a. Observation:
What does it say? (Facts)
i.
Context: what comes before and after this paragraph?
ii.
Contents (5 W’s):
1. Who
is involved? (List each person)
2. What
events, actions, topics are discussed?
3. Why
is this paragraph in this place?
4. When
does this take place? Are there any
important past, present or future tenses mentioned?
5. Where
does the action take place?
iii.
Structure:
1. What
words don’t you understand?
2. What
important Bible words are used?
3. Is
this poetry, narrative, or teaching?
4. Tone
or atmosphere: What mood is the author expressing? Is he trying to teach, preach, beg or tell a
story?
b. Interpretation:
What does it mean? (Principles)
i.
Define all the words you listed above. Use a dictionary; but also use a concordance
so you can see how this particular important word is used by the author
elsewhere or how the Bible defines this word.
ii.
Analyze the 5 W’s (#2 above).
1.
What is said about the “who’s” and “what’s”?
2.
What is significant about the time and place?
3.
How does the paragraph fit into the whole of the book?
iii.
Look up parallel passages and cross-references. Make short notes on any that are helpful.
iv.
Analyze the paragraph.
Ask, “What does this paragraph teach?”
Record everything you find. Here
are some necessary rules:
1. Allow
at least 2 occasions to do this.
2. Don’t
record anything that is not clearly in the paragraph.
3. Find
ALL that is in the paragraph.
4. State
your findings accurately.
c. Application:
What does it mean to me? Is there a
command to obey? an example to follow? a sin to avoid? a warning to heed? a
promise to claim? a truth to believe?
Then rewrite the paragraph as a prayer and pray it to the Lord!
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