A lot can be said about how to read you Bible, but start with a simple approach before you seek out additional tools and resources:  pray, read, and reflect.

PRAY: It may sound like an elementary act, but don’t forget that the Bible is God’s Word to us. Therefore, ask Him to speak to you through His Word. Ask Him to give you eyes to see, a mind to understand, and a willing heart to respond in obedience to what He is calling you to do.

READ: Make a habit to spend time daily reading God's Word, and if you get stuck on something you read, try reading it in a few different translations (such as the NASB, ESV, NIV, NLT).  As you read, remember the goal in reading Scripture is not simply to get through the Bible, but to allow the Bible to get into you. Let it penetrate your thoughts, emotions, and actions. That’s the reason why this next step is so important.

REFLECT: Take time to reflect on what you’re learning from God’s Word by asking eight simple questions:

• Four Questions To UNDERSTAND What You’ve Read: 
  • What do we learn about God?  
  • What do we learn about people?  
  • What do we learn about relating to God?  
  • What do we learn about relating to others?

• Four Questions To APPLY What You’ve Read: 
  • What does God want me to understand?  
  • What does God want me to believe?  
  • What does God want me to desire?  
  • What does God want me to do?

The Bible Project produces free Bible videos to help you better grasp what each book of the Bible is all about.  There is also an app called Read Scripture that incorporates these videos as you read through the entire Bible.

For each book of the Bible, the authors start with a quick snapshot, then expand the view to help you better understand its key elements and how it fits into the grand narrative of the Bible.  This book will help you read the Bible knowledgeably and accurately.

All Scripture is "God-breathed," but who were the writers who penned the Bible's 66 books? Beginning with the oldest manuscripts and ending with modern translations, this image-rich guide will introduce you to the prophets, kings, shepherds, and apostles who wrote the ancient texts; and to the translators who brought God's Word to generations of believers. 

Picture this---a vibrant illustrated resource that teaches timeless biblical truths to a visual generation! Taking you from Genesis to Revelation, Challies and Byers combine words with photos and infographics to clarify difficult passages and draw connections between ideas, characters, and key concepts. A wonderful way to immerse yourself in God's Word.

Bible students will appreciate these accessible commentaries that provide passage-by-passage analysis through the Old and New Testaments, explaining the cultural background. Offering a wealth of information, this enlightening 2-volume set provides historical, social, and cultural contexts in a readable style that sparkles with interest and enlarges your understanding of Scripture.

Multi-volume sets are available for both the New Testament and Old Testament.  Based on relevant papyri, inscriptions, archaeological discoveries, and the latest research on Judaism, Roman culture, Hellenism, and other sources, this accessible reference offers a verse-by-verse look at the NT or OT, putting it in its ancient context.  It includes hundreds of color photographs, illustrations, maps, charts, and more.

This series explores the origins, content, and purpose of the Bible. Here you'll be introduced to some of the basic skills necessary for reading the Bible effectively.