Bible Study Methods - Ways to look at things [0300]

Since the Bible is a large book with many, many subjects, the student needs a plan for study.

A sample of types or ways to study the Bible:

• Random - Just open it up and do
• Book - Genesis, Proverbs
• Great Chapters
  

• Psalms 23
• Psalm 139
• Romans 3
• John 3
• Isaiah 53
• Genesis 1

• Verse by verse - often called exegetical
• Historical -
• Biographical - Character studies e.g. Daniel, Paul
• Chronological - Time sequence
• Topical - By topics e.g. Trees, Priests, Tabernacle, Kings
• Doctrine or teaching - Salvation, Sin,

I believe that one essential in Bible Study of any kind is to "get the whole picture." Any particular passage is important and must be understood. However, you miss what God says in the passage if you do not focus related passages or studies. A term sometimes used to describe this principle of Bible Study is "Scripture interprets Scripture."

• What other passages related to this passage?
• What is the position of this passage in the context?
• Is the topic mentioned in any other book(s) of the Bible?
• Is this topic defined in another place in the Bible?

Last Updated 24 February, 2000