
As the nights draw in, the countdown to Christmas begins. For many families, an advent calendar is a cherished tradition, a daily treat that builds excitement for the big day. But in a world of corporate, secular calendars, it can be a challenge to find one that reflects the true, Christ-centred meaning of the season.
Cards
Find the perfect words for your Christmas greetings with our guide to writing in a Christian Christmas card. Discover meaningful messages, Bible verses, and inspiration to share the joy of Christ's birth.