The Biblestudy HowTo

Bob Harman

The BibleTime Team

This document was originally created by Mr. Bob Harman and is licensed under the terms of the license "Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike".

Scripture quotes are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise indicated.

Abstract

The Biblestudy HowTo is a guide for studying the Bible.

It is the hope of the BibleTime team that this HowTo will provoke the readers to study the scriptures to see what they say. This particular study guide has been chosen as it takes care not to advocate any particular denominational doctrine. We recommend you to read and study the scriptures to understand what they say. If you start with the attitude that you want to have the Lord sow his word in your heart He will not disappoint you.


Table of Contents

1. Importance of God's Word
A Book that is Unique
A Book that God Breathed
A Book that Works
A Book that Liberates
A Book that Wars
Exhortations
Appendix: "Once for All"
Supplement: Bible Reading Programs
2. Bible Study Basics
Our Purpose as we Approach the Bible
Approaches to God's Word
Hear
Read
Study
Memorize
Meditate
Types of Bible Studies
Topical Study
Character Study
Expository Study
Basics of Correct Interpretation
Content
Context
Cross-reference
An Expository Study of Matthew 6:1-18
Worksheet: How to Use a Concordance
To Find a Particular Verse
To Do a Topical Study
To Clarify Word Meanings in the Greek and Hebrew
To Find Meanings of Names
3. Rules of Bible Interpretation (Hermeneutics)
Rule 1 - Interpret according to the exact meaning of the words.
Example 1A
Example 1B
Rule 2 - Interpret within the biblical context
Example 2A
Example 2B
Example 2C
Rule 3 - Interpret within the historical and cultural context
Example 3A
Example 3B
Rule 4 - Interpret according to the normal usage of words in language
Example 4A
Example 4B
Rule 5 - Understand the purpose of parables and the difference between a parable and an allegory
Example 5A
Example 5B

List of Tables

1.1. Comparison of New Testament manuscripts with other ancient texts.
1.2. What does Bible study do for Christians?
1.3. Spiritual Armor