How to Study the Scriptures? 

Understanding the Scriptures Spiritually is a Key!

By Nab B. 

October 1, 2022

(Updated Oct 11, 2025)

The scriptures are likened to hidden treasures that require deep digging. The more we dig, the more we find. (Proverbs 2:3-4)

The Scriptures are made to be understood spiritually; otherwise, one will miss the intended meaning of their many parables, shadows, types, symbols, and signs. Note how Jesus refers to his words as "spirit and life." And Paul refers to his teaching as "spiritual truths."

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63) ESV

"We impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." (1 Cor 2:13) ESV

Don't read the scriptures as you would other books. Man-conceived books are just that, no matter how eloquent and practical, which many are. But the very thoughts contained in the scriptures are by the Spirit of God (2 Tim 3:16). To discern their depth and meaning, the same Spirit, by revelation, is what we need to "Hear what the Spirit says." (Rev 2:7)

Don't Get Answers from Humans Only!

One advice that did me good is "not to get all answers from others." Pray also for the Spirit to guide you into "all truth," as Jesus promised, "The spirit of truth—it will be guiding you into all the truth." (John 16:13, The Concordant Literal version, also 1 John 2:27)

Many Christians find it easier to let others tell them what to believe or do rather than study the scriptures themselves and become spiritually mature. Doubtless, we need spiritual teachers and shepherds, which is scripturally ordained, but this was so until a new believer matures in knowledge and faith, but not continuously! 

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach." (Heb 5:12) NASB

"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." (1 Cor 3:1-2)

These scriptures prove that God expects us, in due time, to be teachers and spiritually mature, who can teach others.

Which Bible Translation to Use?

You may prefer a specific translation, and this is valid for recalling verses and their location. 

But when studying, try to compare other translations. Don't follow the "KJV Only" proponents, since the KJV and other translations have their biases. It's safe to say, the majority of translations are relatively reliable.

If possible, use paraphrastic translations sparingly. They can be too liberal and biased. Read word-for-word translations such as NKJV, NASB, KJV, ESV, etc. Better, use literal Bible translations such as the BLB, CLT or the Concordant Literal Version, which is the closest English translation to NT Greek.

Often, bible translations express their biased beliefs. Only the original Hebrew and Greek are pure. Thankfully, these can be easily consulted online. So, when in doubt about a word or passage, check a Bible concordance for word meaning and usage in its original language. I often use these to check unclear words or passages.

If anything, be careful of consulting "Study Bibles." Although they have good features, they often contain explanatory notes that reflect denominational biases or misleading teachings. You run the risk of hearing the word of man rather than the voice of Jesus! (See John 10:27)

There are numerous Bible aids online, of which I use some. Be cautious with commentaries. Consult reasonable ones if necessary, but only after you have come to your own conclusion with the help of God's spirit, scripture and reason. If you don't, they could influence your thinking without even noticing!

Contexts and Cross-References! 

Pay close attention to contexts and cross-references for proper understanding. Contexts are a valuable way to know the meaning of a passage. Cross-referencing verses that share a common theme can help gain a full picture of a subject. I mostly use context and cross-references.

There is more than one context. A passage can be clearer not only by the immediate context but also by another passage[s] elsewhere in the Bible. A clear understanding must harmonize, not only with the immediate context, but also with the rest of the scriptures.

When in doubt, check words and their meaning in the original Greek or Hebrew. The Bible Hub is a good site, click here ⟫ https://biblehub.com/

For a valuable literal NT translation (closest to the original Greek in English, click here ⟫ Concordant Literal Version

For full Bible Resources on my website, click here ⟫ Bible Study Tools

"Hear What the Spirit is Saying"

( Rev 2:7 )

Seven times, Jesus Christ advised all to "Hear what the Spirit says," to open our "eyes of understanding." Our studying the scriptures is not to gain information only, but to know God and Christ, who is the "Word of God." He is the "one" who speaks to us through understanding and revelations, bringing us nearer to Him and the Father.

Make it your aim to depend less on human interpretations and more on God's interpretation through His Spirit and revelation to you. We must use our faculties fully, especially reason and intellect, lest we be deceived. Our worship is spiritual and rational, as Paul puts it,

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom 12:1).

The word "reasonable" is the Greek "logikos" or rational. As such, in studying, do not let emotions or preferences form your understanding, which should be governed by the mind and the spirit of the man, in full cooperation with the Spirit of God.

These familiar scriptures urge us to personally hear the voice of the Spirit. This is how we are "led by the Spirit."

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev 2:7)

"My sheep hear my voice." (John 10:27)

"He (Jesus) opened their mind to understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:25) BLB

"The words I speak unto you are spirit." (John 6:63)

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, He shall teach you all things." (John 14:26)

Why Do I Study the Scriptures?

Some read the Bible to adore it and nothing more! Others read it to gain head knowledge. Although head knowledge is useful, it can lead to spiritual poverty in the end!

Don't just love the Bible, love the one who inspired and communicated its thoughts. The scriptures constitute messages and revelations from God and Christ to those who love them.

A believer avoids the Pharisees' fault who knew the scriptures, but failed to know Christ whom it pointed to: 

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me." (John 5:39) ESV

So, what is the lesson? Read scriptures to get closer to God and Christ, not the other way around. Do not substitute the scriptures for God and Jesus. They are the written source to know them. But "knowing" the Son and the Father happens through the Spirit indwelling in a true believer.

A critical point must be said. "The word of God" covers everything that "comes out of the mouth of God." This includes the scriptures, but is not limited to them.

"The Word of God" is Jesus Christ, by whom God primarily speaks to us, "In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Heb 1:2). Through Christ, "The Word of God" is communicated by the "Spirit" to true believers in various ways: scriptures, teachings, exhortations, discernment, faith, healing, prophecy, or life experiences as Jesus pointed "The Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (John 16:15)

If your goal is to know God and Christ, then reading and studying the scriptures will become a joy. 

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." 

(John 14:23 ESV) 

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