Bible Study Methods

Humility

• It is possible that you have discovered a new interpretation of but if knowledge
• BUT it is unlikely
  • Most questions have already been asked
  • Most of these have been answered multiple ways
• Discover
  • READ
  • Bible translations
  • Bible commentaries
  • Theology
  • Philosophy
• Example
  • Daniel’s 2 Kings

Noun Study

• Meaning
• How many different translations for the word are there?
• Law of first mention
• Number of uses
• Context of uses
• Law of Regression
  • Find the final/later mention
  • Work backwards to see how the meaning grew
• Example
  • worship
    • first mention: Jacob leaned on his staff
    • OT ~ bow down,
    • NT ~ service, bow down
  • race
    • ancestors; fathers, sons
    • sons of Adam

Character Study

• How is the character portrayed
  • As a person
    • Character traits good & bad
    • Actions good & bad
  • As a type
    • Allusions
    • Comparisons
    • What isn’t mentioned
  • e.g. Joseph
    • leadership
    • providence
    • no ill mentions
    • fruitful vine