A Beginner's Guide to Taking Biblical Notes
Whether you're new to studying the Bible or just want to go deeper in your faith, taking good notes can transform your quiet time. Biblical note-taking isn't just about jotting things down - it's about engaging with Scripture in a way that makes it stick, sparks personal reflection, and deepens your relationship with God. Here's how to start, even if you've never done it before.
Start with the right tools
You don't need fancy materials to begin - just a Bible, a notebook, and a pen. But if you're more visual like me, or organized, consider using:
- Colored pens or highlighters
- Sticky notes
- A journaling Bible
- A digital note app
Choose a note-taking style that works for you
Everyone's brain works differently. Here's a few popular styles:
- Verse-by-Verse: Write down your thoughts or paraphrase each verse
- SOAP Method: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
- Bullet Points: Quick thoughts, takeaways, or questions
- Mind Maps: Draw connections between verses, themes, and ideas
Focus on key themes and personal insights
Don't just copy commentary - think about what the passage means to you. Ask questions like:
- What is God revealing about Himself?
- What does this teach me about people or life?
- How can I live this out today?
You're notes should reflect your walk with God, not just the facts
Review & Revisit often
Go back to your notes weekly or monthly. Reflecting on past entires helps you see growth, remember truths, and stay encouraged
Final Thoughts
Taking Biblical notes isn't about having Instagram-worthy pages - it's about cultivating a deeper relationship with God through His word. Start simple, stay consistent, and make it your own. You'll be amazed at how much your faith can grow, one note at a time.
~Bonus~
How to highlight effectively in your Bible
Highlighting your Bible is a great way to visually engage with Scripture, but it's most powerful when done with purpose. Here's how to use highlighting to deepen your study - not just decorate your pages.
Use a color code system
Instead of randomly highlighting verses, create a color system based on themes. Here's the highlighting key I use:
- Dusty Purple: Important
- Anything that sticks out
- Speaks to me
- Green: God
- Characteristics of who God is
- What He does
- Light Purple: Life Lessons
- Things I should know
- Be aware of
- Pink: Relationships
- How to treat/love others
- Brown: Sin
- Anytime Satan is mentioned
- Shows how I should NOT be living
- Red: Meditate
- Verses to memorize
- Light Blue: Notes
- Other thoughts
- Verses referenced in church
*Bonus Key - Pen Marking Key*
- _____ Underline: any verses i'm referencing in margin notes
- --> Using arrows to point to notes
- 0 Circle: Important words or phrases
- Stood out
- Is emphasized multiple times
- {} Braces: Categorized Groups
You can customize this to fit your focus areas and highlighter colors!
Highlight with purpose
Ask yourself before highlighting:
- Why does this stand out to me?
- How does this connect to what I'm going through?
- What does this reveal about God?
If you can answer those, it's worth highlighting!
Don't overdo it
If everything is highlighted, nothing stands out. Be selective so you can easily find important insights later. Less is more when it comes to meaningful study.
Pair with Notes
Highlighting and note-taking go hand in hand. In the margins (or a separate notebook), write why you highlighted a verse and how it applies to your life.
Final Tip:
Don't be afraid to evolve your system. As you grow in your walk with God, what stands out will shift too. Your Bible should reflect your journey - highlights and all!
