Perhaps you have become convinced of the value of studying Bible characters. You may have even taken time to learn how to do character studies. Since the Bible mentions a lot of people in both the Old and New Testaments, you might not know where to begin. While you could start at the beginning of the Bible and move forward, you might find it less overwhelming to limit your study based on the following possibilities.
Bible Character Studies Based on Like Traits or Certain Slants

For example, you might study all Bible characters who are said to have walked with God. The Walk the Walk As Those Who Have Gone Before Devotional Guide can assist you in this study. You will learn from the lives of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, David Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah.
Tip: You can find Bible characters by putting a keyword in a concordance and looking within the context of those verses for people being described as such.
Bible Character Studies Based on Your Gender
If you are a woman, you might want to learn from women like Eve, Hannah, Miriam, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rahab, Abigail, Esther, Ruth, Naomi, Anna, Mary Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, Martha, Samaritan Woman, Lydia, Priscilla, etc. – Click on the following to check out the resources in one of our affiliate stores:
- Fearless Women of the Bible: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures by Lynn Cowell
- Ten Women of the Bible: One by One They Changed the World by Max Lucado, Jenna Lucado Bishop
- The Known by Name Bible Study Series
- The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream
- Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You by John F. MacArthur — Workbook
- Twelve Women of the Bible Study Guide, Life-Changing Stories for Women Today by Lysa TerKeurst and others
- Women of the Bible: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups by Jean E. Syswerda
- Women of the Old Testament, LifeGuide Character Bible Study by Gladys Hunt
- Women of the New Testament (Lifeguide Bible Studies) by Phyllis J. Le Peau
If you are a man, you might want to learn from men like Adam, Cain, Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Jonah, Gideon, Samson, David, other Kings in the Old Testament, Elijah, Elisha, Ezra, Nehemiah, Job, Daniel, John the Baptist, Jesus’ Twelve Disciples, Stephen, Paul, etc.
- Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler, Robert Wolgemuth
- Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World Study Guide by Max Lucado
- Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You by John MacArthur
Tip: While studying characters of like gender can be helpful, do not limit yourself to only studying people based on that factor. We gain balance and different perspectives in our lives as we learn from those different from us.
Studying Biblical Characters Based on Relationships, Marital Status, or Other Circumstances
Reading about people with similar life struggles, needs, and responsibilities can help us learn how to navigate life and relationships.
- Couples of the Old Testament, LifeGuide Character Bible Study by Dale & Sandy Larsen
- Friendship: Growing Side by Side, LifeGuide Topical Bible Studies by Carolyn Nystrom
- Marriage: Learning from Couples in Scripture (Fisherman Bible Studyguides) by R. Paul Stevens & Gail Stevens
- They Were Single Too: 8 Biblical Role Models by David M. Hoffeditz
Tip: Remember that not all people in the Bible lived each moment with integrity. Learn from both the good and bad in their lives.
Bible Character Studies Based on Ministry
The pages of Scripture contain many examples of people who served God in various capacities. We can learn from their leading, teaching, evangelizing, and a number of other ministries.
- 21 Qualities of Leaders in the Bible Workbook by John C. Maxwell
- Lead as Jesus Led: Transformed Influence by Bill Hull, Paul Mascarella
- Minister as Jesus Ministered: Transformed Service by Bill Hull, Paul Mascarella
- Nehemiah, Men Of Character Series by Gene A. Getz
- Rock-Solid Teacher: Discover the Joy of Teaching Like Jesus by Gregory C. Carlson
- Teaching As Jesus Taught by Roy Zuck
- Twelve Unlikely Heroes Study Guide: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You by John MacArthur
Tip: Glean principles for serving from all who have gone before us but always look to Jesus as the Master Servant.