How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God

by David Platt

Read by the author.

This simple and practical guide to studying and understanding Scripture will help you see the Bible as a priceless treasure that reveals God's love for you and His relentless pursuit of a deeper relationship.

How to Read the Bible is not just a book; it's an invitation to experience God's Word in a way that transforms your life. Whether you're new to reading the Bible or seeking a fresh approach to study and apply it, this guide provides the tools and insights you need to explore Scripture with greater clarity and purpose.

David Platt, author of the bestseller Radical and host of Secret Church (an annual event streamed to participants around the world), shows you how to read, study, and understand the Bible in such a way that you fall deeper in love with its Author. His four-step guide to studying God's Word rightly is set up with the acrostic

Meditate on and memorize God's Word, storing it in your heart and mind so that you walk closer with Jesus each day.Apply the Bible's truths to every layer of your life, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you and revolutionize your ultimate purpose for living.Pray boldly, confident that God will answer and align your heart with His Word.Share God's Word with others, letting it flow through you to your neighbor as well as to others around the world.Each chapter includes interactive questions for self-reflection or group discussion, and an appendix that offers practical tips for reading different parts of the Bible (Law, Poetry, Gospels, Revelation, etc.).

As you dive into the richness of the Bible using this proven, step-by-step approach, you will learn to avoid common pitfalls in interpretation, savor scriptures through meditation and prayer, and apply timeless truths to every area of your life. How to Read the Bible equips you to better understand not only the Word of God but also the love of God and His plan for the world.

Visuals and interactive questions can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Theology, Christian Living

Audible Audio

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ✨

Bible Study

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of How to Read the Bible in exchange for an honest review.

How to Read the Bible is an excellent resource for beginner readers and people who have read the Bible for years. It’s a simple guide that gives excellent guidance for studying the Bible. I am not familiar with David Platt, but I think he did a good job on outlining how one might study the scriptures. I have read the Bible many times and for many years and still found some of his suggestions to be very helpful for my personal study time. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in going deeper with their study of the scriptures. It was short and very to the point with lots of recommendations.

[Keke’s Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Studying Scripture by David Platt is a straightforward and practical guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Bible. Whether you’re new to reading Scripture or just seeking a fresh perspective, Platt offers a clear four-step method: Meditate, Apply, Pray, and Share. This approach helps readers engage with God’s Word in a way that brings real transformation.

Drawing from his experience as a pastor and teacher, Platt explains how to approach the Bible with greater clarity and purpose. He shows how Scripture reveals God’s love and plan for the world. Each chapter includes thoughtful reflection questions and practical tips for reading various parts of the Bible, including the law, poetry, prophecy, and the Gospels. This book is both rich and accessible, making it a great resource for personal or group study.

⸻

I loved this book! It’s written in a very “keep it simple, stupid” style—in the best way possible. David Platt breaks things down in modern, easy-to-understand language that makes Scripture feel more approachable.

I really appreciated how he highlighted the different types of writing found in the Bible, like prophecies, parables, and poetry. He helped me see how to read each one with fresh eyes and deeper intention. He also challenged me to think more critically about what I’m reading and how to reflect on it in a meaningful way.

To be honest, I’ve sometimes found the Bible boring or hard to connect with. But the way he explained things made me genuinely excited to start reading it again. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to approach Scripture, this is a great book to guide you back in.

The audiobook was narrated by the author, David Platt, and he did a phenomenal job bringing his words to life. His delivery was clear, passionate, and engaging, it truly captivated me from start to finish. Hearing the author read his own work added a deeper level of authenticity and connection.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!

[Betsy Cypress · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, I am currently on a spree of reading books about how to read the Bible. This book by David Platt was a very short, accessible, practical, and applicable book.
I listened to the audio version on Hoopla in one day, but will probably purchase it as there are exercises within the book…and it is simply worth owning!

This has some of the same information as “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” by Fee and Stuart, but is written more for the layperson and less for the Bible college student.

This would be a fantastic and understandable book for teenagers as well.

This was the first time I completed a book by David Platt, but I’m definitely interested in reading more by him.

Highly recommend.

[Grace Danscuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up to read one chapter before i went to bed but ended up reading the whole book! I thought this was a great book with principles that are easy to read/understand and easy to follow. I also liked how the author gave step by step instructions and practical advice on how you could implement these practices into your every day life. I am definitely going to go back and apply the questions on how to mediate on chapters or passages when I do my future bible studies! Very encouraging at where I am in my walk with God!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God

A surprisingly short, but impactful read.

I enjoyed this book a lot!

Platt's writing constantly hits with some really important tips on how to best read the Bible.

I got a lot out of it, and really appreciated his encouragement for readers to jump into scripture.

He gave some great practical tips, such as just getting started, the context you need to know going in, and how to best handle some of the Old Testament - just to name a few!

An excellent book for new to the faith, deep in the faith, or non-Christians alike!
The tone is encouraging and never condescending, making you feel welcomed... whatever step you are on!

I highly recommend it.

4.1/5

[Emma Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great instructions that are simple, easy, and practical to help someone read the Bible and apply it to their life. I think this book would especially be helpful to a new believer who had a lot of questions on where to start. But for someone who has grown up in the church (me), it felt a bit repetitive. However, the appendix was especially helpful when viewing and studying specific parts of the Bible! I’ve never seen anyone break it down like that. Overall, a good and sound resource!

[Kathryn Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminders! Simple, practical and to the point.

[Melody T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The personal study that I do daily to help me grow closer to God is something that has completely changed my mindset on how to study the Bible and the importance of doing certain things. Over time, I began to see how intentional, prayerful study shapes not only understanding but also the heart—and this book beautifully affirmed that journey.

This book confirmed all of that and made me realize that when I first started studying the Bible more deeply, it truly changed me. It helped me crave more of God and desire a genuine, personal relationship with Him rather than a surface-level faith. The way Scripture is approached in this book reinforces that the Bible is not meant to be rushed through or treated casually, but meditated on, prayed over, and lived out daily.

Studying the Bible the way this book describes will change your life. It challenges you to stop relying on the world for guidance and instead anchor yourself fully in God and His Word. And yes—this includes memorizing Scripture. While that can feel intimidating at first, the book explains why hiding God’s Word in your heart is essential for spiritual growth, endurance, and intimacy with Him.

No matter how long you’ve been a Christian or how you currently choose to study the Bible, this book is an incredible tool. It gently helps you evaluate whether there are areas where you may need to adjust your approach or simply encourages you to keep pressing forward in the right direction. It meets you where you are while still calling you deeper.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a stronger, more intentional walk with God and wants their time in Scripture to be truly transformative—not just informative.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Platt’s How to Read the Bible can be engaging at times, though if you’ve already read other books on how to study the Bible, you might not find a lot of groundbreaking insights here. That said, there are some genuinely helpful tips sprinkled throughout, particularly on pausing, reflecting, and meditating on Scripture in practical ways. Those sections encourage readers to slow down and approach the Bible thoughtfully, which is valuable.

I personally don’t share Platt’s views on the law or the covenant—there are several points where I strongly disagree—but that doesn’t diminish the usefulness of his practical advice. The book is approachable, and its focus on applying Scripture to one’s life can be motivating, especially for readers seeking encouragement to engage with the Bible consistently.

That said, if your goal is to gain a deep understanding of the different literary styles of the Bible—narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistles, etc.—you might need to look elsewhere. Platt’s focus is more on devotional reading and application rather than on technical exegesis or scholarly methodology. Overall, it’s worth reading for the inspiration and practical guidance it offers, but don’t expect a comprehensive or academic guide to biblical interpretation.

[Troy Solava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books on “how to read your Bible.” Almost every one of them is good! But I think this one is the one I’d recommend from now on. It’s short. It’s written accessibly. It doesn’t get lost in too many details and yet it’s substantive enough in its approach. AND it emphasize prayer.

These kinds of spiritual discipline books are so hard to write, I imagine. Platt does well. We all would write this book differently but Platt’s is one of the better I’ve read.

[Clark McGehee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, short book. When you consider books about “how to read the Bible”, it’s easy to find very surface level books, or deep theological books. There are not many that find their way in between. However, I would say that Platt fits that category more than any I’ve seen. His advice on the questions to ask as you read Scripture were great. The only two critiques I have are that he uses a lot of similar ideas from previous books, and I would say this book still leans on the “surface level” side. And maybe that was his intention, and if so that’s great! Overall, a helpful read!

[Jonny Swales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic overview. Drew a little too much on the opening analogy in the book’s introduction of reading the Bible “like a love letter” that Platt once wrote for his wife - this came up in nearly every chapter which became unhelpful in the end. But some good basic wisdom on how to approach Bible reading and, even as a Christian of 13 years, answered some of my questions (however not in as much depth as I was hoping). The best part about this book is actually the lengthy appendix which proscribes a list of wise tips on how to practically read each part of the Bible.

[Joyce T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book reminded me of how to read the Bible more than actually giving me any new thoughts. Oh well. I do know the hardest part is to actually put into practice what I know, and I am still struggling with that. The Bible plan he suggested sounded interesting, though, so perhaps I'll check that out.

Content: Clean. No curse words or anything graphical or violent.

[Temi Agbaje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful, basic, and practical book! Would recommend to literally anyone wanting to grow in their biblical literacy!

[David McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely helpful and practical tool for those who don’t know where to start (or who think they don’t have the time to start) when it comes to reading God’s love letter to us.

[Emily Kingsbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I’m gonna read the Bible.

[Victoria Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and simple guide on how to read the Bible.

[Jordan Swails]

A straightforward and necessary read for all. And I believe it would likely serve as a great resource for those leading groups in discipleship, particularly groups of high school and young adult age.

[Kristi Noreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read but very practical. Great resource for discipleship.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Tami Genry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced recording of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

I really appreciated this new book by David Platt. How to Read the Bible is concise and accessible to both new believers and seasoned Christians alike. Whether you're new to reading the Bible or have been a Christian for years, David Platt gives simple, practical ways to engage with Scripture more deeply. It’s encouraging and down-to-earth—he doesn’t overcomplicate things, but still challenges readers to deepen their relationship with the Father and and to live in obedience to His teachings.

What stands out most about this book is how accessible and encouraging it is. Platt doesn't assume the reader is a Bible scholar—instead, he writes in a way that invites readers into a journey of knowing God more intimately, no matter where they are in their walk of faith. At the same time, for those who have been reading Scripture for years, the book serves as a refreshing reminder of why and how the Bible should continue to shape our daily lives.

Platt offers specific, easy-to-follow tips and practices for engaging with Scripture more meaningfully. These practical ideas are really habits that can be implemented right away, whether in personal devotion time or in a small group setting. His emphasis on reading the Bible not just for information but for transformation is especially impactful.

Overall, How to Read the Bible is a practical and spiritually enriching resource that I would recommend to anyone looking to grow in their faith. It’s a book that inspires action and intimacy with God, helping readers move from simply reading the Bible to truly living it.

[Abbie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great easy read that I want to keep as a resource for myself or others. Has lots of practical ways to read the Bible as well as tips and encouragement.

[Raquel Najera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un excelente libro, fácil lectura, corto pero con ideas super claras y fáciles de aplicar a nuestro tiempo devocional.

Super recomendado

[Jordyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for resources I can give to new Christians and those I counsel. Such a practical and accessible read. Especially appreciated the emphasis on memorizing and meditating.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Prayer is not primarily about asking for something but rather about being with Someone.”

Excellent newcomer's guide to the Bible. I bought it because I couldn't wait to read the chapter entitled "How NOT to Read the Bible." That chapter included some great points, such as a warning against building big arguments on small details, while missing the larger point. That is, sometimes we can get so excited over a line here or there that we miss the context and inadvertently promote a view that is wrong.

Not only does Platt teach readers how to read the Bible, but he also teaches various exercises of discipleship that help Christians grow in your faith: read, memorize, apply, pray, share. I think the acronym he uses is MAPS (rightly suggesting the Bible is a treasure map). (*By the way, he begins with MEMORIZE and MEDITATE. I was excited to see anyone talking about memorizing scripture. That most beneficial discipline gets so little air-time these days!)

I liked Platt's acronym 'MAPS' because it was so similar to an acronym I came up with on my own: RAMPS. (Read, Apply, Memorize, Pray, and Share.) Later I added a 'G' for "Go to Church" (and more), so that the new acronym is GRAMPS (ask me about my Grandpa name).

Platt offers a great illustration. Under “How NOT to read the Bible,” he explains the dangers of being led by the question, “What does this passage mean to me”---

“Imagine this scene in a Bible study on Genesis 22, where Abraham takes his son Isaac on a journey, lays him on an altar in obedience to God’s command, and then God suddenly provides a ram for the sacrifice instead. The group leader asks, What does this mean to you?
Bob is the first to speak up, and he says, ‘I think this chapter means I need to go hiking with my son more, just like Abraham did with Isaac.’
‘Okay, Bob … I guess that sounds like a good idea,’ the group leader says. ‘Anyone else?’
Then Joe chimes in and says, ‘Well, I think it’s clear from this passage that it’s okay to sacrifice animals, which means no one should be a vegetarian.’”

One of the most helpful parts of this slim volume may be the appendix in which Platt describes each of the genres in the Bible and how best to read it. Interestingly, he manages to highlight some of the controversies (such as different interpretations of Revelation) without weighing in. He does not take sides. This book is not that. It is just a well-constructed basic introduction to the Bible. Some great points in the appendix:

• There are different types of psalms: psalms of lament, psalms of thanksgiving, psalms of praise, psalms of wisdom, royal psalms, imprecatory psalms, and psalms of repentance.
• There are three types of laws in the Bible: (1) ceremonial laws, (2) civil laws, and (3) moral laws.
• “The prophetic books take up about the same amount of the Bible as the entire New Testament. At the same time, these books are some of the most difficult parts of the Bible to understand.”

I recommend this book for anyone who is beginning to read the Bible for the first time, or perhaps returning to it after a few failed attempts! Good luck!

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intimacy with God!

This is what David Platt's new book "How To Read The Bible" wants to drive to us. We can have this deep and personal relationship with God in diving to His Word. In this brief audiobook (60 minutes +), Platt lays down a plan that can help believers get much out of reading Scriptures. He narrowed it down with the acroustic M.A.P.S. which stands for Meditate/Memorize, Apply, Pray and Share. He then explains M.A.P.S. in each chapters that is simple and easy to grasp. But first he provides the listener a chapter on how not to read the Bible. From that it's as if a smooth ride in leaning the M.A.P.S. This short audiobook is commendable in treating the topic with clear and concise explaination. I most enjoyed the last chapter which is the zenith of the book. The appendix too is very helpful although I feels like it will steal the thunder of the last chapter. Nevertheless, a great resource for everyone who wants not just to read but understand the Bible.

This is my first time to listen to an audiobook of David Platt. I'm a bit hesitant because of the deep Southern accent of Platt will mess my listening. I have listen to Platt's sermons online and there are times that I can't stand his accent. It turns me off. Not in this audiobook! He slowly and calmly reads it for us listeners so we can understand this step by step guide in reading the Bible.You'll listen to this audiobook over and over again. I think you'll consider buying the physical copy of this book after you finish listening to it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very practical and useful book, giving a person a basic framework to read the Bible. The first section is engaging and encouraging folks to read the scriptures. The second part goes into the framework using the acrostic MAPS, which stands for
M - Memorize and Meditate on God's Word
A - Apply
P - Pray
S - Share

The author spends time on each of the 4 areas of the framework, providing ways to memorize and thus meditate on God's Word. Questions to ask yourself as part of applying God's Word to your heart, mind, affections, will, relationships, and purpose. Another acrostic on how to pray (PRAY - Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) with more questions to consider about the text. Finally, questions on who, how, and when you might share what you're learning from reading God's Word, with an encouragement to journal as you process what you're reading.

The author also includes a rich appendix that speaks to the 10 different types of literature in the Bible and how best to read and engage in each type.

I listened to the book courtesy of Netgalley and Thomas Nelson; therefore, I was not able to access the PDF that is an accompanying document if purchased. This was only an issue during the section when the author spent time flushing out the "Apply" part of the framework, as he referenced a set of concentric circles.

[Grey Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I was scrolling reels on May 5th and just happened to see David Platt promoting this book because it was coming out the next day. I saw it was really short so I thought why not.

It was an about 2 hour audiobook that I knocked out in the 3 listens. I think the best parts of the book are the beginning and the end. The beginning he uses this metaphor from his own life and sending love letters to his wife and how intently he’d read them. And it really paints a good picture of how we should look at the Bible

The meat of the book focuses on his acronym MAPS (Meditate / Memorize) Apply, Pray and Share. This section is simple but encouraging. My best recommendation I could give of this book is just the fact that I listened to it and thought about reading the Bible it inspired me to start a read the Bible in the year plan

Lastly my actual favorite part of the book was the Appendix. David goes through the 10 types of writing in the Bible and shares tips on how to read each type. Very practical and helpful

Overall I enjoyed the book because it encouraged me to start a daily Bible reading plan, but I was already seeking out encouragement to read the Bible, I’m not sure how effective this would be to a new believer but to an already practicing Christian I think it’s great

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Platt’s How to Read the Bible: A Simple Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God is a concise, engaging, and incredibly helpful resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. As someone who appreciates both theological depth and practical application, I found this book to be the perfect balance of both.

Platt introduces the MAPS method—Meditate, Apply, Pray, and Share—which offers a straightforward framework for engaging with the Bible in a way that’s not just informative but transformational. He also walks readers through how to approach different biblical genres—like poetry, prophecy, and historical narratives—with confidence and clarity.

This book is perfect for new believers, longtime Christians wanting to refresh their study habits, or anyone looking to experience the Bible more deeply and personally. Highly recommend!

[Anna Grace Paulovkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book on how to practically dig deeper into scripture and read the Bible. I liked all the questions he offered for us to ask as we read the Bible. It is a pretty short book and easy to get through although the audio was a little cheesy to me. There is something for everyone here including new believers all the way to seasoned Christians looking to dig deeper.

“Your soul is designed to delight in the word of your creator.”

MAPS
M- mediate and memorize
A - apply
P - pray
S - share

- How does this passage change my heart?
- How does this passage change my desires?
- How does this passage change what I do?
- What do I need to do this week as a result of what I just read?
- How does this passage change how I react to others?
- How does this change my life to be more in tune with Gods purpose
- How does this help me make disciples?