How to read and study scripture
Use a Bible. I recommend the King James Version (KJV). But, please use a Bible version that you are comfortable with reading and have an understanding of the text. Other popular Bible versions include the New King James Version (NKJV) and New International Version (NIV). Also available as an app for your phone or tablet.
Use a concordance. Using a concordance is designed to help a reader to a more correct understanding of the Bible. Every word of the Bible is arranged in alphabetical order in the specific scripture passages along with its Greek and Hebrew meanings. There are also mobile apps you can download which are easy to use and not as cumbersome as a large concordance to carry around.
Use a dictionary. A dictionary allows you to look up the meanings of words - especially prepositions that may not be listed in a concordance. Also available as an app for your phone or tablet.
Use a thesaurus. A thesarus is a dictionary of words with the same or nearly the same meaning. It helps you find different shades of meaning for words in the scriptures. Also available as an app for your phone or tablet.
Setup a study schedule. Try to set aside regular days and times to study scripture. Maybe you're a "morning person" so first thing in the day works best for you. Or you're a "night owl" so a later time is better. In any case, make your study times a routine that you'll stick to and follow.
Find a quiet place, free of distractions, to study. A room where you can close the door and have plenty of space for your tools (listed above), and nooks to setup shop.
Always be led by the Holy Spirit!
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Using Your Tools
Read a scripture, such as Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). Use your tools to search definitions for each word.
I = nominative singular pronoun, used by a speaker in referring to himself or herself.
can do = to have or exercise force; be able; avail; could; be good; might; prevail; be of strength; be whole; do much work. It goes to another Greek word meaning forcefulness; to have ability, power and strength. (Sometimes on the mobile app, more than 1 word will be highlighted.)
all = the whole amount, quantity, or extent of
things = a product of work or activity; the aim of effort or activity. Matters; affairs; a fact, circumstance, or state of affairs; an action, deed, event, or performance; a particular, respect, or detail; an aim; objective
through = preposition denoting origin (the point when action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause) exceedingly; abundantly above; from among; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered) of place, time or purpose; far more exceeding
Christ = anointed; the Messiah; an epithet of Jesus
Who = the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Strengthens = to empower; enable; increase in strength; be or make strong; force; specially miraculous power; abundance meaning mightily; worker of miracles
Me = I, me, myself
So now what does all of this mean?? Read it over and let the Holy Spirit give you the interpretation. It may not come at once but over time.
Here is what I am reading from the scripture:
I (Rachel) have the ability, the power and the strength to do much work or activity. This work or activity originates out of place, time or cause (as given by the Holy Spirit); exceedingly and abundantly from above (in the heavenlies) by Christ, the anointed one. He empowers me; enables me; makes me strong, specially with miraculous power.
This is an example of how to study the scriptures and use your tools. It is a powerful way to study. It is tedious and takes time, but it is one of the most fruitful ways to dig into the deeper meaning of scriptures. I hope you’ll stick with it!
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