This document provides an index to several handouts I have used over the years for helping others develop deepening skills for Bible study. Some are quite recent, and some were first used many years ago.
“Hermeneutics” (hermeneuō, ἑρμηνεύεω, “means” in Hebrews 7:2, etc.) is the art/skill/science of determining meaning. Hermeneutics tend to be more formal or more rigorous than what are often considered “Bible study methods,” but both approaches have the same goal: to understand as accurately and thoroughly as possible the meaning of a text of Scripture. Familiarity with the principles of hermeneutics can enhance the fundamental inductive methodology: Observation, Interpretation, and Application. The clarity provided by thinking in hermeneutical categories can improve what we look for in Observation, the questions we ask in Interpretation, and the spiritual formation we experience in Application.
The articles indexed here are far from exhaustive. While they provide a good starting point, the suggested reading lists and basic bibliographies are essential. Use those resources to pursue your understanding of hermeneutics and improve your Bible study, both personal and in small groups.
Bibliography
Brief Bibliography for Bible Study Methods
A few resources that have been helpful, but perhaps are not the most current.
Grammatical Tools
Samples of the kinds of tools available before on-line resources.
Introduction
Why Study the Bible?
A personal video
Puritans on Bible Study
Owen and Edwards.
Outline for Bible Study Methods
Thirteen-week class
Inductive Bible Study – Introduction
The approach and benefits
Inductive Bible Study – general ideas
Overview of Observation, Interpretation, Application
Inductive study guidelines
Asking questions, mechanics, using references
Inductive Bible Study – sample questions
General questions for Observation, Interpretation, Application
General Skills
Basic Bible Study Skills – Observation
What does it say?
Basic Bible Study Skills – Interpretation
What does it mean?
Basic Bible Study Skills – Application
What does it mean for me?
Observation
Observation – General Comments
Leading discussions
The Student, The Fish, and Agassiz
A story of perseverance in observation.
Sample Observation Questions – Phil 1:1-11
Examples of the kinds of questions that might come to mind. Use the list to stimulate your own thinking when you look at other passages.
Summary of Traina’s “Aids to Observation”
From Methodical Bible Study
Style in Scripture
An example of a “chiasm” in Galatians 5:4.
Interpretation
Interpretation
Phases of interpretation
Sample Interpretation Questions – Philippians 3:12-16
Examples of the kinds of questions that might come to mind. Use the list to stimulate your own thinking when you look at other passages.
Cultural Influences
Bible Study and Culture
Absolute Theological Truths, General Practical Principles, Specific Cultural Practices.
Cultural Applications – 1 Corinthians 11
A sample approach to distinguish timeless truth from cultural specifics.
Packer- Biblical Culture and Immutability of God
J.I. Packer on Culture and the Bible
Genre Influences
Literary Forms
Forms, characteristics, examples
Genre Integrity
From Leadership Journal, Winter 2008
Parables
Setting, Interpretation, Purpose
Interpreting Parables
Parables are not allegories; an example of what not to do.
Studying Prophecy
Purposes and difficulties.
Studying Proverbs
“Short, pithy statements revealing God’s perspective on daily life.”
Studying Psalms
Reading Hebrew poetry.
Figurative Language
Ways of Expressing Truth
Westminster, Matthew, Psalms
Figurative Language
Figurative vs. Literal?
Structure in the Text
Luke 15
Three stories
Parallel Structure in Psalms (Ps 25)
Multi-layered chiasm
Parallel Structure in Psalms (Ps 90)
Multi-layered chiasm
Structure – Acts 17 as five groups
Seeing the structure in a narrative passage to discern how events are related.
Structure – Acts 17 as three groups
Seeing the structure in a narrative passage to discern how events are related.
Structure – Psalm 145
Seeing the structure in a poetic passage to discern the writer’s thought process.
Original Languages
Greek Study Group Index
Simplified Notes on Greek Grammar