Inductive Bible study is a proven way to trace the meaning of the Bible. “Inductive” means that one observes and deduces from the observations which concern is depicted in the text. This way of reading the Bible starts from the text, asks questions about the text, observes the biblical text and thus tries to understand the message in context.
Inductive Bible study does not take any particular doctrine or dogma of any kind as its starting point. Therefore, this can also be understood as “neutral Bible study”.
Inductive Bible study can be seen as a sound basis for hermeneutics, which deals with many other approaches to understanding the text. The understanding of texts – because that is also what Bible reading is about – is of course never completely neutral, because it remains an interpretation and interpretation that also depends on our previous understanding, the spirit of the times and many other factors. No one can escape it. However, there is a difference between interpreting a Bible text from the outset with an interpretation in mind and consulting the text first.
Inductive Bible study strengthens the confidence that really everyone can read the Bible for himself with profit. In the Proverbs of Solomon, he describes the experience:
“He who heeds the word finds good, and happy is he who trusts in the LORD.”
Prov 16:20
This captures well the concern and power of inductive Bible reading. It is also my personal experience.
Inductive Bible study: three steps to understanding the text
The principle of inductive Bible study is simple. There are three steps to the goal:
- Observe
- Interpret
- Apply
When observing, the Bible text is read and information is gathered from the text – it is first listened to. When interpreting, one tries to understand the information one has just found in its own context – what did the listener understand at the time? In the final application, the understanding of the text is interpreted again, but now with the meaning for my own life – what do I learn from it?
Understanding the text is a good starting point, but the purpose of the Bible is not to improve our reading, but to reorient our lives. It is a good practice to supplement the reading of the Bible with a prayer for understanding. This corresponds to the attitude that we do not and cannot know everything. Humility as an attitude of faith should come first, especially when reading the Bible.
Inductive Bible study leads to maturity in questions about Bible doctrine. Those who study the Bible for themselves can form their own opinions and discuss them with others. This promotes community and exchange. The examination of the Bible text also leads to learning to separate the essential from the non-essential. One discovers what the concern of the biblical writers was. It is an ongoing process of differentiation with personal gain.
1. Observe
Gathering information
When observing, information is collected. You read the text and pay attention:
- used words
- used terms
- Repetitions
- Words that mark reasons (because, therefore, hence …)
- Text style (narrative, poetry, etc.)
These things are unique to each text. Here you will also find the core concepts that the Bible passage is about.
Example Ephesians
In the following Bible passage, for example, it is striking how often the expression “in Him” (in Christ) is used. It could be highlighted like this:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly (regions) in Christ,
4 As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love.
5 He predestined us to sonship to himself through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, with which he has pardoned us in the Beloved.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions according to the riches of his grace,
8 Which he made to abound unto us in all wisdom and understanding.
9 He has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to the (counsel) which he has purposed in him for his good pleasure,
10 to be carried out in the fullness of time: to gather all things together under one head in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth.
11 – in him, in whom we also have obtained an inheritance, who are predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
12 That we might serve to the praise of his glory, who before hoped in the Christ.
13 In him you also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation – in him you also, when you believed, were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 Who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of our possession, to the praise of his glory.
Eph 1:3-14 (Schlachter 2000)
If we read the text carefully, we see that Paul uses the phrase “in Christ” in verse 3 and refers to it again and again in the following passage. The expressions “in Him” or “in the Beloved” refer back to Christ. Paul describes how our riches are not “in us” but “in Christ.” This has consequences.
The 7 questions
Observation also involves learning to understand the text in context. The 7 “W” questions help you to do this:
- Who (writer, speaker, function)
- Says What (words that are used, stories that are told)
- When (time of writing, time when this applies)
- and Where (place of writing, place where what is said applies)
- to whom (listener or recipient of the message)
- Why? (the reason for the statement)
- and What for? (Aim of the statements)
These questions are intended to clarify the background, context and aim of the current Bible passage. These questions clarify the “text in context”. It’s amazing what you discover about the text in the process.
Example Gospel of Matthew
An example from the Gospels. These here are the introductory events and words to the “end time sermon” of Jesus in the chapters Matthew 24 and Matthew 25.
1 And Jesus went out and departed from the temple. And his disciples came near to show him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say to you: There shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be broken down!
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him alone and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your return (gr. parousia) and of the end of the age (gr. aion)?
4 And Jesus answered and said to them …”
Mt 24:1-4 (Slachter 2000)
Here are the questions about the text
- Who speaks? It is a conversation in which Jesus speaks (verse 2 and 4) and his disciples ask questions (verse 3).
- What is said? Jesus’ statement concerns the temple (verse 2). The disciples ask 3 questions: When will this happen? What will be the sign of your parousia? What will be the sign of the end of the current age? (verse 3)
- When does this play? The conversation takes place shortly before Jesus is taken prisoner (from Mt 26:47). The disciples’ questions, however, point to the events and time of which Jesus spoke, that the temple would be demolished – which the disciples equate in their questions with the upheaval of the current world time (Greek aion, age) and the appearance (Greek parousia) of Jesus.
- Where does this play? First, Jesus and the disciples are still in the temple area (verse 1). Later they go up to the Mount of Olives opposite (verse 2). In the rest of the discourse, Jesus then speaks similarly of the “holy place” (verse 15) and of “Judea” (verse 16), the area around Jerusalem. Future events, which the disciples ask about, take place, according to Jesus, where the conversation is currently being held.
- To whom is Jesus speaking? See point 1. Furthermore, there are other groups that will be included in the following speech.
- Why does Jesus say this? The disciples asked Him.
- What is Jesus saying these things for? It is the answer to a question. The disciples asked about the future and Jesus speaks about what it will be like at the “end of the age” when the change to the age to come takes place. This contrast is mentioned more frequently in the Gospels (e.g. Mt 12:32, Mk 10:30, Lk 18:30).
Tip
For each Bible passage, make a list of these “W” questions and answer them all. Many doctrinal differences stem from not paying careful attention to these questions.
2. Interpret
Interpretation now uses the information gathered from the text. Already, in fact, a picture has been created. When the text is observed, one discovers the focus of the Bible passage. Two examples from different texts were given. The example from the Gospel of Matthew concerns a completely different topic than the one from Ephesians. Matthew’s is a conversation and not a letter like Paul’s. The speaker and the listeners are different. The times are different and different things are spoken of. These differences have become clear after observation.
Example Ephesians
Ephesians is about a letter from Paul to the churches (presumably a circular letter to various churches), in which he explains that our riches are “in Christ”. To this end, it provides many references. If we were to take a closer look at the text now (we should also ask the 6 questions here), we could uncover many more details. Step by step, you then get closer to the statement. The first observation was that the phrase “in Him” is used frequently. This focuses attention on the writer’s concern. If we then read on, we learn much more about it. Interpretation is first and foremost about understanding what Paul’s concern was for the churches when he wrote his letter.
Example Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is about a look into the future. The context connects with what the disciples had learned from Jesus in the last 3 years. It takes place before the cross. The context of the Gospels is about the expectation of Israel (Mt 15:24, Rom 15:8). There is still no sign of the “congregation from all nations”. Even after the resurrection, nothing changes for the time being. Therefore, the logical question of the disciples after the resurrection and before the ascension is, “Lord, are you restoring the kingship to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6). All of these references come from the broader context of this Bible passage. Such connections present themselves when one has read and “inductively” examined more and more passages and Bible books over time.
The interpretation: The disciples ask here how it goes on with Jesus as Messiah of Israel. When does He appear as King (Greek: parousia)? When does the change to the time of the messianic kingdom take place (end of this aion, beginning of the next aion)? It is about the fulfillment of the promises made to the fathers and prophets of Israel (Rom 15:8) and the fulfillment of salvation for Israel (Matt 1:21).
Inductive Bible study shows Bible texts in their own context
Inductive Bible study helps to see texts in a larger context and at the same time to perceive the details. When collecting information (observation), one starts from small parts. You collect the words, then the sentences, the sections, the chapters, then the Bible books, and then the statements in interdependence. Wider and wider circles are drawn in understanding, leading to an integrated understanding of Scripture. Admittedly: This takes some time and perseverance. That’s the way it is with treasure digging.
However, an inductive study of the Bible can also create the freedom to overlook something. By drawing circles of understanding, you can learn something new. Understanding can, may and should deepen, just as our relationships can, may and should deepen. This creates a richness that rigid specifications cannot fulfill.
3. Apply
Last comes the application to one’s own life. Because that is the special thing about the Bible, that it always carries an expectation and enables reflection. Paul’s word to Timothy applies here:
“All Scripture is inspired by God (Gr. theopneustos – God-breathed) and profitable for instruction, for conviction, for reproof, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully prepared, fully equipped for every good work.”
2Tim 3:16-17
Not every passage in the Bible immediately gives an instruction or guideline for living. When Paul writes that Scripture is also “for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully prepared, fully equipped for every good work,” the Bible also has the function of preparation. It not only helps to do something, but it also helps to be and become something. We become “equipped” for every good work when we engage in God’s Word.
How does this happen? First, our sense of thinking is renewed, whereby we learn to examine what matters (Rom 12:1-2). For good works are prepared by God himself so that we may walk in them (Eph 2:10). So we can go through life stress-free and pray that God will give us open eyes for the good works that He is preparing. Because then we will do them when they offer themselves to us. This is how He works in us.
The application of the Bible to our lives is multifaceted
- What do I learn about God from this passage?
- What do I learn about Jesus Christ from this passage?
- How does God’s work show itself?
- What is God’s goal?
- What is the outlook?
- What am I encouraged by?
- What do I recognize from myself?
- Are there any practical instructions?
- Am I learning about relationships?
- Do I see something that can be used directly in my life?
- How do I integrate this?
- What can I do today?
You can only answer these questions yourself. But there it becomes exciting and lively.
“He who heeds the word finds good, and happy is he who trusts in the LORD.”
Prov 16:20
This text was first published on October 12, 2014 and is republished here, slightly revised.