Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible

by William Hendricks, Charles R. Swindoll (Foreword)

For every person who draws strength and direction from the Bible, there are many more who struggle with it. Some call it a long book with fine print and obscure meaning. Some call it a mystery, a chore to read, or an undecipherable puzzle.The good news is you can easily solve this problem. With over 300,000 sold, this revised and expanded edition of Living by the Book will remove the barriers that keep Scripture from transforming your life. In a simple, step-by-step fashion, the authors explain how to glean truth from Scripture. It is practical, readable, and applicable. By following its easy-to-apply principles, you'll soon find yourself drawing great nourishment from the Word—and enjoying the process! The Living by the Book Workbook is the perfect compliment to provide practical application of lessons.

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

395 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, confession time: I actually have been reading and/or listening to the Bible every day for over a decade. So, I already know quite a bit about getting into God's Word.

Still, even for a seasoned individual like me, this book had some great tips.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendricks writes both for the theologian and the novice Bible reader. He's clear, simple, and profoundly helpful in understanding how to appropriately read the Bible in the context of its original audience and meaning. This book was required reading for my seminary courses and, thus, I assumed it would be lofty in its presentation. However, Hendricks has a knack for making what would otherwise be complex ideas quite simple and accessible to every reader, regardless of age, background, or education. I highly recommend this book both for the avid studier of the Bible and for the curious lay reader of the Bible.

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I imagine taking a course from Dr. Hendricks would have been profound and enlightening and encouraging, but I cannot honestly say I would recommend this book to a believer who wants to know how to better study the Bible. The book does not cary forth what I imagine the pastoral quality would be of his teaching and the winsomness of a man delighted in the scriptures. It is cumbersome and has so many steps that it is overwhelming. The principles and truths are not to be quibbled with, but the benefit of them is lost in the sheer tonnage of words and examples and lists.

[Libby Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most practical books I've read all year. It would be hard to read it for the first time and leave unaffected or unchanged. I've left it refreshed, properly convicted, and well equipped to more effectively study Scripture. I think this book will be well worth your time if you choose to pick it up.

Highly recommended.

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after it was mentioned in a class I recently took, and I’m glad I did. Even though Living By the Book was published 35 years ago, its insights remain relevant and valuable. Many of the concepts were familiar to me, but I also encountered new ideas that deepened my understanding of how to study Scripture.

The book focuses on teaching readers how to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible using practical methods. It emphasizes that anyone, regardless of their background, can engage with Scripture in a meaningful way. One statement that stood out to me was:

"One of the great killers in Bible study is the statement, ‘I already know that."

This book is a great resource for anyone looking to grow in their Bible study habits, whether they are new to studying Scripture or have been reading it for years.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Jon Gauger
Length: 10h 46m

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading in my family during high school, and I loved every moment of it. I enjoyed this updated version even more, and to be reminded of how to dig into the scripture for myself.

I highly recommend this book to every Christian.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found LIVING BY THE BOOK to be an excellent resource for those interested in knowing, understanding and applying God’s Word, and plan to keep my copy handy. The practical exercises, suggestions and helpful resources (albeit some of which were slightly dated in this version) are geared to engage readers and enhance their dedication to Bible study, whether in groups or individually. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who desires to get the most out of reading the Bible.

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for studying and teaching the Bible! It is very practical and easy to understand. It gives lots of study tips and the author is encouraging as he instructs. I especially liked the chapters on application as that is an area I find challenging. Later in the book he stated he was the chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys back in the Tom Landry days and I thought that was very cool. Then he used a football analogy and I loved that. :) I highly recommend this book to go deeper in your Bible study.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great lessons in studying, whether the Bible or any subject. So many people give up on reading the Bible because it seems mysterious and disassociated with our Western mindset. But reading the Bible isn’t nearly enough. As exhorted in 2 Timothy 2:15, we need to study it. Living By The Book explains how to transform reading into studying, and then to applying It’s truths and wisdom to our lives.

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Hendricks is a great writer, this book challenges the reader to study the Bible by giving simple and practical guides to doing so.

[Matt Koser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for someone wanting to grow in knowing how to study the Bible. Hendricks and Hendricks walk through the famous study method, Observation, Interpretation, and Application, which is a fantastic method. The chapters on observation are VERY helpful. If the book ended there, I would have given it 5 stars

Unfortunately, the sections on interpretation and application are where the book takes a nosedive, in my humble opinion. The perspective of interpretation that they teach is very divergent from historical Christian interpretation: basically Christ-less, more focused on how we can follow the examples of biblical characters. The application that they teach is very moralistic. “Most Christians don’t read the Bible, but you should be better than that and read it. Jesus made you a Christian so that you’ll be a good person. The Bible will show you how to become a better husband, coworker, and member of society” (this is my summary of the section, not an exact quote). Of course being a good person is great, but it’s not the message and purpose of the Bible. In a book all about how to understand and apply the message of the Bible, there should be a greater emphasis on knowing God and a love for Jesus, less shame for not reading the Bible enough or being as good as some Bible characters.

[Kimba · Rating 4 out of 5]

To read the bible more intelligently.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review written for Expositional Preaching taken at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary:

The primary goal of Living by the Book, as its title suggests, is to encourage Christians to move beyond treating Bible reading as optional. Instead, the author challenges believers to cultivate a deep love for God’s Word—cherishing it, desiring it, and allowing it to transform their lives. To help achieve this, Hendricks provides a wealth of practical and accessible tools that make engaging with Scripture less intimidating. Ultimately, Living by the Book seeks to equip readers with the skills needed to interpret and apply God’s Word effectively. The book is structured into three key sections: observation (carefully examining the text’s context, structure, genre, and literary devices), interpretation (grasping the meaning of a passage through grammatical analysis), and application (moving beyond intellectual understanding to obey God’s commands and integrate Scripture into daily life). Below, I will highlight some of the book’s key strengths, discuss areas where I found it less effective, and conclude with my overall assessment.
One of Living by the Book’s greatest strengths is its practicality. I have rarely encountered a book with such an emphasis on hands-on application. Hendricks frequently prompts readers to immediately apply what they have learned, reinforcing key lessons through direct practice. His use of real-world analogies further enhances comprehension by making abstract concepts more relatable. Additionally, his writing style is clear and engaging, making the book easy to read despite its length. Complex topics such as hermeneutics and word studies are broken down into understandable terms, making the material accessible even for those unfamiliar with these concepts. Moreover, Hendricks encourages readers to continually grow in their faith, sharing the truths of Scripture with others while allowing it to shape their own lives. His passion for God’s Word is evident and contagious, inspiring readers to develop a similar enthusiasm for Scripture.
However, the book does have some drawbacks. Its length and the sheer number of lessons can feel overwhelming, particularly for those who already struggle with consistent Bible study. While the material might be intended for gradual consumption, the extensive lesson count could discourage readers who feel they are progressing too slowly. This was a significant concern for me, as the book’s intended audience appears to be those who find it difficult to engage with Scripture regularly. For someone already struggling with consistency, tackling 48 lessons may seem daunting. Additionally, the book assumes a certain level of foundational Christian knowledge, which may present challenges for new believers. Conversely, for more advanced readers, some topics are addressed too briefly to allow for deeper exploration.
Despite these shortcomings, Living by the Book serves as an excellent introduction to structured Bible study. It would be particularly beneficial as a group study resource, allowing for extended discussion over a 48-week period. While it may not be the best fit for absolute beginners, those who are eager to grow in their understanding of Scripture and develop better study habits will find it a valuable and enriching resource.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book and I would recommend to most in the church. If you are interested in learning God's word better or if you are interested in teaching God's word this would be a good book for you. Really I think most in the church today would benefit from reading this. Hendricks shares a lot of information on how to study the Bible. He talks about different tools to help you study the Bible, different Bible study methods, and different things to look for when studying the Bible. I appreciate how in some parts of the book if there was a tool or method of study he recommended, he would give you a passage of Scripture to try that on. So you can see the tool or method in action. If you are looking to grow in your study of Scripture, you might find this to be a helpful book to read.

[April Parman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would actually give this book about 4.75 stars but rounded up to 5. This book is very helpful to someone wanting to start getting deep into studying their Bible. It is methodical and simple. I had only one minor issue which was a recommendation to use (as a secondary reading of passages) an odd translation, The Cotton Patch. It was one I had never heard of before reading this book. The author could have shortened the book, especially certain chapters. The positives were his easy, conversational writing style and examples for using this method.

I would recommend this book with no hesitation.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly godly man recommended this book to me as his number one choice read outside of the Bible. It was rich and full of accessible and successful ways to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible. On first read, I would have enjoyed an abbreviated version of this book, but going back to it in a couple years will yield more ways to enhance my study. I would recommend if you are looking to upgrade your reading of the Bible into studying it in a way that leads to obedience.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive primer on Bible study. Hendricks would be helpful to every type of person - from excel table loving type A personality to artistic easy going person. He has Bible study ideas for everyone, but he also helps to walk you through the basics on how to study the Bible on your own. The book came highly recommended by people I respect, and I can recommend it further.

[Josh Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was beneficial, but it became very tedious for someone with some training to find those very beneficial parts amidst the mainly basic teachings. Highly recommend it for a minister teaching a church group, and with more determination, there is things that will help skilled Bible readers to grow in their process.

[Gradon Schaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to Bible study. I would definitely recommend it for a person just getting started in studying his Bible. The observation and application sections are quite good and very practical. The section on interpretation was a little weak but overall the book is very helpful.

[Marg · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book had a lot of inflammatory thoughts/comparisons/opinions - very typical to white male Christians but unacceptable nonetheless. overall, i found many of the techniques and approaches to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible to be useful and accessible.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, this is probably the best book I have ever read

[Asher Hougo · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time reading this terrific book! Howard Hendricks is so amazing, and this book reflects his passion for teaching others how to study the bible well! This book is for the beginner Christian or any believer who needs a fresh look at how to study the bible. I highly recommend it to all!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

worth buying

[Nathan Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tell you ways to read your Bible, I would prefer to read my Bible than this book

[Esther Hallel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid and foundational work on Bible interpretation. Definitely worth your time, you'll pick up a few things to aid in your personal Bible study.

[Mike E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not taken an inductive Bible study course at a Christian college or seminary I would say just order this book and use it to learn skills to mine the riches of God's Word. The book's strength and weakness are the same. It is comprehensive and could be more concise, but this is sort of a reference book and so brevity is not a key criterion.

[Charles Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have on your shelf if you have a desire to understand the Bible with clarity. I have read through this book over and over again, but I always glean some valuable golden nuggets everytime I read it.

[Kindra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read. It takes more of a teaching approach, and is very thorough. Highly recommend if you want to learn how to "study" the Bible.

[Terry Moffitt]

Best book on Bible Study I have ever used.

[Duane Frasier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more from this book. It is good, but not as good as "How to Study the Bible For All Its Worth".