Methods of Bible Study

ObservationInterpretation

CorrelationApplication

The Big Picture Observation – What does it say?

Interpretation – What does it mean?

Correlation – What other Scripture supports this?

Application – How does that work forme?

Figure 2Figure 1

Figure 3

Observation Exegesis

• Ex – out of

Eisegesis• Eis – into I think I feel I believe I heard that

http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/dispen/literal.htm

Observation Read

• Start with your favorite version

• Try two or three different versions

List• Names• Places• Chronological data

• Similarities• Differences

ObservationWhen observing a

passage ask

• Who• What • When• Where• How

Warning, this is not for the faint of heart. Please avoid

Interpretation

Application

Interpretation

Interpretation Genres

• Law• History• Poetry• Prophecy• Parables• Epistles (Letters)• Apocalyptic

Interpretation Genres

• Law• History• Poetry• Prophecy• Parables• Epistles (Letters)• Apocalyptic

Interpretation Author and Date

• Old Testament writers – Law, poetry, or prophecy? Prophecy—which captivity?

• New Testament writers – Which Gospel? Epistles—Which writer or missionary journey?

Interpretation

Grammar Subjects Verbs How clauses relate to each other How are prepositional phrases used

Word usage

Interpretation

If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense.

David Cooper