Observe, interpret, apply: studying a text carefully on its own terms

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

ACTS 17:11 (KJV)

There are numerous ways to study the Bible, but one primary option is called inductive Bible study. This form of study approaches a specific text with a lens of investigation, hoping through deep and careful study, we might learn the depth, insight, and beauty of a specific passage. Inductive Bible study is different than other forms of study because this method allows the text to speak for itself. Instead of looking for Scripture to say what we want it to say, we come to a passage ready to hear what it has to say.

Inductive Bible study is built around 3 primary steps. Observation, interpretation, and application.

Observation

All inductive study begins with observation.

• Who is writing this passage?
• What is the intended audience that is being written to?
• What is the genre of this passage? (Narrative, poetic, epistle, prophecy, etc.)
• What do you notice about the structure? (Repeated words, phrases, ideas or stylistic choices)

Observation is meant to help us see the text for more of what it is.

Interpretation

After observation comes the step of interpretation. Discovering more deeply what a text means. Interpretation relies heavily on asking questions of the text, and consulting outside resources to discover some of these answers.

• What does a specific word or phrase mean in this context?
• What was the author’s intended goal in writing this?
• What historically was occurring as this was being written?
• How do other passages of Scripture relate to this one?

Application

The final piece of inductive Bible study begins to look at application. What does an ancient document composed thousands of years ago have to do with us today?

• How does this passage impact us today?
• What does this teach me about who God is?
• What specifically does this passage invite me to as a follower of Jesus?

Inductive Bible study isn’t the only way to study Scripture, but it is one of the most well respected forms of biblical study. The next time you have some questions about a passage why not give this form of study a try?

RESOURCES

Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks (Moody Publishers)
The classic observe, interpret, apply method

Living by the Book Workbook (Moody Publishers)
Short exercises plus guided studies of Ruth and James