Inductive Bible Study Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology

Inductive Bible Study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God’s Word. Each step is viewed through the lenses of the hermeneutical triad, exploring the historical, literary, and theological elements that impact how one observes, interprets, and applies the Bible. Chapter by chapter, Inductive Bible Study explores a broad representation of biblical texts as it illustrates the steps of inductive methodology across the literary landscape of Scripture. Important features of the book include comparing translations, asking the right questions of the text, basic discourse analysis, considering various facets of context, the study of words and phrases, interpretive and thematic correlation, evaluating relevance and determining legitimacy in application, the role of the Holy Spirit in appropriating Scripture, and doing theology as the outflow of inductive Bible study.

• Contents
• Authors’ Preface
• UNIT I: INTRODUCTION: Sizing Up the Task
  • Chapter 1: The Task of Bible Interpretation: Bridging the Gaps
  • Chapter 2: Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Approach
• UNIT II: OBSERVATION: Engaging the Text
  • Chapter 3: Comparing Bible Translations: Translations as Tools of Observation
  • Chapter 4: Asking the Right Questions of the Text: Listening Actively to the Text
  • Chapter 5: Reading with Discernment: Determining Significant Terms
  • Chapter 6: Having Eyes to See: Observing Literary Features
  • Chapter 7: Determining Literary Units: Basic Discourse Analysis
• UNIT III: INTERPRETATION: Investigating the Text
  • Chapter 8: Considering the Context: Historical, Literary, and Theological Kinds of Context
  • Chapter 9: Interpretive Correlation: Comparing Scripture with Scripture
  • Chapter 10: Discovering the Meaning of Words and Phrases: Lexical and Contextual Analysis
  • Chapter 11: Thematic Correlation: Synthesizing Motifs for Topical Study
  • Chapter 12: Consultation: Using Research Tools to Enhance Our Study of the Text
• UNIT IV: APPLICATION: Acting on the Text
  • Chapter 13: Establishing Relevance and Legitimacy: Assessing the Text’s Applicability to Us Today
  • Chapter 14: Appropriating the Meaning: Living Out the Text in Our World
  • Chapter 15: Doing Theology: The Outflow of an Inductive Approach to Scripture
• Glossary
• For Further Study
• Scripture Index
• Name Index
• Subject Index