How Do I Learn to Ask Better Questions of the Bible?
Learning to read the Bible isn't just about finding better answers. It's also about learning to ask better questions. The quality of our understanding is often determined by the quality of the questions we ask. If we only ask, "What does this verse mean to me?" we may miss what the biblical author was actually trying to communicate.
Instead, we can begin asking questions like:
- Who wrote this?
- Who was the original audience?
- Why was this written?
- What problem is being addressed?
- What happened before and after this passage?
- What does this teach me about God?
- How does this fit into the larger story of Scripture?
Learning to ask questions like these helps us slow down, avoid assumptions, and read the Bible with greater care.
The Context Checklist
One of the best places to begin is our Context Checklist. It walks you through the essential questions to ask before drawing conclusions from any passage of Scripture. Rather than jumping straight to application, it helps you understand the original context first.
Asking Better Questions of the Bible
By Marty Solomon
Marty Solomon's book is an excellent introduction to reading the Bible with curiosity instead of certainty. Rather than treating Scripture as a collection of isolated verses, he encourages readers to ask thoughtful questions that lead to a deeper understanding of God's story. If you've never thought about how your questions shape your interpretation, this book is an excellent place to begin.
Now That's a Great Question!
By Bob Tiede
Although this book isn't specifically about Bible study, it explores the power of asking thoughtful, open-ended questions instead of rushing to provide answers. One of the biggest lessons is that good questions don't shut conversations down they invite people to think more deeply. That principle applies beautifully to reading Scripture. Sometimes the best thing we can do is resist the urge to jump to conclusions and instead remain curious long enough to wrestle with the text.
Curiosity Is Not the Enemy
Many people have been taught that questioning is a sign of weak faith. The opposite is often true. Honest questions can lead to deeper understanding, stronger convictions, and a faith that becomes your own rather than simply inherited from someone else. The goal isn't to question everything forever. The goal is to ask questions that help us understand God's story more faithfully and become more like Jesus.