Throughout our class we will focus on the inductive approach to Bible study.  That is, we will start with the raw data of the Bible text itself and through careful study using all the resources available to us, we will seek to draw what conclusions might be drawn from the particular text.  Our conclusions may be broad and they may be narro.  Our goal with be to get at the original author's intent (and the Spirit's) before we move on to any application. The inductive approach is often contrasts with the deductive approach where the test of scripture is applied to conclusions previously reached.  Most thematic or topical studies are deductive and their is nothing inherentely wrong with a deductive study.  Good deductive study has often begun with inductive study.

The technique of method commonly associated with inductive Bible sudy is called exegesis.  Here are two links to pieces on exegeis:

1.  From Into Thy Word

2.  From Godward.org referencing the work of New Testament Scholar Gordon Fee

Finally, from Old Testament scholar and my former professor, the late Elizabeth Achtemeier:

  1. Establish the translation – spend some time with various translations, even the original languages; nothing wrong with writing your own rough translation based on what you've seen and read.
  2. Set the limits of your selection.  Try to study complete stories or thought units.
  3. Complete a "rhetorical analysis" noting questions, imperatives, repeated words or phrases, exclamations, hyperbole, etc.
  4. Be aware of the literary form, i.e. poetry, prophecy, parable, narrative, law, history.
  5. Study the historical context into which it was first written
  6. Search for any uses of the text elsewhere in Scripture, i.e. New Testament use of an Old Testament prophecy or image. Look for similar images or allusions in other passages.
  7. Summarize the message as intended for the original audience.
  8. Summarize how the message speaks today given our changed context and the issues facing the contemporary world, church and individual believer.

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