SOAP Bible study examples: 10 complete journal entries across every genre

A SOAP Bible study example is a finished journal entry showing all four steps on one passage: the Scripture copied out, three to five sentences of Observation about the text, one specific Application, and a short Prayer. Below are ten complete entries on KJV passages from ten different kinds of writing, from a psalm and a proverb to a Gospel story, a prophet and a letter.

Many SOAP examples online use one famous verse, often John 3:16, and stop there. That's fine until you try SOAP on Lamentations or a miracle story in Mark, and the method suddenly feels awkward. Different kinds of passages need slightly different observations and applications.

So each example below names its genre and shows one adjustment that helps with that kind of text. Copy the pattern, not the words: your application should come from your week, not ours.

The 10 SOAP examples at a glance

If you're new to the method, read our full guide to the SOAP Bible study method first. It explains each letter and includes five more worked examples (Psalm 23, Philippians 4, James 1, John 15 and Romans 12).

If you'd rather write your own entries as you read these, the app's SOAP journal is built around the same four steps and keeps every entry in one place.

Example 1: Psalm 1:1-3 (poetry)

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Observation. Verse 1 has a slow downward slide: walking, then standing, then sitting. It describes how a person drifts into the company of "the scornful" by degrees. Verse 2 gives the alternative, delight and meditation "day and night." The tree in verse 3 isn't impressive because it works hard; it's "planted by the rivers of water." Its fruit comes "in his season," not all the time.

Application. I don't sit down with cynics on purpose, I drift there through what I scroll. This week I'll notice which accounts leave me scornful and mute three of them.

Prayer. Lord, plant me near your word so my roots go deep. Keep me from drifting into scorn. Give me patience for fruit that comes in its season. Amen.

Genre tip: In poetry, write down each image (path, seat, tree, river) and ask what it means. The images carry the argument.

Example 2: Proverbs 3:5-6 (wisdom)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Observation. This is a father speaking to a son (Proverbs 3:1, "My son"). The lines come in pairs: "trust in the Lord" is set against "lean not unto thine own understanding." The scope is total: "all thine heart," "all thy ways." Verse 7 continues the thought with "Be not wise in thine own eyes." The promise is direction ("he shall direct thy paths"), not a map of the whole route.

Application. I'm deciding whether to take a new job, and I've made a spreadsheet but haven't prayed about it once. Tonight I'll pray through the list before I look at it again, and ask one wise person for their view.

Prayer. Father, I lean on my own understanding all the time. I bring you this decision completely. Direct my path, even if you only show me the next step. Amen.

Genre tip: Proverbs are wise patterns, not guarantees for every case. Read each saying alongside its neighbors; you'll find many of them in context on our Proverbs summary.

Example 3: Genesis 50:19-21 (narrative)

And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Observation. Jacob has just died, and Joseph's brothers fear he'll finally take revenge (Genesis 50:15). Decades earlier they had sold him for "twenty pieces of silver" (Genesis 37:28). Joseph refuses to take God's place as judge ("am I in the place of God?"). He holds two truths at once: "ye thought evil against me," and "God meant it unto good." He then backs his words with action: he provides for them and speaks "kindly unto them."

Application. I've said I forgave my brother for what happened two years ago, but I still avoid him. This week I'll text him first and invite him for coffee, without bringing up the past.

Prayer. God, you can bring good out of what others meant for evil. I'm not the judge. Give me Joseph's courage to forgive with actions, not only words. Amen.

Genre tip: With stories, don't ask "what should I copy?" first. Ask "what does this show about God?" Here, his rule over even evil choices. Then ask what that frees you to do. Read the full scene in Joseph reveals himself and follow Joseph's whole life.

Example 4: Joshua 1:9 (narrative with a command)

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Observation. The command first went to Joshua, right after Moses died (Joshua 1:1-2), as he was about to lead Israel across the Jordan. The call to be strong and courageous comes three times in God's opening speech (verses 6, 7 and 9). The reason given isn't Joshua's ability but God's presence: "the Lord thy God is with thee." Verse 8 ties this courage to meditating on "this book of the law."

Application. The promise was given to Joshua for a specific task, so I won't treat it as a guarantee that every plan I make will succeed. But the God who was with him is the same God. Tomorrow I start a new role, and I'll read this verse before the first meeting instead of rehearsing my fears.

Prayer. Lord, you were with Joshua when Moses was gone and the river was in front of him. Be with me in what's new. Make me strong because you are near, not because I feel ready. Amen.

Genre tip: When a command is addressed to a specific person, write who it was for in your Observation. Then apply the principle (God's presence) rather than the exact task (crossing a river).

Example 5: Isaiah 40:29-31 (prophecy)

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Observation. Chapter 40 opens with "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people." In verse 27 the people complain, "My way is hid from the Lord." Isaiah answers that the Creator "fainteth not, neither is weary" (verse 28), and then gives that strength to the faint. Even "the youths" fall, so strength isn't a matter of age or energy. The ones renewed are "they that wait upon the Lord."

Application. I feel burned out and I've been trying to fix it with more caffeine and later nights. This week I'll take a real day off, and I'll begin each morning with five minutes of waiting on God before I check messages.

Prayer. Everlasting God, you never grow tired. I do. When I think my way is hidden from you, remind me that you see me. Renew my strength as I wait on you. Amen.

Genre tip: Prophets spoke to real people with real problems. Find the problem first (here, people who felt forgotten), and the promise will make sense.

Example 6: Lamentations 3:22-23 (lament)

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Observation. Lamentations mourns the fall of Jerusalem; it opens with the city sitting "solitary" like a widow (Lamentations 1:1). Tradition attributes the book to Jeremiah, though the book itself doesn't name its author. These hopeful verses come in the middle of grief, after twenty verses of pain in chapter 3. The turning point is verse 21: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Hope starts with remembering. Nothing outside has changed yet.

Application. I've been grieving a friendship that ended, and I keep replaying it. Each morning this week I'll write one specific mercy from the previous day before I let myself replay anything.

Prayer. Lord, your compassions do not fail. Some mornings it doesn't feel that way. Help me call your faithfulness to mind when grief is loud, and give me hope I can't make myself. Amen.

Genre tip: In laments, find where the writer turns from complaint to trust. Don't skip the complaint; it gives you permission to be honest in your own Prayer.

Quick quiz: Proverbs

According to Proverbs 1:7, what is “the beginning of knowledge”?

The study of ScriptureThe fear of the LORDListening to the eldersLife experience

To which animal is the sluggard sent to learn wisdom?

The beeThe lionThe antThe eagle

To whom does the book’s first verse attribute the Proverbs?

SolomonAgurLemuelHezekiah

Continue the quiz

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start free, no card needed.

Example 7: Mark 4:37-41 (Gospel miracle)

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Observation. Jesus had said, "Let us pass over unto the other side" (Mark 4:35), so the destination was already promised. The disciples' question in verse 38 isn't "can you help?" but "carest thou not?" Jesus speaks to the sea, then to the disciples: "Why are ye so fearful?" The story ends with a bigger question than it began with: "What manner of man is this?" After the calm, they feared him more than the storm.

Application. When things go wrong I don't only fear the problem, I assume God doesn't care. Tonight, about the health test I'm waiting on, I'll pray "you care" before I ask for anything.

Prayer. Jesus, the wind and sea obey you. Forgive me for asking if you care when you've already shown me that you do. Give me faith in the middle of this, not just after. Amen.

Genre tip: Miracle stories are about who Jesus is. End your Observation with what the event reveals about him. The storm story and the Mark quiz are good follow-ups.

Example 8: Luke 10:38-42 (Gospel story)

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Observation. Martha isn't doing anything wrong; she "received him into her house" and is serving. The problem is that she is "cumbered" (distracted, weighed down) and "careful and troubled about many things." She even accuses Jesus: "dost thou not care?" Jesus says her name twice, which sounds gentle, not harsh. He doesn't call service bad. He says "one thing is needful," and Mary has chosen it.

Application. I serve at church and I'm busy every Sunday, but I rarely sit and listen. This week I'll take one evening with no tasks and read Luke 10 to 11 slowly, just listening.

Prayer. Lord, you know my name, and you know how many things I'm troubled about. Teach me the one thing that's needful. Let my serving flow from sitting at your feet. Amen.

Genre tip: In conversations, watch the tone and the exact words Jesus uses. Read more about Martha and Mary of Bethany.

Example 9: Colossians 3:23-24 (letter)

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Observation. In context, Paul is addressing "servants" (bondservants) in verse 22, people with little control over their work. He tells them to work "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." The motive moves the focus from the earthly master to Christ: "ye serve the Lord Christ." The reward is "the inheritance," not a raise or recognition.

Application. My situation is very different from a first-century servant's, but the principle that my work is done before the Lord still applies. I'll do tomorrow's boring report carefully, without cutting corners nobody would notice.

Prayer. Lord Christ, I serve you in my job, even in tasks no one sees. Give me a whole heart for ordinary work, and free me from working only for praise. Amen.

Genre tip: Letters were written to specific churches and people. Write the original audience in your Observation, then ask what carries over to you. The Colossians summary gives the background.

Example 10: 1 John 1:9 (letter)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Observation. The verse follows two claims John rejects: walking in darkness while claiming fellowship (1 John 1:6), and saying "we have no sin" (1 John 1:8). Confession is the honest alternative. Forgiveness rests on God's character, "faithful and just," not on how sorry we feel. There are two results: to "forgive" and to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness." John adds in 1 John 2:1 that "we have an advocate with the Father."

Application. I keep carrying guilt for something I confessed months ago. Today I'll write this verse on a sticky note and read it aloud each time the guilt comes back.

Prayer. Father, you are faithful and just to forgive. I confess what I've done, and I receive your forgiveness instead of trying to earn it. Cleanse me, and help me walk in the light. Amen.

Genre tip: When a verse contains a promise, use its words directly in your Prayer. It keeps your prayer anchored in what God has said.

How to adapt SOAP to different kinds of passages

The examples above show a pattern. Each genre needs a slightly different question in the O and A steps.

For even more prompts, our list of questions to ask when reading the Bible groups 40 questions by observation, meaning and application.

What these SOAP examples have in common

Look back at the ten applications. Each one names a real situation (a job decision, a brother, a health test), a specific action, and a time ("tonight," "this week," "tomorrow"). None says "I should trust God more."

Look at the observations, too. Each one points to something you could underline in the text: a repeated word, a verse just before, a contrast, a question. That's what keeps SOAP grounded in the Bible rather than in your mood.

And the prayers are short. Three or four sentences that echo the passage's own words are plenty.

Turning examples into a habit

Reading examples is easy. Writing your own every day is harder. Three things help:

1. Use a plan. Deciding what to read each morning wastes the time you have. Follow a reading plan or one book in order.
2. Use one template every time. Our SOAP Bible study template gives you the same fields each day, so you can start writing immediately.
3. Review on Sunday. Reread the week's applications and mark which ones you did. That's where you see growth.

Once SOAP feels natural, try other approaches for variety. Our comparison of Bible study methods covers eight, and how to study the Bible on your own shows how to combine them into a weekly rhythm.

Bible Academy puts the pieces in one place: a reading plan through the whole Bible at 1 to 5 chapters a day, a SOAP meditation journal for the passage that stood out, and a short quiz after each reading so you remember what you read.

Frequently asked questions

What is an example of a SOAP Bible study?

A short example on Proverbs 3:5-6: Scripture, write out the two verses. Observation, a father tells his son to trust the Lord with "all thine heart" instead of leaning on his own understanding, and God promises to direct his paths. Application, pray over a current decision before analyzing it again. Prayer, ask God to direct your next step.

How long should a SOAP journal entry be?

Most good entries are 150 to 250 words: the verse, three to five sentences of observation, two or three sentences of application, and a prayer of three to six sentences. That takes about 15 minutes including the reading. Longer isn't better if it makes you stop journaling after a week.

Can I do SOAP on Old Testament stories?

Yes, but adjust the Application step. Stories describe what happened; they don't always tell you to do the same. Ask what the story shows about God (his faithfulness, justice, patience), then ask how that truth affects your week. Genesis 50:19-21, where Joseph forgives his brothers, works well this way.

What should I write in the Observation part of SOAP?

Write what the text says, not what it means for you yet. Note who is speaking and to whom, what comes just before and after, repeated or contrasting words, and what the passage shows about God and people. A good test: someone else reading the same verse should be able to confirm your observation.

Do SOAP examples need to be from the KJV?

No. SOAP works with any translation. These examples use the King James Version, which some readers find slower and more memorable to copy out. If you use the KJV, note old word meanings in your Observation, such as "careful" (anxious) or "cumbered" (distracted, weighed down).