THE THREE COMPONENTS
OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

INTRODUCTION

Observation describes the act of taking notice, fixing the mind upon, beholding with attention and as used in science includes the idea of making and recording one's findings, a skill certainly applicable to fruitful inductive study. To quote Yogi Berra...

You can see a lot just by looking.

You may be surprised and maybe even a bit insulted by the suggestion that most of us have never really been taught how to read a book, much less a divinely inspired book. (Mortimer Adler's How to Read a Book is a highly recommended secular work and makes for fascinating reading on this topic) Most of us really don't know what to look for in order to effectively and efficiently carry out the observation of a specific book of the Bible because we've never been instructed. To take an analogy from life, it's hard to go fishing unless you've got the proper gear. The goal of this section is to present some general guidelines on "how to read the 'Best Book'" but you will find the principles applicable to anything you are reading.

The Bible is unlike any other book for it is essentially a "love letter" from God to mankind. Stop for a moment and ponder this awesome truth. You probably received a letter from your sweetheart when you were dating or courting. Do you remember how you responded when you received that letter? First, you were eagerly anticipating it. You couldn't wait for it to arrive in the mail. You kept checking the mailbox to see if the mail had arrived. And when it did come, you blocked out everything, opened the envelope and devoured every word, every nuance, every innuendo, as you read the letter from your beloved...and you read it not just once but over and over and over. You permitted nothing to interfere with reading the letter from beginning to end. The phone might have rung, but you paid little attention to the ringing. You were far more focused on observing and interpreting what the the love of your life had written. Is not this the approach we should take to "the letter" called the Bible written by the One Who "demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Ro 5:8-note)? Is this how you approach His word? Or have you "left your first love" (Re 2:4-note) ? Jesus speaking to the saints at Ephesus told them to

Remember (present imperative = command to keep on remembering - it's a good "preventative") therefore from where you have fallen, and repent (aorist imperative = command calling for urgent action) and do (aorist imperative) the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place-- unless you repent. (see notes Revelation 2:4; 2:5)
 

Martin Luther (bio) whom God used to return His church to a Sola Scriptura approach (only the Scriptures) which birthed the Reformation, described what in essence is an inductive approach to Bible study when he said...

I study my Bible as I gather apples. First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest might fall . Then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch and every twig. Then I look under every leaf . I shake the Bible as a whole , like shaking the whole tree (~ Context). Then I shake every limb—study book after book (~ Overview of Book). Then I shake every branch, giving attention to the chapters when they do not break the sense (~ Observation of Chapters). Then I shake every twig, or a careful study of the paragraphs and sentences and words and their meanings (~Greek/Hebrew Word Studies)." (Ed note: my comments in blue)

A. T. Pierson a well known 19th century preacher once wrote this comment regarding a passage he was studying

When I read this passage for the 100th time, the following idea came to me.

So here we see this great seasoned student of the Scripture saying "I've got to read it repeatedly and the more I read it the more I observe." That's the genius of the Word of God and why it is unlike any other book.

Begin your study by establishing the context which lays the foundation for subsequent interpretation. Context is the setting in which a passage occurs or simply what precedes and what follows the text you are studying. Thus context includes those verses immediately before and after the passage, then the paragraph and book in which the passage appears, then other books by this author, as well as the overall message of the entire Bible.

Establishing the context forces the reader to examine the biblical writer's overall flow of thought. The meaning of any passage is nearly always determined, controlled, or limited by what appears immediately beforehand and afterward in the text. Context is "king" in interpretation. Since context always "rules" in interpretation and Scripture must always be interpreted in light of its context, the first step in the study of any book of the Bible is to get an OVERVIEW of the book you are studying. Why? Because when you get an overview of the entire book, it will help you discover the context.

Everything in a given book must be considered and analyzed within its setting, which means we can never isolate one verse or portion of the book from the rest of what is written. Setting is context and context is central if you are to arrive at a correct understanding of the text.

Two other sources of context to always consider and which may shed significant light on the understanding of a passage are the cultural environment when the passage was written and the historical when the passage was written (e.g., what does the text teach about what it was like to be a believer in that specific culture and how does that influence what the author is writing in a specific book).

As discussed in the section on "Interpretation", "context is king" and vital for accurate interpretation. Most misinterpretation (and subsequently misapplication) of Scripture is the result of taking the text out of its proper context. So the first task is to carefully observe the passage to establish the context. The natural tendency for most of us is to take a verse or verses out of context in order to support some point of view that we espouse or favor. This is called "proof-texting" and represents our attempt to make the Bible say what we want it to say or what we want to hear, rather than letting the Scripture say what God intended the passage to communicate. It is probably not an exaggeration to say that the most common failure in interpretation is to violate basic principle of allowing context to control how the passage is interpreted.

If context is so important, how does a lay person proceed to establish the context?

The simple answer is that one needs to read, re-read and carefully observe the text for repeated facts and truths. As one observes what is said, giving special attention to repeated words, phrases, or ideas, he or she should begin to understand the context.

It sounds easy doesn't it?

But careful observation is "easier said than done" for we live in a society which continually promulgates "instant gratification" and the "natural" approach to studying Scripture is to want to know immediately "What is in it for me?" or "How can this passage benefit me?" That's why one of the main prerequisites to productive inductive study is a willingness to slow down and to observe carefully.

Since most of us don't really know the basic principles of observation, we may read through the chapter or book without truly "observing" the text. How many times have you read a chapter in the morning and by noon you can barely remember what you read? The Bible is meant to be bread for daily use, not cake for special occasions. When you study the Bible "hit or miss," you MISS more than you HIT. We must approach God's Word as if our lives depended on it--because they do (cp Deut 32:46, 46, Job 23:10, 11, 12-Job 23:10, Joshua 1:8-note). However, left to our human nature, we all tend to read the Bible more like Dr. Watson than like Sherlock Holmes (Click here for illustration). To effectively establish context, you need to learn to read like Holmes rather than Watson. Be encouraged beloved for you will find that if you persevere in this critical stage of inductive study, the passage will begin to open up to you as never before.

So from a practical standpoint, how should you begin to establish the context? Simply reading and re-reading a text could become very boring and non-productive. So let's look at some basic principles that will help us achieve our goal of determining the context...

Have you ever put together a jigsaw puzzle? How do you usually begin? Which pieces do you try to find first? Don't you look carefully for the most obvious pieces (F.O.T.O), the corner pieces. Which pieces do you try to identify next? The next most obvious pieces are those with straight edges. Can you see how this analogy relates to the study of a book of the Bible? Once you have connected all these puzzle pieces together, you have a framework or "context" in which to place ("understand") the less obvious pieces of the puzzle. You will find that by beginning to observe the obvious, then the things within a book that are not easy to see or understand will eventually become clearer, "rising" to the surface even as you focus on those things that are obvious. And as you begin to grasp the context of the book, it will help you in your interpretation of the difficult, unclear or obscure parts of the book. But even as you have to invest some time to find the obvious pieces to establish the context of the puzzle, so too you will usually need to read a book (chapter) several times in order to begin to see the context and to begin to understand what the author is repeating or emphasizing (see key words below).

So remember, in your initial study of a passage, chapter or book...
 

F.O.T.O.
"Focus On The Obvious"
 

Read through the book (chapter) you are studying, observing for the obvious facts, details, events or ideas, those things which are usually repeated. As already stated, the three things that are usually most obvious and easiest to see are people, places and events. Please do not be distracted by minute details, by verses you do not understand or by your favorite passage. Remember that you are attempting to establish the context and you do so by observing and marking the most obvious facts. Let the acronym F.O.T.O. be your watchword as you begin to study any passage, chapter or book. Resist the temptation to look at the study notes of you Bible, especially if the passage is unclear. You do not want to spoil the priceless joy of self-discovery. 

William Barclay once commented

It is only when truth is discovered that it is appropriated. When a man is simply told the truth, it remains external to him and he can quite easily forget it. When he is led to discover the truth himself it becomes an integral part of him and he never forgets.

Remember that once you begin to observe and identify the OBVIOUS facts, then those facts and truths that are not as easy to see or understand will begin to become clearer, "rising to the surface" so to speak. Please do not be discouraged or frustrated, for if you persevere in reading and re-read the text with a specific purpose (such as "What does this section say about the author?"), you are in the process of establishing the CONTEXT and this background will aid and guide your interpretation of the difficult, unclear or obscure passages.

As you begin your journey in inductive Bible study, seek to have the mindset of an explorer searching diligently for priceless, hidden treasures (Ps 119:72-Spurgeon's note, Ps 119:127-note, Ps 19:10-note). Avoid reading the passage with the attitude of a tourist who is on a leisurely holiday for as Michael Green explains...

There is a basic difference between and explorer and a tourist. The tourist travels quickly, stopping only to observe the highly noticeable or publicized points of interest. The explorer...takes his time to search out all that he can find. Too many of us read the Bible like a tourist and then complain that our devotional times are fruitless. It is necessary that we take time to explore the Bible. Notable nooks and crannies will appear as we get beneath the surface.

If we do not carefully observe the Bible noting "what it says", taking time to carefully establish the context, we may misunderstand "what it really means" and worst of all we may misapply our misunderstanding with potentially calamitous results (see the following anecdotal story for the danger of "Incorrect Interpretation").

Robertson McQuilkin writes that...

"It is a shameful thing to carelessly ignore the context. To deliberately violate the context is more than shameful; it is sinful, for it is a deliberate substitution of one's own words for the Word of God. The student of Scripture, though he may not understand the original languages, nevertheless has at his command the single most important tool -- the context. Let him use it diligently!" (Understanding and Applying the Bible, page 163 )

OBSERVE FOR
KEY WORDS AND KEY PHRASES

What are key words or key phrases? Think about the keys to your car or house. What is their purpose? What happens when you misplace them? By analogy, in simple terms key words or phrases function like keys to help the reader "unlock" the meaning of a passage, a paragraph, a chapter or a book.

How do we go about identifying these crucial words and phrases? First, we need to understand a few more details about these vital "keys" and then we can take "action".

Why are we doing all this work on key words and key phrases? Don't become frustrated at this point. Remember that you are reading to establish the context (which is necessary for accurate interpretation) and that it is crucial to identify, mark and interrogate the key words/phrases in order to firmly and accurately establish the context. After several readings of a section focusing on author, recipient, key words and key phrases, you should begin to understand what the main subject(s) are, which in turn will reveal the theme (unifying idea repeated or developed throughout a work) of the chapter or book you are observing.

To reiterate, as you read the Scriptural text, be alert for key words and phrases which will be critical in establishing the context, the overall theme, and the author's specific purpose for writing the book. Each encounter with a key word or phrase should prompt you to pause and mark it (see next section) as well as to ask one or more of the 5W's and H questions.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE:
Click for a simple exercise on identifying, marking and questioning the key word "God" in 2Timothy 1

MARK KEY WORDS

Mark each "key word" in a distinctive way, using symbols and/or color coding. Once you determine a symbol for the key word or phrase, it will be helpful to use this marking system throughout your Bible to facilitate quick recognition.

Here are some examples of how you might mark some common key words (place symbol over the key word):
 

**HINT: The symbols in the table are available in Microsoft Word's fonts - scroll down to "webdings" and "wingdings" (1-3). If you do not have Microsoft Word on your computer, these symbols will not be accurately displayed but you should still be able to understand the idea from the description of the symbol. Precept Ministries has an inexpensive bookmark entitled "How to Mark Key Words in Your Bible" with a number of examples for common Biblical words (call 1-800-763-8280 to order)

Remember that although God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always key words, they may occur many times in a given chapter or paragraph. In these situations, you may elect not to mark every occurrence lest you end up with so many marks that you can barely read the actual Scriptures! Use common sense about when to mark and when not to mark.

Don't forget to mark synonyms of the key word/phrase. A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word within a particular context and is used in place of the word. A synonym is like saying the same thing with a different word. For practice, read through 1 Thessalonians 1 (Click) and make note of the key word "gospel". If you have time print this chapter off (as an "Observation Worksheet") so you can mark the text. How would you mark "gospel"? What do you learn about the gospel? What other "5W's and H" questions can you ask of this key word? Now read through 1 Thessalonians 1 a second time, but this time read with the purpose of observing for any synonyms (including phrases) for "gospel" . Did you see any words or phrases that refer to the gospel? If you didn't see them, read it through a third time and you will probably see the two phrases that refer to the gospel. After reading through this chapter two or three times, you have begun to understand the context. You have also begun to understand how removal of "gospel" and its synonyms leaves the passage virtually devoid of meaning and on the other hand how an understanding of the key words/phrases helps you begin to discern the theme of this chapter.  Click for more complete instructions on how to practice the inductive technique on 1 Thessalonians 1

Why mark or color the text?

Marking helps make the Scriptures your own because it helps remember the text. As discussed elsewhere,  as a general rule we recall 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear and 50% of what we read, hear and see (Click table).

Marking allows one to quickly scan the page and see  the key words that are emphasized in that section. Use the same symbols for key words from Genesis to Revelation as this will facilitate recognition throughout the Scriptures.

Lamberski and Dwyer studied color coding and concluding that color-coding techniques improved attention, increased learner motivation and aided remembrance.

Avoid the temptation to "speed read" a passage marking mechanically for each key word. 

Each encounter with a key word should stimulate an interrogation with one of the "5W's and H" questions. Why is this used here? How does it impact the flow of thought? Who does this relate to? When did this occur?, etc.

As you seek to establish the all important context of the chapter or book, continually reading with a "marking, interrogating mindset", you will find yourself engaging more and more in active (versus passive) reading. Active reading not only stimulates your thinking and interaction with the text, it also slows you down. Active reading engages you in conversation with the Author. In a sense, by reading actively you are practicing the essence of the all but lost art of meditation on the Scriptures. Yes, marking and interrogating will slow you down somewhat, but you will gain so much more from the passage than if you had simply read through it in obedience to your "read through the Bible in a year" schedule.

Mark it down: Marking a book is not an act mutilation but of love. You may own the book but you've not really made it your own. Someone has well said that a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who is not!

Don't try to identify, mark and interrogate every "key word" in the first reading of a paragraph, chapter or book. A recommended approach is to read through a section (e.g., 2 Timothy 1) marking and interrogating a single key word. Then read through the same chapter again and mark another key word. Remember that  "God", "Jesus", "Christ", "Lord" and "Spirit" are always "key words" and therefore should generally always be marked, unless they are so concentrated that marking them would make it difficult to see other key words in the text.

As you read and reread a chapter making observations on the key words, you will notice that you are beginning to understand and establish the context, which as "king" in the interpretation.
 

And remember that while it is good to mark your Bible, it is better to let your Bible mark you because the value of the Bible is not in just knowing it, but in obeying it.

What kind of pen do I use to mark my Bible? One of the best pens for marking thin Bible pages is the Sakura Pigma Micron which comes in several colors, is long lasting, does not bleed through the page and comes in a variety of point widths (Micron 01 = 0.25mm is recommended - the 001 is superfine but can be easily bent). Note this link is provided as a starting point so that you can see what Pigma Micron pens look like and their price range. I have never ordered from this link and so appropriate caution and shopping around are recommended.

As you encounter each "key word" always pause and interrogate the word or phrase asking...

Do not panic if you cannot ask every one of the "5W's and H" questions for each use of the key word.

Asking the questions of the text trains one to read "Actively" and with an "Interrogative" or "curious" mindset, which will not fail to yield to nuggets of golden truth buried beneath the surface of the text.

"Asking questions of the text of Scripture is really a way of forming hypotheses and allowing it to confirm or reject them." (Karleen, P. S. The Handbook to Bible Study)

We interpret the Bible properly when we learn to ask the right questions of the text. The problem is that many people do not know what the right questions are, or they are too lazy to learn. God feeds the birds, but He doesn't throw the food into their nests. Learning to ask the right questions and carefully observe the text takes discipline, diligence and practice, because most of us have never been trained in the "Sherlock Holmes" approach. Please persevere for the reward you will experience in personal discovery and understanding of the Word of God will far outweigh the cost!

Kay Arthur reminds us of the importance an interrogative mindset, writing that

"every part of the entire process of inductive Bible study is based on asking who,  what, when, where, why, and how kinds of questions. This is how vital the 5 W's and an H are!" (ibid)

Although he was not referring to Inductive Bible Study when Rudyard Kipling wrote the poem "Six Honest Serving-Men", the principle is applicable...

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
I send them over land and sea,
I send them east and west;
But after they have worked for me,
I give them all a rest.

Most students of Scripture do not see the "gold nuggets" of truth in passages and paragraphs, because they do not know what to look for. We learn what to look for by asking the right questions. Questions bring details to our attention. The following story from the secular classroom setting illustrates this point.
 

PROFESSOR AGASSIZ'S
INDUCTIVE TEACHING STYLE
(Click the full story)

The essence of the inductive method was aptly illustrated by the experience of a student at Harvard who took a zoology course under professor Agassiz, the renowned nineteenth-century naturalist .

For the assignment Agassiz gave the student a pickled fish, a haemulon, which was to be the sole source of his observations over the next several days. For 3 full days the student observed the haemulon in order to gain a thorough understanding of the fish.  And what did Professor Agassiz's advise him to do? "Look, look, look!" How else would the student master his subject?

He was also instructed to draw out what he saw for as Agassiz reminded him "the pencil is one of the best eyes".

Finally, he was instructed to recognize the parts of the haemulon in their orderly arrangement and relations to each other, for "facts are stupid things until brought into connection with some general law."

Was Agassiz's inductive method successfully inculcated into his student? By the student's own testimony "To this day, if I attempt [to draw] a fish I can draw nothing but haemulons."

Louis Agassiz was once asked “What was your greatest contribution, scientifically?” to which he replied “I have taught men and women to observe.” The ability to correctly observe is a skill which must be perfected by practice and perseverance illustrated in this little fish story.  The results however can be life changing.

OBSERVE FOR
TERMS OF CONCLUSION

Terms of conclusion are specific words or short phrases which are used to identify a summary, a conclusion or a result.

Train your eye to observe the text carefully for words or phrases like those listed below.  Note that the uses represent the occurrences in the 1977 version of the NASB.

INTERROGATE
 

And so in inductive study, every time you see a "therefore" always ask the question "What's it there for?"

"So" is frequently found at the beginning of verses and when used as a term of conclusion should prompt you to ask "why?" which should draw your attention to preceding context to answer the question. E.g. note the first use in Genesis 2:21 which will force you to check the context to answer "why"? Do you see how this simple "technique" serves to slow you down and aids your interpretation of the passage? As you slow down and ponder the passage, you are in effect learning how to meditate on Scripture, an application associated with profound spiritual blessings.

"TERMS OF EXPLANATION"

"For" and because are small words that is often overlooked, but which are frequently used in Scripture at the beginning of a passage or in the middle of a passage. Although listed under the category Terms of Conclusion, these words are probably more accurately classified as terms of explanation. In these occurrences "for" (because) often functions as a connective word which indicates seeks to make something clear and/or understandable. In other words, in this setting "for" (because) is like a marker which shows the cause or reason for something, specifically expressing the reason for what has been stated before... thus the logic for designating it as a "term of explanation". For may be used to introduce a detailed description of something alluded to earlier in the section.  In most of these uses of "for" as a conjunction (see below) one can often substitute the synonym "because".  For example, Mark records that as Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum on the Sabbath,

"they were amazed at His teaching; for (substitute "because") He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Mk 1:22; see also Mt 7:28, 29-notes)

What does "for" explain in this verse? In sum, when you encounter a "for" (or because), stop and interrogate the text asking why the "for" (or because) is there, what is being explained, etc...it will not be a waste of time. Note that for/because is the opposite of "cause/effect", the effect being usually occurring in the preceding passages and the cause in the passages following the for/because. Note also the caveat that this discussion relates to "for" as it is used as a conjunction (words like "and" that functions to join together sentences), and not when "for" is used as a preposition (words placed before another to express some relation or quality, action or motion to or from the thing specified - "God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife").

MARK IT
 

Always consider marking these important connective words by underlining or boxing them in. But even if you don't mark them, stop and ponder them and you will be amazed at what the Spirit illuminates. Test it out by reading Ezra 7:10 (click for NAS translation in context) in a modern non-paraphrase version (eg, use NAS, ESV, NIV, KJV, NKJV). You will observe the obvious "for" in these translations. You will also see a list. Do you see any progression in the list? Now ask yourself why has the author begun the sentence with a "for" and get ready to become excited! I'm not going to tell you what you will discover but after you have discovered it (please not before lest it spoil your own discovery), you can refer to more in depth discussion of the truly life transforming truths in Ezra 7:10 (see notes).

LET YOUR MOTTO BE...
 

Whenever you see a therefore, stop to see what it’s there for. Terms of conclusion will often compel you to look back over the previous passages (the preceding context) to determine why the conclusion is being rendered.

The prince of preachers C H Spurgeon had this to say about the importance of the "therefores" in Scripture...

Every doctrine of the Word of God has its practical application. As each tree bears seed after its kind, so does every truth of God bring forth practical virtues. Hence, you find the apostle Paul very full of therefores—his therefores being the conclusions drawn from certain statements of divine truth.

OBSERVE FOR
TERMS OF CONTRAST

Contrast is the juxtaposition of dissimilar elements, things that are unlike. Contrast sets off their dissimilar qualities makes an idea sharp and clear by highlighting the differences.

Always be alert for contrasts taking special note of words like...(# of uses in parentheses are from 1977 NASB,  but always check the context)

Not all of the words or phrase in this table represent contrasts and therefore one must always examine the context Words of contrast are always important to note because they indicate a change in direction. When a verse begins with one of these words, always stop and ask the 5W and H type questions such as...

When a verse begins with a contrast word like "but", as a good inductive student, what should be your "natural reflex"? Clearly your attention should be drawn to re-read the preceding context to determine what the author is contrasting. Once again you are forced to slow down and engage your thinking process rather than speeding through a crucial "intersection" without slowing down.

Note that not all contrasts are identified or delineated by specific contrast words like but, yet, etc. Although they are more difficult to identify, be alert for contrasting thoughts. For example, observe the following passage...what is the contrast in 1Th 5:5 (note)?

"for you are all sons of light and sons of day.
We are not of night nor of darkness"

To reiterate, words of contrast should always be a clue the passage is changing direction.

For example. take a moment and read Galatians 5 and make a list of the two contrasting lifestyles in Gal 5:19, 20, 21, 22, 23 (notes). Paul first writes that “the deeds of the flesh are evident” (Gal 5:19- note) and then proceeds to list those deeds (providing the source of a simple list). Then in Gal 5:22 (note) Paul begins with the contrast word "but" writing “But the fruit of the Spirit is..." and gives us a list of the components of the fruit that characterizes life in the Spirit. The contrast is between two dramatically different lifestyles and destinies. Now put you skills of observation to work by doing the following exercise.

OBSERVE FOR
EXPRESSIONS OF TIME

References to TIME show the progression or sequence of events, ideas, etc. `

Be on the alert for for words that express some element of time (# in parenthesis is frequency in 1977 NAS,  but always check the context)...

Expressions of time identify the timing or sequence of events.

These words generally answer the 5W and H question "When?"

Every time you encounter a TIME PHRASE you should pause and ask When? type questions like -- What time is it? When did this happen? When will this happen?, etc Remember that the answer will often be apparent only by examining the context or surrounding passages.

Make note of what you learn "When" something occurs.

Mark expressions of time with a circle or clock (I use a green clock throughout my Bible and recommend Pigma Micron pens to keep from bleeding through the pages) in your Bible margin. I use Micron 01 size / .25 mm which is a fine point and excellent for marking the text. The Micron 005 creates an even finer line but the thin tip is easily bent. Several useful colors are available in a six pack of 0.20 mm (Black, Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Purple). These pens are not cheap but last for many months in my experience.

OBSERVE THE CHRONOLOGY

OF MATTHEW 24:15-31

Time phrases are especially crucial when interpreting prophecy. For example, practice this technique by reading Matthew 24:15-31 (print out a copy on your word processor) and mark the six uses of "then" or "when" (in NASB) and notice how the events come into focus as you note these expressions of time. Remember to check the context. Determine the context by interrogating the surrounding (especially the preceding) text. Do not look at commentaries or study notes to establish the context lest you be biased by their interpretation comments on this section of Scripture. Let the text speak for itself (i.e., read it as literal unless you discern a clear figure of speech). Ask and answer questions like -- Where is this taking place? Mt 24:1, 2, 3. What genre of literature does this section represent? Who (is speaking], [is the audience, what is their nationality?]? Mt 24:3, cp Mark 13:3 What is the general subject (or question that is being asked and addressed)? Now, you are primed and ready for this incredible and sadly oftimes very controversial passage Mt 24:15-31. Remember that whenever you read a verse, a paragraph, a chapter, etc, read with a purpose -- in this section of Matthew 24 your purpose is specifically to observe for the chronology, marking the text with a green clock (consider doing this in your Bible if you are neat, but remember that ballpoint ink will leak through the page - Micron pens are recommended).

Other time phrases that you want to be alert for especially in the Old Testament include "in that day" and "Day of the LORD". Click here to study the uses of the "Day of the LORD" and make a list of what you observe, remembering to examine the context because not all the uses refer to the same time period.

For some fascinating insights into what the future holds for Israel, observe the 40 uses of "in that day" in Isaiah (click here but remember to read the text in context) and the 19 uses in Zechariah 12-14 (for all 3 chapters click here or for the specific verses click here).

"CODE BREAKING"
CONJUNCTIONS
PROVIDE "CLUES"

This chart highlights the importance of careful observation and interrogation when you encounter connecting words or conjunctions.  Conjunctions can greatly aid your understanding of the flow of thought in a passage, because they indicate relationships between the ideas that they link together. Therefore it behooves the observer of Scripture to be on the lookout for these small but useful words. Whenever one of these "code breaker" conjunctions is encountered, pause and ask a relevant 5W/H question - What is being explained? What's the reason or cause? Why the emphasis? What time is it, what is the sequence, etc? If interrogation of the text with 5W/H questions seems difficult, it is because it does take some practice to become skillful in asking the right questions. Let me encourage you to ask at least one 5W/H question every time you open the Scriptures, because as with every pursuit in life "practice makes perfect".

Here are a couple of definitions of common conjunctions to help ask the correct questions when you observe the specific conjunction.

Because - for the reason that, on account of the fact that; for the cause which is explained in the next proposition

For - For the following reason. Because. Note that many uses of "for" in Scripture function as a preposition instead of a coordinating conjunction. A good clue that "for" is a coordinating conjunction explaining the reason for something is that the "for" appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause. The American Dictionary writes that "for" is used as "The word by which a reason is introduced of something before advanced. “That ye may be the children of your father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.” In such sentences, for has the sense of because, by reason that.

Until - up to the point in time, up to such a time as.

OBSERVE FOR
TERMS OF COMPARISON
FIGURES OF SPEECH:
SIMILE & METAPHOR

A figure of speech ("picture talk") is a word or phrase that departs from straightforward, literal language. Figures of speech are often used for emphasis, freshness of expression or clarity. However, clarity may suffer from their use if they are not properly interpreted. As one expert has warned...

Picture talk is one of the greatest problems of interpretation. To treat figurative language as if it were literal and to treat literal language as if it were figurative, constitute two of the greatest hindrances to understanding the meaning of the Bible (Robertson McQuilkin - Understanding and Applying the Bible, Page 166)

McQuilkin adds that...

Figurative language refers to any words that are used with a meaning other than their common, literal sense. When dog is used of a human being (e.g., Phil. 3:2), the ordinary, literal designation of an animal is not intended. Figurative language is often used because all human language contains nonliteral talk... All human languages are filled with talk that is not literal, but Eastern languages are especially full of figures of speech. Since those languages are foreign to us, that is all the more reason to work hard at understanding exactly what the author had in mind. 

There is the hurdle of distance in language and culture, and there is also the hurdle of figurative language. Consider the plight of a foreigner seeking to understand the English word hang. A literal definition is easy to come by, but what is he to think when he hears, as a foreigner, that he has many hang-ups; that he should indeed hang loose and allow his true feelings to hang out? If he searches out those idioms carefully, he still may be at a loss to know why someone is absent because of a hangover, or when he is told, in spite of all the obstacles to understanding, that he should not only hang on, but hang in there. (Understanding and Applying The Bible.)

Clinton Lockhart (Principles of Interpretation, 1915) has a simple rule for determining what is literal and what is figurative, writing that...

If the literal meaning of any word or expression makes good sense in its connections, it is literal; but if the literal meaning does not make good sense, it is figurative....Since the literal is the most usual signification of a word, and therefore occurs much more frequently than the figurative, any term will be regarded as literal until there is good reason for a different understanding.... The literal or most usual meaning of a word, if consistent, should be preferred to a figurative or less usual signification.

It is also important to remember that figures of speech although "figurative" are nevertheless intended to convey literal truth. As discussed below the literal meaning of a figure of speech is critically dependent on an analysis of the context in which is it used. Let's take a non-Biblical example of the figurative use of a word like "crown". If someone declares "I am going to crown you" the literal meaning of this figurative use will depend on the context. And so it could mean:

• I am going to place a literal crown on your head.
• I am going to symbolically exalt you to the place of kingship.
• I am going to knock you in the head.

As emphasized in the section on interpretation, Scripture should be understood in its literal, normal (normative), and natural sense. But to reiterate, figures of speech are always intended to convey literal truth.

TERMS
OF COMPARISON

A figure of comparison or term of comparison is the most common type of figurative language in the Bible, usually expressing similarity between things that are otherwise dissimilar. The basic idea is to take something with which everyone is familiar and use it to explain something which is unfamiliar or unknown.

In everyday life, when we see two of anything alike, the similarity immediately draws our attention and this same phenomenon is true in Bible study. How often do you see children out in public and don't pay that much attention? But when we see twins, our attention is heightened and more focused. And so similarities stick out and the Bible frequently paints word pictures ("picture talk") using comparison with things that are well known and understood, in order to give us insights into spiritual truth which may not be so well known or understood.

Milton Terry explains the value of this grammatical device...

The natural operations of the human mind prompt men to trace analogies and make comparisons. Pleasing emotions are excited and the imagination is gratified by the use of metaphors and similes. Were we to suppose a language sufficiently copious in words to express all possible conceptions, the human mind would still require us to compare and contrast our concepts, and such a procedure would soon necessitate a variety of figures of speech. So much of our knowledge is acquired through the senses, that all our abstract ideas and our spiritual language have a material base. "It is not too much to say," observes Max Muller, "that the whole dictionary of ancient religion is made up of metaphors. With us these metaphors are all forgotten. We speak of spirit without thinking of breath, of heaven without thinking of sky, of pardon without thinking of a release, of revelation without thinking of a veil. But in ancient language every one of these words, nay, every word that does not refer to sensuous objects, is still in a chrysalis stage, half material and half spiritual, and rising and falling in its character according to the capacities of its speakers and hearers. (Terry, Milton: Biblical Hermeneutics: Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House)

Dr. Howard Hendricks has the following practical insights on how to distinguish literal from figurative language writing that when...

People talk about a 'literal interpretation of Scripture.' Does that mean that in Genesis 49, they see Judah as a real, live lions cub ("Judah is a lion's whelp [cub]; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion, who dares rouse him up? Ge 49:9,)? Or Joseph standing by a creek with roots going down into the soil ("Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; its branches run over a wall." Ge 49:22)? Or Benjamin as some sort of uncontrollable werewolf ("Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil." Ge 49:27)? If so, I’ve got a good psychiatrist I can recommend. When we speak of “literal interpretation,” we mean taking the language in its normal sense, accepting it at face value as if the writer is communicating in ways that people normally communicate. As one person has put it,

“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense.”

So, according to this principle, when Jesus tells us to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesars” (Lk 20:25), we don’t need to look for some hidden meaning or elaborate interpretation. It’s quite plain that He is telling us to pay our taxes. On the other hand, when He calls Herod a fox (Lk 13:31,32), He obviously is not saying that the man is a roving carnivore. He’s speaking figuratively, comparing Herod to that sly, dog-like creature. (Hendricks, Howard: Living by the Book. Excellent resource).

In sum, we know that the Bible uses figures of speech like terms of comparison (simile, metaphor) or "picture talk" to expand or amplify the meaning of the passage. But how can we easily recognize and accurately interpret "picture talk" or figurative language? Below are a few guidelines to help you figure out the figurative:

GUIDELINES FOR
FIGURING OUR FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

1) Clearly, one rule of thumb is to always read the passage for its literal sense unless there is some good reason not to.  We must assiduously avoid the temptation to “spiritualize” or "allegorize" (look for "hidden" or "secret" meaning) the text, trying to make it say everything but what it plainly says. Only compelling reasons makes the words figurative.

Take as an example the beautiful Song of Solomon, which Dr John MacArthur states...

has suffered strained interpretations over the centuries by those who use the “allegorical” method (Ed note: allegory = having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text and the respected commentator Matthew Henry plainly states Song of Solomon "is an allegory"!) of interpretation, claiming that this song has no actual historical basis, but rather that it depicts God’s love for Israel and/or Christ’s love for the church...A more satisfying way to approach Solomon’s Song is to take it at face value and interpret it in the normal historical sense, understanding the frequent use of poetic imagery to depict reality...thus providing spiritual music for a lifetime of marital harmony. It is given by God to demonstrate His intention for the romance and loveliness of marriage, the most precious of human relations." (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos) (Highly recommended resource)

William MacDonald adds that

the careful student of Scripture will realize that this (allegorical interpretation) cannot be the primary interpretation of the (Song of Solomon) since the church was a secret hidden in God from the foundation of the world and not revealed until the apostles and prophets of the NT. Few Christians will deny that in this song we have a very beautiful picture of the love of Christ for the church, but this is an APPLICATION and not the INTERPRETATION. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos) (Bolding and caps added) (Highly recommended resource)

2) Some passages use language that clearly identifies the use of a figure of speech (see like and as in "simile" below). For example Moses writes that manna was "fine as the frost on the ground." (Ex 16:14)

3) In some passages a literal interpretation makes absolutely no sense, thus forcing the reader to interpret it as a figure of speech. If the statement would obviously be irrational, unreasonable, or absurd if taken literally, the presumption is that it is a figure of speech.

For example, in John's Gospel, Jesus uses "picture talk" describing Himself as "Living Bread" (Jn 6:51, 35, 48), "the Light" (John 8:12, 1:4, 5, 7, 8,9, 3:19, 20, 21, 9:5, 11:9, 10, 12:35, 36, cp fulfillment of prophecy = Isa 9:2), "the Door" (Jn 10:1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10), "the good Shepherd" (Jn 10:11, 14), "the resurrection and the life" (Jn 11:25), "the way, the truth and the life" (Jn 14:6),  "the True Vine" (Jn 15:4, 5). Common sense tells us that Jesus is not a literal door, a literal vine, etc but that He is pointing to a literal truth about Himself.

4) It should also come as no surprise that when you are "figuring out the figurative", one of your best guides is the context. When taken in isolation, the expression or statement might be either figurative or literal, but in the context the author indicates that he does not intend the meaning to be taken as literal. Understanding and Applying The Bible.

For example, in Psalm 63:7 David declares...

"In the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy” (Ps 63:7-note).

David is certainly not saying that God has wings for that would be an absurd interpretation. Examination of the entire Psalm (the context),  leads one to a clearer understanding of the picture of God's protection for His children with the same watch care as a mother eagle for her helpless eaglets.
 

FIGURES OF SPEECH:
SIMILE

A simile is a figure of speech in which the subject is compared to another subject, for example,

"as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs".

Frequently, similes are marked by use of the words "as" or "like". A simile is a word picture that draws a comparison between two things. The idea behind figures of speech is that a picture is worth a thousand words. But remember for accurate Biblical interpretation, one still needs to interpret the figure of speech in the context in which it is found. Figures of speech are not an encouragement to let your imagination run wild. Whatever "picture" the figure of speech is intended to paint is best evaluated by a careful examination of the context.

Notice David's use of simile in Ps 42:1 which in context, paints an incredible word picture in our minds:

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. (Ps 42:1)

Spurgeon comments:  As after a long drought the poor fainting hind longs for the streams, or rather as the hunted hart instinctively seeks after the river to lave its smoking flanks and to escape the dogs, even so my weary, persecuted soul pants after the Lord my God. Debarred from public worship, David was heartsick. Ease he did not seek, honour he did not covet, but the enjoyment of communion with God was an urgent need of his soul; he viewed it not merely as the sweetest of all luxuries, but as an absolute necessity, like water to a stag. Like the parched traveler in the wilderness, whose skin bottle is empty, and who finds the wells dry, he must drink or die -- he must have his God or faint. His soul, his very self, his deepest life, was insatiable for a sense of the divine presence. As the hart brays so his soul prays. Give him his God and he is as content as the poor deer which at length slakes its thirst and is perfectly happy; but deny him his Lord, and his heart heaves, his bosom palpitates, his whole frame is convulsed, like one who gasps for breath, or pants with long running. Dear reader, dost thou know what this is, by personally having felt the same? It is a sweet bitterness. The next best thing to living in the light of the Lord's love is to be unhappy till we have it, and to pant hourly after it -- hourly, did I say? thirst is a perpetual appetite, and not to be forgotten, and even thus continual is the heart's longing after God. When it is as natural for us to long for God as for an animal to thirst, it is well with our souls, however painful our feelings. We may learn from this verse that the eagerness of our desires may be pleaded with God, and the more so, because there are special promises for the importunate and fervent  (see note)

What is the comparison David depicts in this verse? David is drawing us a picture comparing his intense longing for God even as a deer longs for water. 

Earlier we looked at 1Peter 2:2 (note) ("like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation") where Peter paints a similarly poignant picture, comparing the appetite of a baby for its mother's milk with the appetite the believer should have for the spiritual nourishment (growth in salvation) of Gods pure Word. Be sure and check the preceding context (1Pe 2:1-note) for an explanation of why one might have no longing or desire for the Word of the LORD.

Examples of Simile

Psalm 1:3

1Peter 1:24, "All flesh is like grass."

Luke 10:3, "I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves."

SAMPLE THE SIMILES
IN THE
PSALMS AND PROVERBS
 

Proverbs is filled with comparisons, for example, using the word like over fifty times (NAS) in similes such as

Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit. (Pr 25:28)

For a very interesting and enlightening exercise, click here for the 50 plus uses of like in the Proverbs or click here for the 100 plus uses of like in the Psalms. For each verse write down what is being compared. Check the context. Then make a notation about what insight you receive from the comparison. Remember that figures of speech although "figurative" are still intended to convey literal truth that is in keeping with the context. Look for the "literal truth" that is brought out by the author's use of simile. Be open to the Holy Spirit's teaching and don't let your "sanctified imagination" run so wild that you misinterpret the author's original intended meaning!
 

You will be blessed and challenged by the truth you discover. The Psalms and the Proverbs will come alive in "3-D and Technicolor" in a way that heretofore you did not think possible. For example, the Bible repeatedly warns of God's destruction of evil men, but note how the Psalmist's use of simile makes this picture even more dramatic in Psalm 2 writing

"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware."

What's the simile? Meditate for a moment on that picture. Beloved, does not this awesome picture make you desire to go forth and share the gospel with someone today?

FIGURES OF SPEECH:
METAPHOR

A metaphor also shows comparison between two things but without using the words "as" or "like". "Life is but a dream" is a metaphor, while "getting money from him is like pulling teeth" is a simile.  A metaphor is an implied comparison, a word applied to something it is not, to suggest a resemblance.

"Benjamin is a ravenous wolf..." (Ge 49:27)
 

"You are the salt of the earth..." (Mt 5:13 - see note)
 

"You are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14 - see note)

In the last use from the beatitudes we see our Lord Jesus multiplying metaphors to communicate graphic truth about the vital, dynamic life His disciples should live so as to impact a world shrouded in darkness. To accurately interpret this metaphor requires some understanding of the historical/cultural context. In Jesus' day salt was the major means of arresting corruption in meats, and thus the audience clearly understood Jesus' charge to them. Light  is a comparison we can all understand for we all know that light dispels darkness. We know that when we cannot see, we are in trouble! From the context of other Scriptures, we know that the whole world lies in darkness brought on by Adam's sin. Jesus charge to His audience (and to us) is to shine forth in the spiritual darkness so that they would see our good works and give glory to God.

The 1828 Webster's dictionary defines metaphor as

"A short similitude (simile); a similitude (simile) reduced to a single word; or a word expressing similitude (simile) without the signs of comparison. Thus "that man is a fox," is a metaphor; but "that man is like a fox," is a similitude (or simile). So when I say, "the soldiers fought like lions," I use a similitude (simile). In metaphor, the similitude is contained in the name; a man is a fox, means, a man is as crafty as a fox. So we say, a man bridles his anger, that is, restrains it as a bridle restrains a horse.

Click for more discussion of other figures of speech such as irony, metonymy, hyperbole, personification, apostrophe and  synecdoche.

METAPHORS IN
JOHN 15

In John 15:1 Jesus said

I am the Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Clearly Jesus is using a well known horticultural figure of speech which would have been familiar to his listeners and which served to emphasize His relationship to His Father.

Jesus went on to use a second metaphor comparing believers to a branch declaring

I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

The interpretation is dramatic -- Abide in Jesus and bear much fruit. Fail to abide in Him and bring forth absolutely nothing. A vine branch has one great purpose which is to bear fruit.  Vine branches are useless for making furniture or building homes. Vine branches are good for fruit bearing, but only as long as the branch remains attached to the vine! What is the application to every believer? Abide in the Vine, be at home with Jesus, keep your focus on Him through your time in the Word (He is the Word Jn 1:1), conducting yourself in loving obedience to the Word ingested. As this process takes place, you are learning to abide in the Vine.

FIGURES OF SPEECH:
HYPERBOLE

Hyperbole (Exaggeration) is a deliberate exaggeration for the sake of emphasis or effect.

Examples of hyperbole:

In each of the following examples pause and ponder the passage, asking yourself what is the hyperbole or exaggeration and what does it mean in context.

Dt 1:28 (Deuteronomy chapter 1 for context) 'Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, "The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there."' (Deuteronomy chapter 1 for context)

Comment: What is the hyperbole? What is the purpose or effect of this hyperbole? "Fortified to heaven" grossly exaggerates the power of the enemy, in a sense even approaching the power of God. What is the application? When we take our eyes off of the majesty and greatness of our God, the temporal, earthly obstacles often become "exaggerated" in our imagination and reasoning!

Mark 1:5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Comment: What is the hyperbole? Clearly "all" does not signify every single person in Judea was going to John the Baptist, but Mark does emphasize that Jews were streaming out to John from everywhere in the region. Mark's emphatic point is that this "church service" did not just have one or two new baptisms but that multitudes were being baptized!

Matthew 23:24 "You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

Comment: What are the hyperboles? Gnats and camels! Before we explain those, did you see any other figurative language? Who is "you" in the passage? We would have to go and read the chapter and it would become apparent that Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees. Now were they literally "blind guides"? Jesus is not referring to physical blindness, but to spiritual blindness, for here was the very "Light of the World" in their eyesight, and yet they failed to see Him as their long awaited Messiah! Now the interpretation of the hyperbole not as simple and requires some understanding of the cultural context which forces us to go to other resources. In this case, I had to consult 4 Bible dictionaries before I found a useful explanation of the custom in Jesus' day of filtering wine to remove impurities symbolized by "gnats" (Easton's). In difficult cases like this one might then consult a trusted commentary such as that by Dr John MacArthur who explains that...

Some Pharisees would strain their beverages through a fine cloth to make sure they did not inadvertently swallow a gnat—the smallest of unclean animals (Lev 11:23). The camel was the largest of all the unclean animals (Lev 11:4). (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos)

Psalm 119:20 My soul is crushed with longing after Thine ordinances at all times.

Comment: What is the hyperbole? Clearly one's soul cannot be literally crushed so this represents the exaggeration, to emphasize the great degree of the psalmist's longing for God's ordinances. How often does the psalmist experience this deep, profound longing? Let us seek to be imitators of the psalmist, asking God to give us even a "soul crushing longing" for His Word, if we find ourselves drifting into the waters of apathy  God's Word. It is good when our thirst for the Scriptures is enormous and unflagging.

Spurgeon beautifully unpacks this hyperbole explaining that "True godliness lies very much in desires. As we are not what we shall be, so also we are not what we would be. The desires of gracious men after holiness are intense, -- they cause a wear of heart, a straining of the mind, till it feels ready to snap with the heavenly pull. A high value of the Lord's commandment leads to a pressing desire to know and to do it, and this so weighs upon the soul that it is ready to break in pieces under the crush of its own longings. What a blessing it is when all our desires are after the things of God. We may well long for such longings." (Ed: And we may well pray for them dear child of God. God will be pleased to grant such a request that is clearly in His holy will. [1Jn 5:14, 15])
 

RELATED RESOURCES
 

Figurative Language - Tony Garland at spiritandtruth.org
Figurative language - Bob Smith in Basics of Bible Interpretation

Holmes:     “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”

Watson:     “Frequently.”

Holmes:     “How often?”

Watson:     “Well, some hundreds of times.”

Holmes:     “Then how many are there?”

Watson:     “How many? I don’t know.”

Holmes:     “Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed” (“A Scandal in Bohemia” in The Complete Sherlock Holmes. New York: Doubleday, 1927)

Inductive Bible Study - Observation  

Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation

Inductive Bible Study - Application

Simple Study on the Power of God's Word
Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17
A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation

Memorizing God's Word - Why? How? Resource links...
How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web
Greek Tense, Voice, Mood Reference Guide
Greek Word Studies - in depth