Five Ways to Stop Skimming the Bible and Actually Start Getting It
Key Takeaways
➤ Create a marking key for your Bible study to help track key themes, repeated words, and areas that raise questions, ensuring better clarity and understanding.
➤ Ask thoughtful questions about the passage, such as its main message, how it applies to your life, and how God is revealed, to dive deeper into the text.
➤ Prioritize context and prayer—avoid taking verses out of context and invite God into your study time to align your heart with His truth and guidance.
When we read to study (which, let’s be honest, we should always be doing with the Bible), annotation becomes your trusty sidekick.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about annotating Scripture. There’s a fine line between reading for study and just reading to check off a box. When we read to study (which, let’s be honest, we should always be doing with the Bible), annotation becomes your trusty sidekick. This is where you jot down notes, make explanations, or drop your thoughts. But we’re not stopping there! We want you to go full detective mode—mark up those passages with a guided key. Let’s dig into the five essential steps to make it truly work for you!
1. Make a Key
When you're diving into Scripture study, create a key for your markings. This will save you from wondering, "Why did I circle that word?" or "What’s the deal with that underline?" If you're not sure where to begin, don’t worry—feel free to borrow ours!
Highlight - things that stand out
Circle - repetitive words or phrases (if the Bible says it more than once, listen up!)
Underline - who is speaking and to whom they are speaking
[ ] - around areas that command something of you
* - a section you want to think about or meditate about
? - near areas you may have questions about or where something is unclear
Read the passage in multiple translations and then write down the differences in the translations you read
Write the passage in your own words. This will help you see if you fully grasped what you read.
2. Ask the right questions
Before diving into a passage, we must leave our presuppositions (those pesky assumptions we bring) at the door. Then, as we read, we should be on the lookout for answers to five questions:
What is the main message of this passage in its context?
What core truth can I learn from this passage?
How is God revealed in this passage?
Is this passage teaching, training, rebuking, or correcting me? (2 Timothy 3:16)
How does this passage apply to my life today?
3. Context, Context, Context
There’s a special place in my heart for Bible verses taken out of context—it's in the bottom corner, where frustration brews and attempts to teach me patience. For example, have you ever seen a shirt or art that says, ‘If God is in her, she will not fall’? It sounds empowering, but here’s the deal: that verse is actually talking about a Zion, not a woman. (I know, I know, it’s disappointing.) But when we look at the verses before and after, we get the real context and the message becomes clearer—and honestly, more powerful.
(Psalm 46 - NIV)
4 “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.”
When we pause and ask, 'Who’s this for? Who wrote it? What was going on at the time?' we’re doing ourselves a favor by keeping the passage where it belongs within its original context.
4. Lay it all out there
Don’t be afraid to jot down your questions or the things that make you go, 'Wait, what?' Your notes are your personal brain dump zone, a space where no thought is too weird or confusing to be written down. This is the time to get it out: thoughts, questions, and 'huh?' moments all onto paper without judgment. Trust me, no question is too silly—after all, we're all trying to figure this out together.
Sometimes, simply getting it on paper helps bring clarity.
Once you’ve written it all down, you can take those burning questions to a trusted source—a mentor, a pastor, or even a study guide—and work through it. Sometimes, simply getting it on paper helps bring clarity.
5. Don’t forget to invite God
Whenever we begin studying Scripture — or even just reading it for the day — we must start by inviting God into the process with prayer. Now, this isn’t because God needs our invitation to show up; He’s already there, always present. But the act of praying before we dive in serves as a reminder to us: Scripture isn’t about us. It’s all about Him. By acknowledging God in our study, we shift the focus from our own agendas to His truth. We open ourselves up to His guidance, allowing His Word to speak more clearly and transformatively in our hearts. So before you open your Bible, take a moment to pray and say, 'God, I invite You into this time of study. Help me see You clearly, understand Your heart, and apply Your truth.' It sets the tone for a deeper, more focused time in the Word.
TL/DR
When studying Scripture, start by creating a key to mark important elements like repeated words, who’s speaking, commands, or areas that raise questions. As you read, ask key questions about the main message, core truths, how God is revealed, how it applies to your life, and whether it’s teaching, training, or correcting you. Always remember the importance of context—misinterpreting verses happens when we ignore their true setting. Write down your questions and “a-ha” moments without fear, and then take them to a trusted source for clarity. Lastly, prayerfully invite God into your study time to keep the focus on His truth, allowing His Word to transform you.
Define Your Terms
(some might call this a glossary)
TL/DR—Too Long/Didn’t Read
Presuppositions – Assumptions or beliefs you hold before reading or studying something.
Repetitive words/phrases – Words or phrases that are repeated in a passage for emphasis or importance.
Core truth – The foundational or central message or lesson that can be learned from the passage.
Rebuking – A corrective action or admonishment, usually in response to wrong behavior or thinking.
Context – The circumstances or setting in which something is written, helping to understand its meaning.
Brain dump – A free-flowing, informal way of writing down all thoughts, questions, or ideas without worrying about order or structure.
Study guide – A resource that helps explain or provide insights on Scripture to support deeper understanding.