Unlocking the richness of Scripture begins with understanding the power of individual words. Word studies are essential for diving deeper into the Bible, helping you grasp the meaning behind repeated phrases, figures of speech, and challenging terms. By utilizing tools like LOGOS, Bible dictionaries, and ancient language resources, you can explore the depth and nuances of God’s Word.

Whether approaching Scripture with a scientific precision or an artistic connection, word studies bridge the gap between head knowledge and heart transformation. Discover how to enhance your Bible study with effective word study techniques and resources.

Check out our Complete Collection of Learning How to Study the Bible (Exegesis/Hermeneutics)

Word Studies 

1. Look for words that are crucial to the passage.
   1. Repeated words. 
   2. Figures of speech. 
   3. Words that are unclear, puzzling, or difficult. 
2. Resources for word studies:
   1. Study Light
   2. LOGOS (free & paid version)
   3. Bible Dictionaries 
   4. Ancient Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic dictionaries 

Approaches to Reading Scripture

We need both a scientific and artistic approach to reading scripture. Science depends on the art, and the art depends on the science of interpreting scripture— we want to understand more & more of the greatness of God!

Scientific: What happens when you come to the text using a scientific method?

1. You don’t bring in bias’
2. See the Bible systematically 
3. Fact and belief (without doubt)
4. Exegetical approach 
5. Understand the Importance of knowing the foundation to move forward!

Artistic: What happens when you come to the text using artistic aspects?

Speech Act Theory

1. Every text is doing something 
   1. Locutions: what is said
   2. Illocutions: what the speaker is doing with what is said
   3. Perlocutions: how the audience is supposed to respond to 
   4. what the speaker is doing

Relevance Theory

Every text has understanding something based on shared experience(s)

Bible Translations

2. Word for Word: ESV, NASB
3. Phrase by Phrase: NIV
4. Paraphrase: TPT, MES
5. Red Flags: KJV
   • Why? Politically influenced, more accurate translations today

Commentaries

2. Critical: Word by word in the Greek or Hebrew text
3. Exegetical: Word by word for English reader in text, Greek or Hebrew in footnotes 
4. Explanatory: Condensed commentary idea by idea for English readers
5. Abridged: 1-2 volume; selective comments on main ideas or pertinent questions. Wider but shallower
6. Branches of commentaries: conservative, progressive conservative, moderate, liberal 
7. Evaluate the publisher
   1. Date 
   2. Author 
   3. Branch

Internet Resources (mostly free)

2. Bible Gateway  
3. Study Light
4. That the World May Know
5. Bible Places // history and culture
6. Software
   1. LOGOS
   2. Study Light (free w/ads)

Physical Resources (Amazon or Check your Local Library!)

Investing in your own Biblical Studies Library

In Christ,

Cosette

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