What are some different methods of Bible study?

Answer

There are various Bible study methods that can be utilized to study in an organized or systematic manner. In this article, we will categorize them into two main groups: Book Studies and Topical Studies. Before delving into the different types of Bible study methods, it is crucial to acknowledge that they all share certain elements and must adhere to specific hermeneutic rules or principles to prevent misinterpretation of the Bible. Regardless of the Bible study method employed, it is essential that the study takes into account the context of the subject or verse being examined, both within the immediate context of the chapter or book and in the broader context of the Bible. The primary objective should be to grasp the original or intended meaning of the passage. In essence, what was the intended meaning of the human author, and how would the original audience have interpreted his words? This principle recognizes that the Bible was not composed in isolation but is a historical document crafted at a particular point in time with a specific audience in mind and for a specific purpose. Once the true meaning of the passage is comprehended, the next step is to explore how it is relevant to us today.

Book Studies: This method of Bible study centers on either a complete book in the Bible or a specific section of a book, such as a particular chapter, a selection of verses, or an individual verse. Whether employing a chapter and verse-by-verse approach or studying an entire book, the principles and objectives remain consistent. For instance, to conduct a comprehensive book study, it is imperative to also examine the context of individual chapters and verses. Similarly, to interpret a specific verse correctly, one must consider the overarching message of the chapter and book in which the verse is situated. Whether analyzing at the level of an individual verse or a complete boOK study, we must always consider the overall context of the whole Bible as well.

Topical Studies: There are many varieties of topical studies that we can do. Some examples include biographical studies, where we study all the Bible says about a particular person; word studies, where we explore all the Bible says about a specific word or subject; and geographical studies, where we learn all we can about a particular town, country, or nation mentioned in the Bible. Topical studies are essential for comprehending all the Bible teaches on a specific subject or topic. However, we must be cautious that the conclusions drawn from a topical study do not arise from extracting verses from their original context to imply a meaning that could not be supported by conducting a verse study or book study. Topical studies are valuable in systematically organizing and understanding what the Bible teaches on specific subjects.

In studying the Bible, it is truly beneficial to use different Bible study methods at different times. Sometimes, we might want to dedicate extended time to a book study while at other times, we can greatly benefit from engaging in some form of topical study. Regardless of the type of study we undertake, we must follow these basic steps: 1- Observation – what does the Bible say? 2- Interpretation – What does the Bible mean? and 3- Application – How does this biblical truth apply to my life, or how is this passage relevant today? Regardless of the Bible study method we choose, we must be careful to rightly divide the Word of God so that we are workmen who need not be ashamed “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).