How to Research the Bible

Digging Deeper

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek (and some Aramaic).

Unless you are reading the original languages, your Bible is a translation. The Bible is the most influential book in history and has been translated into more languages than any other book. It has stood the test of time and it can withstand your questions too. Reading with curiosity can guide your research as you dive deeper into the text and is the best way to learn and grow in your understanding of God’s Word.

Ask these questions when diving into Research:

*Observations & Questions: What observations or questions do you have? What stands out to you when you read the passage? 

*Translations: Does another Bible translation add perspective or clarity on what the original language was trying to communicate? Click here to learn more about Bible translations.

Original Language: What does a word mean in the original language? Check out a Hebrew/Greek lexicon, such as blueletterbible.org or biblehub.com.

Resources: What insights do you learn from Biblical scholars provided in Study Bibles, commentaries, and credible online resources?

Paraphrase: How would you rewrite the message of the passage into your own words?

NEW TO CHARA? Start with the questions we ask the most—they are noted with an asterisk.

Chara Bible Study Guide

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Choose your resources carefully

KEY PRINCIPLE

Vet your resources carefully. Study Bible notes and commentaries are not Scripture, but are carefully curated by groups of Biblical scholars. Yet not all resources are created equal. Be sure the insights you find don’t contradict the rest of the Bible and are stated in several reliable resources. View our recommended resources for hints on where to start.

What to Study Next:

C

CONTEXT

Understand the text surrounding the passage

H

HISTORY

Understand the history and culture of the ancient world

A

AUTHOR

Understand the author’s purpose and their style of writing

R

RESEARCH

Dig deeper through word and translation study

A

APPLY

Identify how you can apply this passage to your life

Using a Study Bible

An Insightful Way to Read the Bible

How to Choose a Bible Version

Explanation of Bible Translations

Research in Action

Examples of Studying Passages with the CHARA Bible Study Guide

Recommended Resources

Our Favorite Tools for Research

Discovery As We Research (Read)

In this video, we’re going to show you how to read your Bible and understand it through deeper research. Since every Bible you read is a translation, it’s helpful to explore different Bible versions and use some trusted tools to really understand what’s being said. We’ll walk you through how to ask good questions, check out other Bible translations, look up original Hebrew and Greek words, and use solid resources like study Bibles and commentaries. Plus, we’ll show you how to put what you’ve learned into your own words to really make it stick. Let’s jump in and study God’s Word together!