I’m so excited about this first installment of our weekly Study Mondays! We’re going to be spending each Monday digging into the Word together and strengthening our biblical foundation. What better way than to learn some skills and tips for Bible Study that will take you out of the passenger’s seat and into a place of ownership where you can command your own understanding of Scripture.
Today I’m going to teach you how to do a word study in the Bible… the right way! And in only 3 steps.
Studying the bible
You need to read your Bible. This is not news to you, I know. It’s something you’ve struggled to incorporate into your daily schedule. You ride the waves of resolve and regret, wishing you could fine the words more… more gripping.
And to actually STUDY the Bible? Where to even start?
Let’s make this more attainable! I’m going to take you through a simple 3-step process that will ensure you are:
1) studying thoroughly using free tools,
2) interpreting the material correctly (yes there is a right and wrong way to do this),
3) giving Holy Spirit room to speak to you through what you’re studying to reveal personal application directly to you.
Studying God’s Word is going to be one of the most fulfilling, addicting exercises you’ll ever embark upon. When you routinely read and study the actual words from God, you begin to learn His voice, recognize how and when He speaks, and open the door for personal revelation.
This is the birthplace of relationship.
Where it stops being a chore and starts to breathe the life you crave, filling the deepest holes in your heart.
So let’s jump in!!
First things first… grab your tools.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
You’re going to need your Bible, a computer, these handouts, and a pen.
That’s it!
If you have access to a hard-copy Strongs Concordance and a Dictionary and prefer to use those, please feel free. For the purpose of this blog post though, I’ll be using free online tools exclusively!
Free Tools
- Your Bible! The paper version with Introductions for each book of the bible. YouVersion also has a free app with Book Introductions you can use instead.
- BibleStudyTools.com – Strongs Concordance
- Merriam-Webster.com – our Dictionary
- Word Study Worksheets – CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
Strongs Numbers
IMPORTANT – you’ll want to turn on the Strongs Concordance numbers setting on your BibleStudyTools application, here’s a tutorial outlining how to accomplish that.
Ok, now you’re ready to dive in!
Here are the steps.
- Gather
- Interpret
- Apply
Step One | GATHER
As an Enneagram 4 wing 5, I just LOVE digging up information. I can quickly become the subject matter expert on anything assigned to me. I love to take the projects that no one knows anything about, dig up all the info I can find, piece it together, and create order out of chaos. To build something out of nothing.
All my fellow investigators, holla atcha girl. 🙌🏻
So this first “Gather” step is a particular joy for me, so get ready to join me on this jaunt of giddy goodness.
Fill out the Study Outline
Select the word from your key verse and add both to your outline. NOTE: Because the Strongs Concordance corresponds with the KJV of the Bible, you’ll want to use that version for the purpose of a word study
Look up the English definition in the dictionary.
Grab your paper bible and flip to the Book Introduction. Who wrote this book? Who were they writing to? Are there any cultural or historical context clues in the introduction? What type of language is being used (great resource here)?
Include them in your Outline if they are available. If not, you can search in BibleStudyTools.com or skip it. However, the more context you can include upfront, the richer, more relevant and accurate your study will be.
The Big Daddy of Word Study…Strongs Concordance
Here’s where things get real and you can put on your “bona fide Biblical Scholar” hat. 😉
When you search for your key verse and word in BibleStudyTools.com, you’ll be able to identify all the information from this worksheet. If you need help, watch this tutorial.
After filling out the information on your original word, click on the “origin” word and trace the word back at least one step.
Sometimes I will back-trace a step or two because understanding the root(s) of the original word and how it was used provides rich context into what the author had in mind when they used it.
As anyone who is bilingual and English is not their first language will tell you, sometimes there is simply not a great English word available that properly represents what is being conveyed in another language.
As investigators and interpreters of God’s word, you want to make sure you’re clear on what the author wrote and more importantly, what they were trying to convey in the original language, not just on the English interpretation.
Step Two | INTERPRET
Piecing Things Together
Now you’re ready to begin the interpretation process. IMPORTANT: At this stage, you are not ready to begin applying what you’re learning to yourself.
Let me say it again. DO NOT begin a personal application process yet.
If you skip the objective interpretation step and move straight into the subjective “How does this apply to me,” you risk misinterpretation, taking things out of context and leading others astray.
When interpreting any ancient text, Biblical or secular, there are set rules that all scholars follow to ensure accurate interpretation. This is one of them.
Also important – read the passages (chapters are even better) before and after the key verse. What is the verse saying in context with the entire set of passages/chapters?
Using the information you’ve uncovered, answer the questions in your Summary. Get into the head of the author and within the framework of the culture of the time, the people they were writing to, were they believers, what type of language is being used, etc.
Rewrite the verse in an expanded version, using all the deeper meanings and context you’ve uncovered. Really nail down the truth the author was speaking to their intended audience, but use your own words.
Step Three | APPLY
Let’s get relational
Ok, you’ve done all the work, now it’s FINALLY time to get personal. To turn that interpretation into personal application. Invite Holy Spirit to turn that principle into application for your own life.
Ask Him these questions:
- What does this mean for me?
- What do you want to say to me through this?
- Do I need to take action? Repent of some misaligned thought patterns? Extend gratitude and praise? Share this revelation with someone else?
- What are some next steps for us?
Then sit still and listen.
I promise… He’ll respond.
wrapping it up
Hearing God’s Voice
Pay attention to where your thoughts go and write them down. If you’re not used to hearing God’s voice, this is a major way He starts conversations in the beginning. Soon you’ll begin to recognize His unique language with you and it will become easier to recognize His thoughts apart from yours. Remember, He is jealous for you. He desires a relationship with you and with any step you take toward Him, He will respond over-and-above in kind. That is His nature. He is a good, good father. Write down what you hear and build on where that takes you.
If you’re not a journaler by nature, make lists instead. But don’t skip the “write this down” step. To those who are faithful to steward what He gives us, more will be given. (Matthew 13:1-12) Think of writing down what He says as a concrete way to steward the gift of His voice.
Don’t get to that writing stage too quickly though. 🙂 It’s so easy in our hustle and bustle to get into action mode too soon. It’s a discipline to sit in stillness and wait for Him to speak. So much of our “praying” is us talking TO Him without leaving space for Him to talk back.
And that’s the BEST PART.
Don’t miss out on the best part. You’ll never be the same again.
Be on the lookout for our upcoming word study on the 10 Hebrew words for Praise! Each Monday I’ll drop a new word study so be sure to follow this blog or join the list for notifications! And as always, shoot me an email or comment below, I’d love to hear from you! 🙂
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