Inductive Study method

The inductive Bible study method examines and interprets the Bible and focuses on observing the text closely, interpreting it in context, and applying it to one’s life. It involves three main steps: observation (looking at what the text says), interpretation (understanding what the text means), and application (how the text can be applied to one’s life). This method encourages individuals to engage with the text directly and draw conclusions based on the evidence presented in the Bible itself. Depending on the specific study, we will use the following as a baseline for studying what scripture has to say to us.

  1. Book
    1. Author
    2. Time of the writing
    3. Who the author is writing to
    4. Authors’ purpose of the book
    5. Historical context (if applicable for understanding)
  2. Chapter
    1. Authors Purpose
    2. The context within the book
  3. Bible
    1. Cross-reference study of significant passages
    2. The context within the entire Bible
  4. Word Study
    1. Analysis of the original Greek or Hebrew word and meaning for significant words
    2. Word repetition and use in other parts of the Bible and how it was translated
    3. Study of various biblical dictionaries
  5. Insights or comments that you will see in each study
  6. Commentary
  7. Our insights and application throughout

Note that a commentary may sometimes be used after first exhausting the prior study methods. In addition, the entire inductive study method involves looking at each scripture in detail and paraphrasing the more difficult ones. We will use this when we thoroughly study an entire book or chapter.

We will use the New American Standard Update Edition throughout most of our studies. When we use another version, we will indicate it. We like the NAS version because it is a relatively recent version, and each word or phrase can be directly translated into a corresponding Greek or Hebrew word, making word studies and translation easier.