A New Introduction to Inductive Bible Study

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.

Praise for Inductive Bible Study

“The sheer number of books on interpreting the Bible has become numbing. Inductive Bible Study cuts through the complexity. I know of no other book that covers such a wide range of issues with such user-friendly expertise and wise simplicity. Read it to (re)kindle excitement about mining Scripture’s inexhaustible riches!”
—Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO

“For anyone looking for a thorough guide to the study of the Bible, this splendid new volume is a great place to start. These seasoned authors have given us a thoughtful, well-designed, and practical, step-by-step approach to the serious study of Holy Scripture. This carefully written and readable book provides helpful instruction for those who are just beginning to study the Bible on a regular basis as well as insightful ideas for more experienced students of Scripture. Heartily recommended!”
—David S. Dockery, president, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL

“While there are countless Christian books, too few of them help Christians interpret and apply the most important book. That’s why this wonderful new volume by Fuhr and Köstenberger is a breath of fresh air. It turns our attention back to where it belongs, namely, to God’s Word. It will be a great blessing to every believer eager to understand the Scriptures better.”
—Michael J. Kruger, president and professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC

“It is impossible to study the Word of God too deeply or too well. These eternal truths deserve the best we have to offer. It is exciting to see this work that blends the inductive method with the historical disciplines. To observe well on our part and to dig well into the background behind the text has inestimable worth. Our deep thanks for this invaluable resource for quality Bible study.”
—Grant R. Osborne, professor emeritus, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL

“Köstenberger and Fuhr combine earlier work on the hermeneutical triad—the historical, literary, and theological context of a passage—with the traditional methods of inductive Bible study. The result is not only a sound academic approach to Scripture, but practical handles for observing, interpreting, and applying the Scriptures. This book is a tremendous gift to the serious student of the Bible. Highly recommended!”
—Roger Severino, adult minister of leadership, Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, TN

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Contents

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

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Editor’s note: Order a copy Inductive Bible Study at LifeWay, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christianbook.com. Request a faculty review copy here.