How do you use a study Bible? From text to notes

Start with one question

A page with many footnotes can invite you to read everything immediately. Try it the other way around: read the passage once without interruption. Write down what you notice and choose one question to investigate further. This way the explanation remains connected to the text you wanted to understand.

For example, ask yourself who is being addressed, why a place is important or what a recurring word means. A specific question helps you determine which aid is needed.

Which tool do you use for what?

• Introduction: start here for the structure, background and discussed themes of a Bible book.
• Note: seek explanation for a specific verse or difficult formulation.
• Cross reference: read another passage related to the topic. Also read the surrounding text there.
• Map: view the location of places or a described journey.

Not every study Bible contains all of these components. Jongbloed lists, among other things, introductions, notes, cards and articles for the HSV Study Bible. Always check the exact edition you have in mind.

Keep text and interpretation apart

An explanation is written based on the knowledge and choices of the makers. Therefore, look at who the authors are and what faith tradition or approach they use. If a question means a lot to you, you can consult a second explanation and discuss the difference.

Conclude with two notes: what has become clearer and what still remains open? This way you build up your own overview without treating every explanation as a definitive answer. If you are looking for another edition, read how to choose a study bible or view the HSV-Studiebijbel.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to read every note?

No. You can look up specific explanations for your own questions and read them in more detail later.

Are the notes part of the Bible text?

No. These are explanations from the makers of the study Bible.