INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY METHOD

The inductive Bible study method provides tools for a deeper and more intentional Bible study. The goal of IBS is to help us understand God’s Word for ourselves through the use of these 3 steps: Observation, Interpretation, and Application.

 

OBSERVATION

What do I see?

Observing the passage is the easiest step, and you can go as deep or shallow with it as you want! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and mark down anything that you see or notice about the text. Read the passage repeatedly and observe the text.

Ask yourself the 4 W’s of observation: Who? Where? When? What?

In addition to answering the questions above, consider taking note of the following to go deeper:

  • Key or repeated words/phrases

  • Key themes

  • Lists

  • Transition words (i.e. therefore, thus, so)

  • If/then statements

  • Comparisons/contrasts

  • Commands

  • Unfamiliar words

  • Questions you have

 

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

The interpretation of the text should flow naturally from the observations you’ve made. Unlike the vast amount of observations you can make, there’s only one true interpretation, or meaning, of the text. Now you get to link your observations together and think more deeply to figure out what the passage means. Try working through the 4 C’s of interpretation:

  • CONTEXT

    • Read the chapter(s) before and after the passage you’re studying, and take note of any important details or connections you find.

  • COMPARISON

    • Look up cross-references (sometimes in the margins of your Bible) to compare scripture with scripture.

  • CULTURE

    • Ask: “What would the original audience have thought about this text?”

    • Utilize word studies to discover what words meant in the original Greek or Hebrew (the Blue Letter Bible app is a great resource).

  • COMMENTARY

    • Read trustworthy commentaries if you feel like you need further insight into the passage (Warren Wiersbe, Matthew Henry, David Guzik, Believer’s Bible Commentary by William McDonald—some of these are on the Blue Letter Bible app).

Lastly, paraphrase the passage in your own words to see if you understand it.

 

APPLICATION

How does it work?

While it’s essential to observe and interpret the Bible, it means nothing if we aren’t changed as a result. Consider these 4 critical steps of application:

  • KNOW

    • If you’re still not completely sure what the text means, seek out a pastor, church leader, or someone mature in their faith to help you before moving on to application.

  • RELATE

    • Scripture relates to your life in six areas: your mind, character, relationships, habits, service, influence. Assess which of these areas the passage you’re studying closely relates to.

  • MEDITATE

    • Take what you’ve been learning and dwell on it throughout the day. That can look like committing verses to memory, or putting the Word in places you’ll see it often (e.g. phone lockscreen, mirror, car).

  • PRACTICE

    • Condense the truths you’ve learned into a practical challenge or action step. Keep it S.M.A.R.T. — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based

 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

Additional Resources:

Logos - How to Do an Inductive Bible Study | https://www.logos.com/how-to/inductive-bible-study

Navigators - Navigator Discipleship Tool | https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/navtool-inductive-bible-study.pdf

CRU - Learning to Ask Good Questions - Keith E. Johnson | https://ibs.cru.org/files/9315/5655/4001/Learning_to_Ask_Good_Questions.pdf