15 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible

Have you ever finished reading a chapter of the Bible only to realize you couldn't remember what you just read?

I've been there.

When I first started reading the Bible, I thought the goal was simply to read as much as I could. I'd rush through chapters, check off my reading for the day, and move on. While there's certainly nothing wrong with reading large portions of Scripture, I eventually realized I wasn't slowing down enough to truly think about what I was reading.

Now my Bible study looks much different.

Sometimes I read only a few verses. Other times I spend quite a while in one chapter. I pause often, reflect, write notes in my Bible, scribble thoughts on loose-leaf paper, or simply sit quietly and think about what I've read. I've found that those moments of reflection are often where I begin to better understand God's Word and meditate on His truth.

The goal of Bible study isn't to finish the most chapters or have the prettiest notebook.

The goal is to know God.

If you're looking for questions to help you slow down and engage more deeply with Scripture, here are fifteen that I return to again and again.

Before You Begin

Before opening your Bible, pray.

Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to help you understand His Word. Ask Him to reveal His character through what you're about to read.

The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and apply Scripture, and beginning with prayer reminds us that we need God's guidance—not just our own understanding.

Now let's dive into the questions.

1. What does this passage teach me about God?

This is always my favorite place to start.

More than anything else, my goal when studying the Bible is to know God better. Every page of Scripture reveals something about who He is.

Ask yourself:

• What does this passage reveal about God's character?
• What does it show about His love?
• His holiness?
• His justice?
• His mercy?
• His faithfulness?

The more you know who God is, the deeper your relationship with Him becomes.

2. What does this passage teach about people?

The Bible doesn't only reveal who God is—it also reveals who we are.

Does this passage show our need for God?

Does it reveal human weakness?

Does it show faith, obedience, pride, fear, repentance, or grace?

Looking honestly at ourselves through the lens of Scripture helps us grow.

3. What is the context?

Context is one of the most important parts of Bible study.

Before deciding what a verse means, ask:

• What comes before it?
• What comes after it?
• Who is speaking?
• Who are they speaking to?
• What is happening?

Many misunderstandings happen because a single verse is separated from its surrounding context.

Reading the whole passage helps us understand the author's intended meaning instead of creating our own.

4. Why was this book written?

Every book of the Bible was written for a reason.

Ask questions like:

• Who wrote this?
• Who was the original audience?
• What was happening historically?
• Why was this message important at that time?

Understanding the background often makes the passage much clearer.

5. What words or themes keep repeating?

Repeated words are usually worth paying attention to.

If an author continually mentions faith, love, obedience, holiness, hope, or another theme, ask yourself why.

The repetition is often highlighting an important truth.

6. How does this passage point to Jesus?

Scripture points to Jesus; it's that simple.

Sometimes it's a direct prophecy.

Sometimes it's a picture, promise, or theme that ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

Looking for Christ throughout Scripture helps us see the Bible as one unified story of God's redemption.

7. Is there a command to obey?

Not every passage contains a direct command, but when one does, don't overlook it.

Ask yourself:

"What is God asking His people to do?"

Then consider how you can faithfully obey that instruction today.

8. Is there a promise to trust?

God's promises are throughout Scripture.

As you read, ask:

"What promise is God giving?"

Then remember that understanding the context matters here too. Many promises were made to specific people in specific situations, so always read carefully before applying them personally.

9. Is there a warning?

Sometimes Scripture comforts us.

Other times it corrects us.

Warnings are expressions of God's love because they steer us away from sin and toward life.

Pay attention when you encounter one.

10. Is there an example to follow—or avoid?

The Bible is filled with real people.

Some demonstrated remarkable faith.

Others made devastating choices.

Both kinds of examples teach us valuable lessons.

Ask yourself what you can learn from the people in the passage.

11. What can I learn about God's character here?

Even if you've already asked what the passage teaches about God, spend another moment thinking specifically about His attributes.

Every chapter reveals something beautiful about Him.

The more we understand God's character, the more we learn to trust Him.

12. Am I bringing my own ideas into the text?

This is an important question that we don't always ask.

Sometimes it's tempting to search for a hidden meaning or a "special revelation" that no one else has ever noticed.

I've learned it's much better to let Scripture speak for itself.

Rather than trying to force a passage to say what we want it to say, we should humbly ask what God actually intended to communicate.

God's Word is already rich and powerful. We don't need to invent deeper meanings that aren't there.

13. What other Scriptures help explain this passage?

One of the best ways to study the Bible is by using the Bible itself.

Cross-references, study Bibles, and parallel passages can all provide helpful insight.

Scripture often interprets Scripture.

As you grow in your understanding of Scripture, don't be afraid to learn from others. Bible teachers, pastors, commentaries, and study Bibles can all be wonderful resources that help you understand God's Word more deeply.

At the same time, always remember that these are resources—not your authority.

Whenever you watch a Bible study, listen to a sermon, or read a Christian book, keep your Bible open and follow along. Read the verses for yourself. Look at the surrounding context. Compare what you're hearing with what Scripture actually says.

Many faithful Bible teachers will encourage you to do exactly this. They don't want you to simply accept their interpretation—they want you to know God's Word for yourself.

This is especially important because Jesus warned that false teachers would come (Matthew 7:15), and the apostles repeatedly cautioned believers to remain grounded in sound doctrine. The more familiar you become with Scripture, the easier it becomes to recognize teaching that aligns with God's Word—and teaching that doesn't.

Never stop learning from others, but never stop searching the Scriptures for yourself.

14. How should this change the way I live?

Bible study should never stop at information.

It should lead to transformation.

Ask yourself:

• Is there an attitude I need to change?
• A sin I need to confess?
• A truth I need to believe?
• Someone I need to forgive?
• A step of faith I need to take?

God's Word isn't just meant to be read—it's meant to shape our lives.

15. How can I respond to God in prayer?

Always end by talking to God.

Thank Him.

Confess.

Ask for wisdom.

Pray through the truths you've just read.

Bible study and prayer naturally go together because God speaks through His Word, and we respond to Him in prayer.

A Few Encouragements Before You Go

Don't compare your Bible study to someone else's.

One person may study for three hours while another studies for thirty minutes. That doesn't determine who has the closer relationship with God. We all grow at different speeds, and every season of life looks different.

Don't worry about having the perfect note-taking system either.

Some people love beautiful journals.

Others write in the margins of their Bible.

Some use sticky notes, loose-leaf paper, or digital notes.

I personally have notes written in my Bible alongside papers tucked between the pages. It isn't organized, but it works for me.

Find what works for you.

Remember that some days Bible study will feel amazing.

Other days you may struggle to focus or feel like you didn't understand much at all.

I've had plenty of those days too.

Don't let those moments discourage you.

Keep reading.

Keep praying.

Keep trusting that God is working, even when you don't immediately see it.

Finally, don't feel like you need every study Bible, commentary, or Bible dictionary before you begin.

Those resources can be incredibly helpful, but they're just that—resources.

To start studying God's Word, you only need your Bible.

As you grow, you can gradually add study tools that help deepen your understanding, but don't let the abundance of resources keep you from simply opening God's Word and reading it.

Final Thoughts

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this article, it's this:

Bible study isn't about becoming the smartest person in the room.

It isn't about finishing the most chapters or discovering something no one else has ever seen.

It's about knowing God.

The more time we spend in His Word, the more we come to understand who He is, what He has done for us, and how deeply He loves His people.

So open your Bible.

Pray for wisdom.

Slow down.

Reflect.

Ask questions.

And enjoy getting to know the Author of Scripture.