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.

Andreas J. Köstenberger, is senior professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
 
Richard Alan Fuhr Jr. is associate professor of Old Testament at the Liberty University School of Divinity in Lynchburg, VA.

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 Translations: Translations as Tools for 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      Determining the Meaning of Words and Phrases: Lexical and Contextual Analysis
Chapter 11      Thematic Correlation: Synthesizing Relevant 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