Bible Study Pyramid

The six layers of the pyramid (from bottom to top) are the specific things that must be done in order to thoroughly study a passage of Scripture. These six layers, or tasks, accomplish the following five purposes:

1. Preparation. The Bible tells us that "a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised" (1 Cor 2:14). However, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Before beginning to study, ask God to "open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law" (Psalms 119:18).

2. Observation answers the question "What does it say?" To observe, first read the passage multiple times, straight through from beginning to end. As you read, ask yourself the reporter's questions: who, what, where, when, why and how. After you have become familiar with what the passage says, break the passage apart into its logical pieces. What are the major sections of the passage? What is the logical flow of thought?

3. Interpretation answers the question "What does it mean?" Phrasing leads you from observation to interpretation, especially as you ask "why" questions. In order to answer the questions you have asked, it can be helpful to study the individual words to understand what they meant in the context in which they were used. Interpretation often requires reading about the historical and cultural context of the passage.

4. Confirmation. After you have done your study thoroughly, check your conclusions by reading what one or more reputable, conservative theologians have written. You should discover that your conclusion is well-established by reputable scholars. If, on the other hand, no reputable scholar agrees with your conclusion, there is a high probability that you have misunderstood or misinterpreted something. Keep studying until you figure out what you missed.

5. Application answers the question "What does it mean to me? What change do I need to make in how I think, what I say or what I do?" The goal of Bible study is not merely the accumulation of information. Rather, Jesus said "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them" (John 13:17).