Reading the bible vs studying the bible

Reading the bible vs studying the bible

when making a side by side comparison of reading the bible vs studying the bible a lot of factors come into play. These include the difference in time, effort, energy, and goals. Just like any other discipline, there is a huge difference between reading the bible and studying the bible.

The biggest difference between reading the bible and studying the bible has to do with ones intentions.   Basically, ones aim in reading the bible has to do with his or her familiarity, basic understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment. On the other hand, studying the bible often implies vigorous research focused intentions such as historical studies, linguistic studies, rhetorical analysis and more. Both practices are equally important for the life of the church and the life of the christian. Neither of the two is important than the other however the two have been held in a proper balance. Too much study and too little reading can lead disproportionate understanding of the bible.

            A systematic study of the Bible to discover the original, intended meaning  is called exegesis. This is to hear the word of God as the people in the bible heard to find out the original intent of the bible’s words. Rather than understanding the the bible, bible studies has a more comprehensive goal (exegesis). It is focused on the word behind the text, structure of the text. It also focuses on the rhetorical strategy of the text. Studying the bible concert with the text, with literal experience. However studying the bible concerns with a lot more than that. The focus is sifted out of the text and taken to new dimension.

Studying the is our chance to dig dipper in to the scripture and become the witnesses of the Lords greatness. Through studying and reflection we can begin to point out things that we do not understand in the history of Jesus Christ and the importance of each event recorded on the bible. As one studies the bible, they begin to identify the things that they do not understand and give themselves the chance to dig dipper through interpersonal refection or group studies.

            On the other hand reading the bible is about familiarity. Its about getting familiar with the world of the bible. Learning about places, people, stories, and overall situation. Furthermore, reading the bible is about soaking in the scripture, becoming fluent in its conventions, its language, its quirks. Reading the bible is about appreciation as the bible is ligature after all and literature was meant to be enjoyed, appreciated, and loved. The bible is a beautiful work of art and there is value in reading it if nothing else but to enjoy its artistry.
            Reading the bible is focused on modality. We read the bible for what it is: ancient literature. The more we read it the more conversant we become with it. Thorough the familiarity with this mode of God’s revelation, we become more familiar with God. When taking about why we should read the bible, I am much more inclined to focus on intrinsic motivation. We read the bible because we want to and because it brings life as well as connect us to our source of life.

            By reading the Bible, we learn more regarding God’s works in the world and we grow more in to the kind of people that God is calling us to be in this world. By reading the bible we are able to step in shoes of Gods people throughout history. By doing so we are in a position to learn from their experiences seeing the world from their perspective.

References

Jordan, C. (2017). What’s the difference between reading and studying the Bible?. The Courage. Retrieved 18 November 2021, from https://www.thecourage.com/whats-the-difference-between-reading-and-studying-the-bible/.

Martin, T. (2021). Bible Reading vs. Bible Study. Inspiring Tips. Retrieved 18 November 2021, from https://inspiringtips.com/whats-the-difference-between-reading-and-studying-the-bible/.

The difference between studying and reading the Bible – Bible League Canada. Bible League Canada. (2019). Retrieved 18 November 2021, from https://bibleleague.ca/blog-difference-studying-reading-bible/.