3-Column Bible Study

We often over-complicate reading the Bible. The 3-Column Bible Study is a simple, repeatable way to slow down, listen to God through Scripture, and respond with obedience in everyday life. This method helps you move beyond information to transformation—from reading the Bible to living it.

What You’ll Need

  • A Bible
  • A pen
  • A notebook or sheet of paper

That’s it. No special tools. No prior Bible knowledge required.

How to Set It Up

  1. Take a sheet of paper and turn it sideways (landscape).
  2. Draw three vertical columns.
  3. Label them:
    • Bible
    • My Words
    • I Will / Share With

Below is an image you can go off of.

How to Do a 3-Column Study

1st Column – Write Scripture Word-For-Word

In the first column, handwrite the Scripture passage word-for-word. Don’t rush this step. Writing slows you down and helps you notice details you’d normally skim past.

2nd Column – Write The Scripture In Your Own Words

In the second column, rewrite the same passage in your own words. It might be helpful to ask yourself:

  • What is happening here?
  • What is God saying?
  • What stands out or surprises me?

This isn’t about being clever—it’s about internalizing the scripture by rewriting the text in whatever words make the most sense to you.

3rd Column – I Will / Share With

In the third column, we choose to respond to what we hear God saying with what we will do about it (obedience).

Write:

  • One specific “I will” statement—something you will do in the next 48 hours in response to what you read.
  • One person you will share this with—what God is teaching you or how you’re responding.

For Example: 

  • I will say I’m sorry to my coworker for not responding to their request for help with a project before our next staff meeting.
  • I will pray for my grandmother each day this week as she recovers from back surgery.
  • I will read one entire chapter from the Gospel of John and share my take away with my spouse.

Why This Works

  • It keeps Scripture personal, not abstract
  • It connects reading the Bible with real-life obedience
  • It’s simple enough to do alone, with a friend, or in a group
  • It helps you put your own fingerprints on the Bible

This practice turns Bible reading into a conversation with God—and invites Him to shape how you actually live.