1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Christianity

How to Study the Bible

By Mary Fairchild, About.com

5 of 8

Zoom In

Zoom In

Zoom In

Image Credit © Bill Fairchild
Now you will slow down and read the book verse by verse, breaking down the text, looking for deeper understanding. Hebrews 4:12 begins with, "For the word of God is living and active..." (NIV) Are you starting to get excited about Bible study? What a powerful statement!

Now let's see what it looks like under a microscope, as we begin breaking down the text. Using a Bible dictionary, look up the meaning of the word living in the original language. It is the Greek word 'Zaõ' meaning, "not only living, but causing to live, vivifying, quickening." You start to see a deeper meaning: "God's Word causes life to come about; it quickens." Because God's Word is alive, you can study the same passage several times and continue to discover new, relevant applications throughout your walk of faith.

Explore Christianity
About.com Special Features

Ten common misconceptions about Islam debunked. More >

Use these prayers to inspire and inform your own conversations with God. More >

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Christianity
  4. Bible Study Tools
  5. Zoom In and Break Down the Bible Text Verse by Verse

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.