There is something so special about sitting down with an open Bible, a good pen, and a quiet moment. Bible study does not have to be complicated. But having the right supplies really can make a difference in how consistently you show up and how much you get out of it.
Whether you are brand new to studying Scripture or you have been doing it for years, this list covers everything worth having. From the basics to the little extras that make your study time feel like something you look forward to instead of just another thing to check off.
Let's build your perfect Bible study setup.
The Basics: What Every Bible Study Needs
1. A Bible You Love to Open
This sounds obvious but it matters more than people think. The best Bible for study is the one you will actually use. If a wide-margin Bible excites you because you love to write in the margins, get that one. If a journaling Bible with blank space for artwork is what makes you want to sit down, go for it. Do not study from a Bible you do not enjoy. Popular study-friendly translations include the ESV, NIV, NLT, and NKJV.
2. A Good Journal or Notebook
Writing things down is one of the best ways to slow down and actually absorb what you are reading. You do not need a fancy system. Just a notebook where you can jot down observations, questions, prayers, and things that stand out. Dot grid notebooks are popular for Bible study because they are flexible enough for both writing and drawing.
3. Bible Highlighters
Not all highlighters work well in Bible pages. Most will bleed right through. Look for highlighters made specifically for thin paper, like Zebra Mildliners or a Bible study highlighting set. A lot of people use a color-coding system: one color for promises, another for commands, another for names of God. Whatever system works for you is the right one.
Level Up: Tools That Go Deeper
4. A Concordance or Bible Dictionary
When you want to understand a word in its original Hebrew or Greek, or find every place a specific word appears in Scripture, a concordance is your best friend. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is the classic. If you prefer digital tools, the Blue Letter Bible app is free and gives you the same access right from your phone.
5. A Devotional or Study Guide
If open-ended Bible reading feels overwhelming, a structured devotional or study guide can give you a starting point. These are especially helpful when you are studying a specific book of the Bible or a particular topic. Look for ones written by authors whose theology you trust.
6. Sticky Notes or Page Tabs
Small sticky notes are great for flagging verses to come back to, leaving yourself reminders, or jotting down cross-references. Bible tabs help you flip to books quickly without hunting. It is such a small thing but it removes a lot of friction from your study time.
Don't Forget: A Bag to Carry It All
Here is the thing about Bible study supplies. They multiply fast. Highlighters, pens, notecards, your journal, your Bible... before long you have a whole system and you need somewhere to put it all.
That is exactly why I make what I make at Third Day Co. Our embroidered canvas pouches and tote bags are designed to hold your study essentials while reminding you whose you are every time you reach for them.
For Your Pens and Highlighters: A Zippered Canvas Pouch
Our zippered pouches are the perfect size for pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and notecards. Everything you need, easy to find, all in one place. Here are some of my favorites for Bible study:
• Child of God Zippered Canvas Pouch ($16.95)
• "My Bible Study Bag" Canvas Zipper Pouch ($16.95)
• Proverbs 3:5 Canvas Zipper Pouch ($16.95)
• Consider the Lilies Zippered Canvas Pouch ($16.95)
• "He Leads Me Beside Still Waters" Zippered Canvas Pouch ($16.95)
• "Spread the Word" Zippered Canvas Pouch ($16.95)
For Your Bible and Journal: A Canvas Tote Bag
When you are heading to church, a Bible study group, or your favorite coffee shop, you need a bag that can hold it all. Our canvas totes are roomy, durable, and come in designs that speak truth over your day. A few great options:
• "Consider the Lilies" Canvas Tote Bag ($19.95)
• "I Have Everything I Need" Tote Bag ($19.95)
• "Great is Thy Faithfulness" Tote Bag ($19.95)
• "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Tote Bag ($19.95)
• "First Loved" Canvas Tote Bag ($19.95)
Your Bible Study Setup Does Not Have to Be Perfect
The most important thing about Bible study is not the supplies. It is showing up. A worn-out Bible, a cheap pen, and five quiet minutes is worth more than the most beautiful study setup that never gets used.
That said, having a space and supplies you love really can make a difference in how often you show up. So invest a little in your study life. Make it something you look forward to. You are spending time with the God of the universe. It is worth showing up with intention.
I hope this list helps you build a setup that gets used and loved. And if you are looking for the perfect pouch or tote to carry it all in, you know where to find us.
Browse all of our zippered canvas pouches and canvas tote bags at thirddaycompany.com.
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