How to Study God’s Word without a Study Bible -Interpretive discussion list

It is not uncommon for people to have difficulty reading and understanding Scripture. Many people are searching for help in how to read their Bible, and how to understand what they are reading, and as such they look to books. They may look for a study Bible with notes from someone else, or they may look for a devotion that contains more stories than scripture. But did you know you can read and understand scripture without these tools? Read on to find out thoughts and questions you can have while you’re studying God’s Word.

Study God’s Word Yourself

When you sit down to read a passage in scripture, it’s good to have some questions floating in your mind. You can systematically work through these, or develop your own list of questions as you study God’s Word. Here is an example of an Interpretive discussion list for you to consider as you seek to grow in your relationship with God and his Word:

1. What is the simple or plain reading of this passage? 

1. Are there phrases, words, concepts, or situations that seem strange, odd, unusual, or stand out with a simple reading?

2. What words or concepts are emphasized with a simple/plain reading? 

2. What is the literary genre of this text? 

1. How does the text go about communicating an idea, is it through poetry, narrative, declarations, statements, dialogue, prophecy, or something else?

2. Has the author ever given a statement regarding the purpose of the passage/text?

3. What styles does this author use that differentiate the book from other books of the Bible?

4. How does this passage differ from other passages even in the same genre in the Bible? 

3. What is the context of the passage?

1. Is this passage in the OT or NT?

2. What is the status of God’s relationship to his people in this passage (or book)?

3. Who or what is the problem at hand as described by the book?

4. What do we know about the historical period of the book itself?

5. Are there any words that stand out as key in the passage?

6. Would these “key” words change the passage if they were translated differently?

4. Does this passage cite, quote, or allude to any other passages in scripture or outside of scripture? 

1. Is there a direct quote from another passage?

2. Is there a reference to another occurrence in the Bible?

3. Does the text reference something that is outside of scripture? 

5. What of my own preconceptions, and baggage am I bringing to the table?

1. Have I heard teaching on this passage before?

2. Do I have an instant reaction (or opinion) to the passage?

3. Why am I moved (or unmoved) by this passage? 

4. How would someone who doesn’t share my experiences differ in reading this passage?

6. What might change if this passage wasn't in the Bible?

1. Would we lose out on some aspects of our faith?

2. Would we miss out on some aspects of God's character?

3. Would we miss out on some truth about humanity?

7. Does this passage relate to Christ?

1. Does this passage speak of a NEED for Christ?

2. Does this passage reveal an aspect of Christ’s work?

3. Does this passage endear us to love Christ? 

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