Learning to Study the Bible Leader Guide

Anyone can understand the Bible with the right tools.

Learning to Study the Bible is an eight-week study for adults, exploring the biblical history and methods of interpretations using the classic questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? This study explores geography, archeology, biblical genre, context, and interpretation. Participants will also learn how to use important biblical resources such as Bible dictionaries, commentaries, concordances, and more.

The goal of Learning To Study the Bible is to equip participants to read and study the Bible for themselves. It seeks to deepens one's understanding of the biblical stories and to help participants grow in their biblical faith. Tween version of this resource is also available.

Session Outline and Learning Goals:

Who? Author and Audience

Learn about the authors and original audiences of the Bible
Use a Bible dictionary
Sharpen deductive reasoning skills in biblical interpretation


What? Genre

Introduce and explore biblical genres
Learn to use Bible commentaries and apps to identify possible genres of texts
Explore the significance of genre for biblical interpretation


When? Context

Investigate the connection between context and meaning
Spark curiosity about biblical and modern cultural contexts
Use Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and handbooks to research biblical context


Where? Geography

Spark curiosity about the biblical landscape
Prompt reflection on the relationship between land and daily life
Use biblical maps and archaeological research to explore biblical geography


Why? Interpretation

Create awareness of interpretive lenses and layers
Spark curiosity about our own and others’ interpretive lenses
Use a concordance and various translations to compare meanings


How? Read Closely

Cultivate appreciation for the way our ancestors preserved the biblical text
Practice reading carefully and paying attention
Discover the four meanings of Scripture and practice interpreting them


How? Reread

Create awareness of our own role in making meaning
Prompt reflection on the nature of Scripture as the “living word of God”
Practice the ancient tradition of divine reading


How? Read Together

Create awareness of the diversity of voices within the canon
Inspire students to enter into the centuries-long biblical conversation
Practice reading the Bible inter-canonically