How to Study a Biblical Text

Eperiencing God in the Bible

 

The key to studying any text is to ask the right questions. Studying a text of the Bible is simply a matter of asking good questions and exploring the answers. This also provides an excellent format for group study/discussion.

 

The language questions. What do the words mean? What style of writing is used?

 

How are words emphasized via word placement, repetition, tense, etc. Why are
particular words used? What are the key words? What thoughts & feelings do
the words evoke? How do the connective words function (eg what do words
like “but” and “therefore” refer to?)

The historical and context questions. Who is speaking/acting? When does this occur (eg in the hx of Paul’s ministry, Jesus’ ministry, salvation history, etc.)
What special light does the history shed on the text if any? How does text fit
into the larger picture (e.g. surrounding chapters). Where in the Bible are
similar topics covered?

 

The theological questions. What big-picture truths are reflected in the text?
What other truths shed light on what is in the text?

 

The tactical questions. Authors (human/divine) write with a purpose in mind
and employ a strategy or tactics to drive a point home. How does one idea
lead to another, build on other ideas. What is the text leading up to? What
are the author’s reasons for writing?

 

The Jesus questions. How does the text relate to Jesus For example, does it (directly
or indirectly) refer to Jesus, reflect on Jesus, provide background for his coming,
anticipate Jesus, point to the need for Jesus, etc.

 

The contemporary questions. How does the text apply to life in our world?
Does it shed light on current issues (social, cultural, political, etc.)? How does
the contemporary world-view respond to the text?

 

The personal questions. How am I responding inwardly to the text (attracted,
repelled, fearful, ashamed, intrigued, excited, perplexed) and what might that mean? What is God saying to me through the text? How am I to respond? How does the text shed light on current circumstances, problems, experiences, etc. What is happening in my life/heart that allows me to identify with the text (truth expressed, response of people, etc)