Bible study facts for kids

The prohibited reading by Karel Ooms (1876)

Martin Luther studying the Bible on the banner of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Bible study means reading the Bible very carefully. It's like exploring a big, old book to understand its messages.

For many Christians, studying the Bible is a regular part of their day. But lots of other people are also interested in this important book. It's a huge part of world history and literature.

Understanding Bible Study

Bible study is more than just reading words. It involves thinking deeply about what the Bible says. People often read it to learn about faith, history, or different cultures.

Why Study the Bible?

People study the Bible for many reasons. Some want to grow in their faith. Others want to understand its stories and lessons. It can help people learn about God and how to live their lives. The Bible is also a very old and important book. It has influenced art, music, and laws around the world.

Bible Study in the Past

For a long time, it was hard for most people to study the Bible. This was especially true in Europe before the 1500s.

Before the 1500s

Back then, Bibles were usually written in Latin or Greek. Only people who had learned these languages could read them. This often meant only scholars or church leaders. The Roman Catholic Church preferred Bibles to stay in Latin. This was partly because translating them was very difficult. It could take a monk a lifetime to copy and translate just one Bible by hand!

The Reformation Changes Things

Everything began to change in the 1500s. This period is called the Reformation. During this time, people started to translate the Bible into many different languages. These included languages like Italian and English.

A big reason for this change was the invention of the printing press. With printing, many copies of the Bible could be made quickly. This meant more people could finally read the Bible in their own language. It made Bible study possible for almost everyone.