Your Guide to Understanding the Bible

The five steps in this guide will help you learn how to read and understand the Bible more so you can grow closer to God.

Step 1: Find a translation you understand

The Bible was written in three ancient languages. Each translation to your language represents years of work to help you process the Bible in a way that makes sense.

Get the Bible App

Access more than 2,400 Bible versions in over 1,600 languages wherever you are.

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Read a Quick Note on Different Versions

At Evolve, our default translations are NLT and ESV. Our preferred paraphrase is

MSG. Still want to know more about different versions?

Read This

Step 2: Pick a time, place, and plan

Are you a morning person or night owl? Do you like quiet places or bustling coffee shops? Do you learn by watching, listening, or reading? Do you sometimes read paper and other times digital?


Once you decide on a routine that works for you, start one of these Bible Prans or consider finding a paper Study Bible. The goal is to find consistency.

The Bible Explained

A seven-day Bible Plan that's great for reading with friends

Start the Plan

Consider a Study Bible

If you prefer paper, or need a technology break, find a paper study Bible to fit your life.

View Options

How to Read the Bible

This 19-day Plan by BibleProject will introduce you to the Bible's unified story.

Start the Plan

Step 3: Uncover the context

Think like a detective and discover the story behind the story.


The Bible is a collection of 66 different books, written in three languages, across three continents, over a 1,500-year period by 40 different authors. Use tools like these to learn who the text was written to, when, where, and why.

Download Bible Project’s App

Through videos, podcasts, and articles, you'll experience the Bible as one unified story that leads to Jesus

Download

Step 4: Read slowly and ask questions

There's no need to rush. Take your time and get curious.


We love the S.O.A.P. method of reading the Bible; Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

Keep a notebook or journal with your Bible to write about what you are observing, and reflect on how God wants you to apply His word to your everyday life.


A small group is a safe place to make friends who'll help you process your questions about the Bible.

Check out our Small Groups

Work Through the Weird Stuff

Surprised or confused by something in the Bible? You're not alone! This article answers some questions while encouraging you to keep asking more.

Read This

Step 5: Pray and apply what you learn

The Bible is meant to transform us, not just inform us. The more we apply what we learn from God's Word, the more we become like Jesus.


Ask God what He wants you to learn about Him and yourself

Connect the Bible with Prayer

Lectio 365 is a free daily devotional app that helps you pray the Bible every day as a regular practice; morning, noon and night

Download

Guided Prayer in the Bible App

A simple, Scripture-based, daily prayer feature of the Bible App to help center your heart and mind on God.

Click Here

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