Bible Study Methods

Following are some simple and reproducible frameworks for studying the Bible. These work regardless of the background or age of the participants and require no preparation.

Tips: Rotate using different frameworks. In addition, consider creating your own framework after becoming familiar with these.

OIA

Observation, interpretation, and application (OIA) -- This basic, but time-tested framework helps participants dig deeper into the text.

  1. Observation
  2. Interpretation
  3. Application

Swedish Method

Swedish Method -- By utilizing icons like a lightbulb, question mark, arrow, and speech bubble, this framework encourages questions and application. Do note the additional resources at the bottom of the linked page.

  - 💡A light bulb: Something that ‘shines’, that impacts, or draws your attention. 
  - ❓A question mark: Anything not understood from the text, or a question you’d like to ask the writer or the Lord.
  - ⬅️ An arrow: A personal application.
  - 💬 A speech bubble with a name: Someone who would benefit from hearing about what you discovered in the passage, before the next Bible study.

COMA

Context, observation, meaning, application (COMA) (PDF) - This is a robust framework that helps participants connect the text to the storyline of the Bible and their own lives.

  1. Context
  2. Observation
  3. Meaning
  4. Application

Seven Arrows

Seven Arrows - This frameworks helps in summarizing the text and viewing it in relationship to various aspects of our lives. There is also a course on this framework.

  1. What Does This Passage Say?
  2. What Did This Passage Mean to Its Original Audience?
  3. What Does This Passage Tell Us About God?
  4. What Does This Passage Tell Us About Man?
  5. What Does This Passage Demand of Me?
  6. How Does This Passage Change the Way I Relate to People?
  7. How Does This Passage Prompt Me to Pray to God?

Another Method

This was developed by a youth pastor in Ohio based loosely on David Helm\'s One-to-one Bible Reading.

  1. How would you summarize these verses into one or two sentences?
  2. Is there something that is hard to understand or that you want to know more about?
  3. What shines or seems important in this text?
  4. How do these verses connect to the Good News of Jesus dying on the cross and rising again?
  5. How do you think those who first read these verses would respond and how should we respond today?