In Bible study as in life, there is always “more than meets the eye.”  Many people make poor judgements by following their first impressions and instincts without taking the necessary time and effort to fully observe what is happening around them.  Likewise, lack of careful Biblical observation has led to much false teaching and poor understanding of Biblical truth.

“Never trust general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details.” – Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Biblical observation is not difficult, it just takes a little time and attention. The average Christian may feel under-prepared for the task, but the simple truth is you already possess the two most important tools in Biblical observation and other helps are not difficult to obtain and use.

First, the most important Helper you have in Biblical understanding is the Holy Spirit.  If you have committed your life to following Jesus and trusted Him as your Lord, the Holy Spirit is part of your inner being, leading you and guiding you if you will listen to Him.  His role is to lead us to truth. (John 16:13)

Second, you already possess eyes to see and a mind to think critically.  By critically, I do not mean in the sense of criticizing, but thinking systematically and with discernment.  Most of us can come to some good conclusions through observations if we will just slow down long enough to “STOP AND THINK.”

Let me share some tools that I believe will aid you in your practice of good Biblical observation.

Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible.  (Click on title for link)  Most of the Old Testament was written in the ancient language of Hebrew (a small portion in Aramaic) and the New Testament was written in Greek.  While most English translation capture the essence of the Biblical languages quite well, often nuances are lost in translation.  With the Key Word Study Bible, a student who has never seen a Hebrew or Greek word can understand the linguistic background.

A Good Study Bible.  A good study Bible will contain notes at the bottom of each page helping the reader understand the language, historical, and cultural contexts of each passage of Scripture.  This is important, because God’s Word cannot mean for us today something other than it meant for those to whom it was originally written, in their context.  Some study Bibles I would recommend include (with links) The ESV Study Bible, The MacArthur Study Bible, or the Life Application Study Bible.

Manners and Customs of the Bible – helps understand cultural differences and context

The Amplified Bible – gives alternative translations of specific words in each verse.

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – look up an English word and see the various original language words from which it is translated.

This week as you study the Bible:

• Slow down and ask some observatory questions of the text.
• Consider what may have been going on in it’s original context.
• Assemble some tools that will help you with observation and begin using them.