You ought to study the Bible. To the unfaithful, it’s a fascinating work of antiquity and many of its principles undergird Western Civilization. To the faithful, it gives a motive and manual for life. Yet, there’s no other work I know that is so stretched, torn, and shredded beyond what it says. So, I think it’s worthwhile codifying how it should be studied.
Good Bible study consist of three components: observation, interpretation, and application. These are the components of an Inductive Study, but these big words sound daunting, and I use them only to remain conventional. Give me a moment before you turn-off.
Observation
Observation answers the question: “What does it say?” Observation goes beyond glancing, seeing, or looking; it implies a careful, curious, detailed analysis of what the text says. Perhaps it’s best illustrated by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Scandal in Bohemia.” In it, Watson finds Holmes’ deductions simple, yet he cannot make the same deductions until Holmes explains. An interesting interchange follows, with Holmes beginning:
“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”
“Frequently.”
“How often?”
“Well, some hundreds of times.”
“Then how many are there?”
“How many? I don’t know.”
“Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed.” [1]
Observation can be done perfectly. We are reasoning creatures, and we have the capability to exactly see what something says. Observation is essential for correct interpretation. Because observation can be done perfectly, it always trumps interpretation.
Remarks
Humans learn observation early. The classical method of education begins with the grammar stage, which is observation across multiple subjects. When I teach multi-generational Bible studies, I spend most of my time on observation, because, relative to adults, children are equally capable observers.
Unfortunately, adult studies and sermons often skip observation. I don’t know the motive. Perhaps we think it’s too obvious; perhaps we’re too used to browsing. Whatever the motive, adult studies jump to interpretation quickly, which is dangerous, because interpretation is subject to human error. Adults teachers and preachers should first focus on observation.
Interpretation
Interpretation answers the question: “What does it mean?” Interpretation reads between the lines to clarify uncertain statements and understand deeper things the author’s saying. In the Bible, those deeper things are usually about the character of God and man. If we assume the author wrote to be understood, there is a hierarchy of interpretive quality.
First, we analyze immediate context. We study the statement and the few statements before and after the statement, seeking hints at what the author means. If we assume the author wants to be understood, he/she usually clarifies ambiguous points nearby. Immediate context is a level one interpretation.
Second, we analyze context within the book. We go beyond the few statements before and after, looking to see if the author gave hints elsewhere. If an author didn’t clarify the statement within immediate context, the second most likely location is elsewhere within the same book. Context within the book is a level two interpretation.
Third, we analyze books by the same author. If we can’t find hints to the meaning of the statement nearby or in the same book, the author may have explained better in another one of his/her works. Books by the same author is a level three interpretation.
Finally, we analyze books of the same type. If an author’s statement isn’t clear in any of his/her works, he/she may be referring to a concept other authors write about. In Bible Study, this is other books in the Bible. Books of the same type is a level four interpretation.
Interpretation builds on observation. Good observation is essential for correct interpretation. Don’t interpret until you’ve observed. Interpretation should never override observation.
Follow this hierarchy to best understand the author. Lower level interpretations should always trump higher level interpretations. For example, interpret James 2’s faith passage with immediate context, a level one interpretation, rather than Ephesians 2’s faith passage, a level four interpretation.
Remarks
These are guidelines, not rules. Sometimes the hierarchy may not lead to the author’s intent, but this is rare; usually authors strive to be understood.
Commentaries are excluded from the hierarchy. Commentaries can be good if the commentator follows these guidelines. A commentator’s reputation does not make his/her interpretation better; rather, a commentator’s good attempt to follow these guidelines makes his/her interpretation better.
Finally, be wary: incorrect Bible interpretation is extremely dangerous. We can always find a reason to justify anything, no matter how wrong. If we carelessly interpret, and don’t follow this hierarchy, we invent our own religion and become our own god. Crucifying self is the first step in Christianity. Mature Christians study the Bible, knowing their error-prone self, and seek to truly understand the Bible and improve themselves.
Application
Application answers the question, “What do I do with it?” Application places our life next to the truth we just discovered, examines it, finds where it’s short, and resolves to change.
Application is not about what others should do with it. We can always find shortcomings in others; examining others wastes time and encourages complacency. Application’s about what I should do with it.
Application presents a crossroad. Knowledge without application fosters arrogance and degenerates the Christian. Knowledge with application fosters humility and creates maturity. It’s crucial. All studies should end in application.
Application builds on observation and interpretation. Good observation and interpretation is essential for correct application. Don’t apply until you’ve first carefully observed and interpreted.
Remarks
Application’s final component, resolving to change, usually comes short of genuine transformation, because we are creatures of habit. Transformation involves a heartfelt realization that my former way fell short, making amends for the shortcoming, and acting the correct way. I use acting intentionally; it’s initially unnatural. Only with continued acting does the heart follow: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Conclusion
As elaborated, Bible Study sounds strict and daunting. However, I specify the strictness to avoid error. When you step back, I’ve really only codified how a normal person reads a normal book: it’s the way you read Dickens and Dostoevsky. You first analyze what it says, then you look between the lines at what it means, then, if you’re genuine, you adjust your life to the truths you discover.
The Bible wasn’t written for learned scholars. Moses wrote to Israel; Jesus spoke to the crowds. It was written for all, from the shepherd to the king. When you next open it, know that the author is clear-headed and wants you to understand. Respect it and carefully study it, and you will understand much.
[1] Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes