Bible study questions can be helpful in helping to uncover deeper meanings and insights from the scriptures. They can help to guide the reader in understanding the context of a passage, as well as connecting the text to their own life. By asking questions about the text, the reader can gain a better understanding of the purpose and message of the text, and apply it to their own life. Questions can also help to open up new perspectives and create meaningful conversations with others.

100+ Bible Study Questions for Group and Personal Studies

When diving into a new Bible study, it is essential to have good Bible study questions to answer to ensure you truly understand what was read.

Bible study questions can be helpful in helping to uncover deeper meanings and insights from the scriptures.

They can help to guide the reader in understanding the context of a passage, as well as connecting the text to their own life.

Engaging in Bible study is something that a believer should do often. It helps us delve deeper into the Word of God and foster a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

A vital part of being in a good Bible study is asking good questions that spark meaningful discussions and invite the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

How do you ask the right questions during Bible study? Are there different questions to ask for the Old Testament and the New Testament?

What other Bible questions should I be thinking about? Let’s dive into Bible study questions that will help you evaluate your study in the best way. 

By asking questions about the text, the reader can gain a better understanding of the purpose and message of the text, and apply it to their own life.

Questions can also help to open up new perspectives and create meaningful conversations with others.

people doing group bible study

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The Importance of Asking Good Questions

The Word of God is rich and multifaceted, and asking good questions is a valuable part of helping you and others unlock its powerful truths.

Good questions not only encourage thoughtful reflection but also invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the scriptures in a personal and impactful way.

Whether you are leading a small group Bible study or participating in one, the right questions can make the difference between a superficial reading and a deep, transformative experience.

As you explore a passage of scripture remember to ask open-ended questions and reflect on the context and historical time period of which you are reading.

As you engage in a Bible study with other believers, remember to be a good listener to those around you!

You may find that someone has had a ‘light bulb’ moment that will aid you in understanding the main point of the passage! 

Types of Bible Study Questions

Below are different types of Bible study questions (different categories of questions). Keep in mind that some of these may overlap.

Overview Bible Study Questions

Overview Bible study questions are just that: an overview of the story. This encompasses the basic who, what, when, and where information that is important to remember.

  • Who wrote the verse?
  • What was going on when the verse was written?
  • When was the passage written?
  • Where was the passage written?

In order to truly understand a story, these are somewhat important things to know about it!

Don’t forget as we go through these questions that there is value in open-ended questions!

There are 66 books of the Bible.

One of the most important things that you can do when studying the Bible is to let the Holy Spirit guide you instead of making false assumptions based on your background and situations.

Make sure to pray and seek God’s guidance as a group or individual when studying the Bible! 

Background/Context Bible Study Questions

These types of Bible study questions provide the background of the particular book or passage. This might include historical information to set the scene for what is being read.

  • When did was this passage written?
  • What was going on during the time this passage was written?
  • What significant event/situation was happening?

For example, a contextual question related to passages from Ephesians is knowing that Paul wrote them while he was in prison. Why is that important to know?

people sitting at a table doing group Bible study together

OT vs NT Bible Study Questions

These are questions that reference a verse that is mentioned (worded slightly differently) in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

These types of questions help you to understand prophecy from the Old Testament being fulfilled in the New Testament. For example:

The virgin birth was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and was fulfilled in Luke 1:30-35.

They can also help you to understand certain concepts that are biblically important. For example:

God told Abraham that “through Isaac your offspring shall be named” in Genesis 21:12 (OT) and Romans 9:7 and Hebrews 11:18 (NT).

Old Testament Exploration:

  1. Exploring Themes: In your Old Testament Bible studies, consider asking open-ended questions that encourage participants to explore overarching themes such as God’s covenant with His people, the prophetic messages, and the lessons from historical events. Old Testament Bible studies can also be a fun time to incorporate Bible Trivia questions. It can also be a fun way to encourage fellowship in a Bible study! 
  2. Character Studies: Dive into character studies by posing questions about the lives of key figures like Abraham, Moses, or David. Ask how their experiences can inspire and inform our faith journeys. More on character studies below 

New Testament Reflection:

  1. Christ-Centered Questions: Given the centrality of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, focus on questions that highlight His teachings, miracles, and redemptive work. Encourage participants to reflect on how the life of Jesus impacts their daily walk with God.
  2. Application to Daily Life: Pose great questions that bridge the gap between scripture and everyday life. Discuss how the teachings in the New Testament can be applied to contemporary challenges and situations.

Bible Study Questions About Specific Words

Since the Bible was written so long ago, many verses include words that we just don’t use today.

In order to truly understand a passage or verse, it is crucial to understand the words being used in it.

Fortunately, most translations include a footnote when these types of words are used in a specific passage. The reference is usually from the Greek or Jewish meaning of the word.

Some questions you might ask about these words include:

  • What is the original language of this word?
  • What is the meaning of this word in the original language?
  • How does understanding the meaning of this word help you to better understand the passage/verse?

Character Bible Study Questions

As the name implies, these are questions that help someone better understand a particular Bible character.

These can be fascinating questions to ask because a lot of times we will see ourselves in certain Bible characters! 

Here are a series of questions that might be helpful to ask in a Bible study group.

Ask different things for different character studies. These are just a starting point. You can go deeper into many of them! 

  1. Introduction and Background:
    • What do we know about this character’s background and upbringing?
    • How did the cultural and historical context of the character’s time influence their life?
  2. Key Events and Actions:
    • Can we identify the pivotal moments in this character’s life? How would these moments be different or similar in the modern world?
    • How did the character respond to challenges or difficult circumstances?
    • What key actions or decisions define this character’s journey?
  3. Relationships:
    • How did the character interact with family, friends, and enemies?
    • What can we learn from their relationships with others?
    • In what ways did the character’s relationships impact their spiritual journey?
  4. Faith and Obedience:
    • How did the character demonstrate faith and trust in God?
    • Were there instances of obedience or disobedience to God’s commands?
    • What lessons can we draw from the character’s faith journey?
  5. Struggles and Growth:
    • Can you identify moments of spiritual growth or transformation in the character’s life?
    • How did the character’s relationship with God evolve over time?
  6. Legacy and Impact:
    • How did the character’s life contribute to the larger narrative of God’s redemptive plan?
    • What legacy did the character leave behind, and how does it continue to influence believers today?
    • How can we emulate or avoid aspects of the character’s life for our spiritual growth?
  7. Personal Reflection:
    • Which aspects of the character’s story personally resonate with you or other group members?
    • How can the character’s journey inspire and challenge your own faith walk?
    • In what ways can you apply the character’s lessons to your daily life?

As always, these are great questions to ask in your own personal study as well! 

Find all of our Women of the Bible series study questions that you can print for free!

    Chapter Bible Study Questions

    Chapter study questions will focus on the entire chapter being read.

    It will help the person doing the study to better understand the story being told and the relevance/importance of this particular piece of the story.

    • What is the key message of this chapter?
    • Who are the primary characters in this chapter?
    • What was happening during this chapter?

    Here are a couple of examples of chapter study questions

    Bible Study Questions
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    Topical Bible Study Questions

    A topical study focuses on a particular topic instead of an entire chapter or character.

    Topical studies are a great way to dive deeper into understanding very important concepts from the Bible.

    For example, a topical study on Confidence in Christ can help you understand what that means and how to live fully in the confidence that can only come from God.

    • How does what the Bible teaches about this topic compare to what the world/society teaches about it?
    • How can you better apply God’s Word on this topic to your life?

    Practical Application Bible Study Questions

    Practical application study questions will most likely be a part of any of the above-mentioned types of questions.

    Why? Because understanding the Bible is only half the battle. The other half is learning how to apply scripture to your life.

    For example, a practical application question for a study on God’s Love might be:

    • In what areas do I struggle to love others as God loves them?
    • How can I better reflect God’s Love to others who may have wronged me?

    Be sure to check out this list of free printable Bible study worksheets to take an even deeper dive into your Bible study time! And if you love using an Ipad, be sure to also check out these digital Bible study journals!

    Bible Study Question Resources

    Whether you are writing your own Bible studies or just need some Bible study questions for a study you are doing on your own, here are a few places to find great questions to ask:

    Asking good questions is the best way to unlock the treasures within the Word of God.

    By fostering an atmosphere of curiosity and openness, small group Bible study leaders can create a dynamic space where participants can grow spiritually and connect with the Holy Spirit.

    However, Bible study questions are not just for Bible studies! Remember to apply these questions in your personal study as well.

    The next time you embark on a new Bible study, be intentional about asking the right questions – questions that lead to great discussions, deeper understanding, and a closer relationship with the living Word of God.

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