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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
3 days ago9 min read

How Can We Buy Out the Time for Reading and Studying the Bible?


Reading and Studying the Bible—The Difference


Before we begin the main part of our article, we should discuss the difference between reading and studying the Bible, which lies in the depth of engagement, the purpose behind the activity, and the methods employed to draw understanding from the text.



Reading the Bible: A Broad Engagement


Reading the Bible is often an act of devotional or general engagement with Scripture. It involves a straightforward approach to encountering God’s Word, seeking spiritual nourishment, encouragement, or comfort. The focus in reading is on absorbing the overarching themes, stories, and principles of the Bible, often without detailed analysis.


Key Characteristics of Bible Reading


  1. Surface-Level Understanding: Reading the Bible involves going through the text without delving deeply into its meaning. It is about familiarizing oneself with the content of Scripture, whether reading a chapter, book, or passage.

  2. Devotional Focus: Bible reading is commonly accompanied by prayer and reflection, seeking to hear from Jehovah through His Word. For example, Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Reading helps illuminate a believer’s daily walk with Jehovah.

  3. Continuous Flow: Reading typically follows a sequential or thematic structure. For instance, many believers read through the Bible in a year, covering both Old and New Testaments without pausing to dissect every detail.

  4. Application-Oriented: While reading, believers often focus on how the text applies to their lives, asking, “What does Jehovah want me to do with this passage?” This aligns with James 1:22, which says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”



Studying the Bible: A Deep Analysis


Studying the Bible involves a deliberate and methodical approach to understanding the Scriptures. The goal is not just to read but to interpret, analyze, and apply the Word of God accurately and thoroughly. This requires more time, tools, and effort than reading.


Key Characteristics of Bible Study


  1. In-Depth Examination: Bible study seeks to uncover the original intent of the author, the cultural and historical background, and the deeper theological truths within the text. For instance, studying the Greek or Hebrew meaning of words, such as the term “redeem” (exagorazo) in Ephesians 5:16, provides richer insight.

  2. Contextual Understanding: To study is to analyze a verse or passage within its broader context—examining the book’s purpose, the surrounding verses, and cross-references with other Scriptures. This prevents misinterpretation, as highlighted in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

  3. Use of Tools: Bible study often involves concordances, commentaries, lexicons, maps, and other resources to explore the text’s full meaning. These tools aid in uncovering insights that are not immediately obvious from a surface reading.

  4. Critical Questions: In studying, believers ask questions like:

    • What did the author mean to communicate to the original audience?

    • What doctrines or principles are revealed in this passage?

    • How does this align with the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27)?

  5. Application Through Understanding: Study leads to a well-informed application. For example, when studying the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), one learns not only the ethical teachings of Jesus but also how they contrast with Pharisaic legalism.

  6. Focused and Thematic Exploration: Study often narrows its focus to specific topics, books, or themes, such as grace, faith, prophecy, or the kingdom of God. This allows for a thorough grasp of particular aspects of the Bible’s teaching.



Illustrating the Difference: An Example from Psalm 23


When reading Psalm 23, a believer might find comfort in the words, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The focus would be on meditating on Jehovah’s care and provision in a general sense.


In contrast, studying Psalm 23 would involve examining the role of shepherds in ancient Israel, understanding the Hebrew word for “shepherd” (רוֹעִי, roʿi), and analyzing how the imagery of shepherding reflects Jehovah’s covenant relationship with His people. The study might include cross-references to John 10:11, where Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd.”



Purposeful Differences Between Reading and Studying


  1. Purpose of Reading: To develop a habit of encountering Scripture, find encouragement, and maintain a devotional connection with Jehovah. It is about breadth.

  2. Purpose of Studying: To grow in doctrinal knowledge, deepen theological understanding, and equip oneself to rightly divide the Word of truth. It is about depth.


Both Are Essential


While reading fosters regular interaction with Scripture, study ensures that one grows in wisdom and knowledge. Both are necessary for a balanced Christian life. Colossians 3:16 exhorts believers, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” To achieve this, reading and studying work together—reading keeps the Word before us, and study engrains it deeply within our minds and hearts.


By engaging in both, believers fulfill Psalm 1:2: “But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Reading and studying equip believers to live out Jehovah’s will faithfully, serving as tools to transform hearts and lives for His glory.



Understanding the Biblical Mandate to Redeem the Time


Ephesians 5:16 exhorts believers to “buy out the time, because the days are evil.” This imperative emphasizes the urgency and intentionality required to use time wisely, particularly for spiritual growth through reading and study. The Greek word translated as “redeem” (ἐξαγοράζω, exagorazō) conveys the idea of making the most of every opportunity, as the time allotted to us is finite and precious.


The urgency is further underscored by the context in Ephesians 5:15-17, which admonishes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” The phrase “the days are evil” reminds believers that the world is filled with distractions, temptations, and spiritual opposition that can detract from fulfilling Jehovah’s will. To redeem the time is to prioritize what truly matters in light of eternity.



The Value of Reading and Study in the Christian Life


Reading and studying the Scriptures are foundational to spiritual growth and understanding Jehovah’s will. Joshua 1:8 declares, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” The connection between meditation on God’s Word and success in fulfilling His will highlights the transformative power of consistent study.


Psalm 119:105 affirms, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Without the illumination provided by Scripture, believers are vulnerable to being led astray by the “evil days” described in Ephesians 5:16. Thus, redeeming the time includes dedicating purposeful moments to understanding and applying the truths found in God’s Word.



Overcoming Obstacles to Redeeming the Time


Several challenges can hinder believers from prioritizing reading and study, including distractions, busyness, and spiritual complacency. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:22 warns about the dangers of allowing “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches” to choke out the Word. These distractions prevent the Word from taking root and bearing fruit in a believer’s life.


Busyness is another significant obstacle. Ecclesiastes 3:1 acknowledges that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven,” yet many believers struggle to discern how to allocate their time wisely. Redeeming the time requires intentional planning and a commitment to prioritize spiritual nourishment over less important pursuits.


Spiritual complacency also poses a threat. Revelation 3:16 rebukes the lukewarm attitude of the Laodicean church, which was neither fervent nor committed. To overcome complacency, believers must cultivate a hunger for righteousness, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”



Practical Steps for Buying Out Time


The Bible provides practical guidance for managing time and ensuring that reading and study are integral parts of a believer’s life.


Establishing a Routine for Study


Daniel serves as an exemplary model of disciplined study and prayer. Daniel 6:10 records that “he got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” This habitual dedication to spiritual practices sustained Daniel’s faith even in the face of persecution.


Similarly, believers are encouraged to set aside consistent times for reading and study. Psalm 63:1 reflects the importance of seeking Jehovah early in the day: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.” Morning devotionals or evening studies can provide structured opportunities to engage with Scripture.


Prioritizing the Word Over Worldly Pursuits


Jesus emphasized the importance of seeking the kingdom of God above all else. In Matthew 6:33, he taught, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This principle applies to how believers allocate their time, ensuring that spiritual growth takes precedence over entertainment, social media, or other distractions.


Colossians 3:2 echoes this priority: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” By focusing on eternal matters, believers can resist the pull of temporal concerns and dedicate themselves to the study of God’s Word.


Redeeming Idle Moments


Believers can maximize their time by using idle moments for spiritual edification. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages integrating God’s commandments into daily life: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Listening to audio Bibles, meditating on Scripture, or reading Christian literature during commutes or breaks can transform ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth.


Studying with Purpose


2 Timothy 2:15 urges believers to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Purposeful study involves not only reading but also seeking to understand and apply the meaning of the text. This requires prayer, context-aware interpretation, and cross-referencing Scripture to gain a comprehensive understanding of its teachings.


Sharing the Fruit of Study


Redeeming the time also involves sharing insights gained from study with others. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Participating in Bible study groups or discussing Scripture with family and friends can reinforce understanding and inspire mutual growth.



The Eternal Perspective of Redeeming the Time


The urgency to redeem the time stems from the fleeting nature of life. Psalm 90:12 prays, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Recognizing the brevity of life motivates believers to prioritize what matters most—drawing closer to Jehovah and fulfilling His purposes.


Ecclesiastes 12:13 concludes with the ultimate purpose of life: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Redeeming the time for reading and study equips believers to live out this purpose, preparing them for the day when they will give an account to Jehovah (Romans 14:12).


The Bible’s emphasis on redeeming the time challenges believers to evaluate their priorities, overcome distractions, and dedicate themselves to reading and study. By doing so, they honor Jehovah, grow in wisdom, and fulfill their calling as His servants.



About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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