50 Bible study questions

For any passage, group, or personal study — sorted by Observation, Interpretation, and Application.

The right question opens a passage like a key. These 50 questions work for almost any text — solo or in a group. Pick three from each section and you have a 60-minute Bible study, ready to go.

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Generate questions for any passage

Observation — 'What does it say?' (20 questions)

Who is speaking?
Who is being spoken to?
What is the setting? (time, place, occasion)
What words or phrases are repeated?
What commands appear?
What promises appear?
What questions are asked?
What comparisons or contrasts stand out?
Are there any cause-and-effect relationships (because, therefore, so that)?
What names or titles for God appear?
What names or titles for people appear?
What actions take place?
What emotions are described?
What objects or images are used?
Are there any quotations from other parts of Scripture?
What time markers are used (then, when, after, finally)?
What numbers appear?
What is the tone — joyful, urgent, somber, hopeful?
What surprised you?
What confused you?

Interpretation — 'What does it mean?' (15 questions)

What did this passage mean to its first audience?
How does this passage fit the chapter around it?
How does it fit the whole book?
What other Scripture passages address this same idea?
What is the main point the author is making?
Is this a command, a promise, a description, or a principle?
Is this a universal command or one given to a specific group?
What does this teach about God's character?
What does this teach about people?
What does this teach about the gospel?
What cultural or historical background helps explain this?
How would I summarize this passage in one sentence?
What is the author warning against?
What is the author inviting us into?
What does this NOT mean (common misreadings)?

Application — 'What does it mean for me?' (15 questions)

What truth do I need to remember this week?
What sin do I need to confess?
What command do I need to obey?
What promise can I claim?
What example should I follow?
What example should I avoid?
What attitude do I need to change?
What relationship does this speak to?
How does this passage change how I view my work?
How does it change how I pray?
How does it change how I view suffering?
What one specific action will I take in the next 7 days?
Who can I share this with this week?
What would obeying this passage cost me?
What would obeying this passage give me?