There are several different ways to look at any piece of literature. In the case of the Bible, it pays to look from every angle that might yield a payoff. It is convenient to think of 11 such angles, or “steps,” in the study process:
1. Text—Seeking the original wording to avoid treating a scribal error that accidentally crept into the text as original.
2. Translation—Studying how to best convey in a modern language the concepts conveyed by the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek.
3. Grammar—Analyzing the language of the passage under consideration to be sure it is not misunderstood.
4. Lexical content—Seeking the correct meaning of a passage’s words.
5. Form—Studying the literary category and the characteristics that make any passage special.
6. Structure—Analyzing the way that the elements of a passage are ordered and how that affects its meaning.
7. Historical context—Studying the milieu in which the Bible was revealed to humans, which helps yield the point of its contents.
8. Literary context—Studying how a passage fits within the book of which it is a part and how that affects its meaning.
9. Biblical context—Analyzing what a passage contributes to the Bible as a whole, and what the rest of the Bible contributes to understanding the passage.
10. Application—Seeking to conform beliefs and actions to the guidance that the Bible imparts.
11. Secondary literature—Examining the wisdom and diligent study of others as they have put it into books and articles.[1]
I hope we may do sincere Bible Study, please do not use big jargon like theologian!
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