Bible Study – Best Practices

Unlock the secrets of effective Bible study with our best practices! Discover the golden rules that emphasize the importance of context, scriptural harmony, and the necessity of multiple witnesses for any doctrine. Learn how to navigate various translations and delve into the rich meanings of Greek and Hebrew words. Whether you're interpreting parables or reading epistles, our guidelines will enhance your understanding and deepen your faith. Join us on this enlightening journey to uncover the profound wisdom of Scripture and apply it to your life. Dive in and transform your Bible study experience today!

Golden Rules

Bible Study
  1. Context is everything.
  2. Scripture interprets scripture.
    • Acts 17:11, Isaiah 28:9-10, 2Peter 1:20
  3. Any doctrine requires two witnesses, at the least.
    • 2Corinthians 13:1, Revelation 11:3
  4. Seek scriptural harmony.
    • Matthew 4:4, 2Timothy 3:16-17
  5. Do not go beyond what’s written.
    • 1Corinthians 4:6, Revelation 22:18

Silver Rules

  1. Refer to multiple translations: Since no Translation is perfect,Various Translations of the Bible compare the text using multiple types of translations to arrive at a more accurate understanding of a verse that harmonizes with the rest of the Bible. Refer Golden Rule #4.
    Translation types:
    • Functional Equivalence – E.g. NIV.
    • Formal Equivalence – E.g. NASB.
    • Free Translation – E.g. The Message.


  2. Understand important Greek/Hebrew biblical words:Hebrew Scroll Study Vine’s/Strong’s for interlinear translations, etymologies, and apply exegesis. In most cases, a word is best defined by Scripture itself.
    Refer Golden Rule #2.


  3. Verify earliest available manuscripts to resolve contradictoryBible Manuscript verses / passages.
    Refer Golden Rule #4.





  4. Support any given doctrine with more than one Scripture. Two Witnesses HandshakeRefer Golden Rule #3.





  5. Read and understand based on context: A text mustSocial Context be understood based on its micro and macro context. Proper exegesis requires the understanding of not only the literary context, but also the socio, economic, historical, political and cultural context of the text, its author and its intended audience. Refer Golden Rule #1.





  6. On any given topic, direct statements from Scriptures takeDirect Hit predominance over any interpretative passages. Refer Golden Rule #5.





  7. Avoid reading literal meanings into parables,Parable of the Prodigal Son allegories, and symbolic statements. If you treat a section as symbolic, be consistent and see everything there as symbolic. Avoid considering half of the things there as symbolic and half literal. Vice versa. Refer Golden Rule #1.





  8. Interpret parables, allegories or symbolic statements not byScripture interprets Scripture personal theories, but by using other Scriptures. Refer Golden Rule #2.





  9. Treat an epistle as a letter or an email, to be read in one sitting.Epistle is a letter Refer Golden Rule #1.





  10. Bear in mind the foundational doctrines ofReading Scriptures in light of the foundational doctrines Christianity as listed down in Hebrews 6:1-2 “The elementary teaching about the Christ… foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.” Refer Golden Rule #1.

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  1. ?
    1.பழைய ஏற்பாடு மற்றும் புதிய ஏற்பாடு கால துவக்கத்தின் போது ஏற்ப்பட்ட அதிசியங்களும் அற்புதங்களும் ஏன் இப்பொழுதுஆண்டவர் காண்பிக்கவில்லை?

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Scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scriptures indicated NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Wherever indicated NCV, scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Image Credits - Bible Study: By Ryk Neethling (www.flickr.com/photos/rykneethling/) [CC BY 2.0], via flickr