There are many ways you can study your Bible. We typically think of these as methods or strategies. That’s why we say we can study the Bible topically, chronologically, biographically, or even verse by verse.
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As of this writing, I intend to write my own tutorials about how to study the Bible using these strategies, as well as other strategies I didn’t mention (in the previous paragraph). But knowing those strategies alone won’t be enough if you don’t also pay attention to the major elements that are found within each strategy.
You can also think of them as stages within each Bible study method. Each element acts as a step that leads to the next step in the strategy.
There are four distinct elements you need to know.
1. The Observation Element
Bible study’s observation element is what you might call the “surface” element. That’s because it looks at the plain text on the page, right off the bat, with little to no “deep” research done up front.
This part of the Bible study process where you make yourself aware of what you see. For example, it looks at the sentence structure, the words that are used, the questions that are asked, and other similar features within passages, books, and chapters.
2. The Interpretation Element
Bible study’s interpretation element is what you might call the “vertical” element. That’s because it carefully pulls out the original intended meaning of what’s written on the page.
This part of the Bible study process pulls out the meaning of what you see to determine Biblical principles. This meaning must be the meaning that was originally intended by the writer, not necessarily what you and I want it to mean.
3. The Correlation Element
Bible study’s correlation element is what you might call the “horizontal” element. That’s because it links key thoughts and themes across multiple verses, paragraphs, chapters, and—when appropriate—books.
This part of the Bible study process relates meanings, themes, events, and other Scriptural components to make the Bible coherent with itself. This can be done easily with charts, diagrams, and other illustrations.
4. The Application Element
Bible study’s application element is what you might call the “depth” element. That’s because it seeks to actively engage the truths of God’s word in everyday life.
Some people may argue that this is what you do after you study the Bible, but I say it’s an extension of Bible study. I firmly believe that you should try to apply the principles that you study, and when you do, you’re able to understand God’s word in an active way.
Quite simply, there’s a difference between how you retain Biblical information versus how you use it to serve others and glorify God. Application is where you actively conform your life to God’s principles—which are determined through the other three elements.
Conclusion
Ultimately, these four study elements make up something commonly called “inductive Bible study.” You may have also heard it called “exegetical” study. Either way, the idea is that you use these four elements to know what God says, rather than using any other random element to say what you want the Bible to say.
Discussion Question: Are there other elements you notice I haven’t mentioned?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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