1. Inductive Bible Study

The inductive method is about letting Scripture speak for itself. Instead of beginning with an idea and trying to prove it, you start by carefully observing the text. You then carefully look at the context. Who is it being addressed to, under what circumstances, who are the people involved, and any particular themes or actions. Such detailed observations help you interpret God’s Word more accurately, and apply it to your own life more practically. Yes, this slows down the pace at which you study the bible, but the slower you go, the deeper your understanding is.

Steps:

• Observation – What does the passage say? (Look for repeated words, key themes, people, places, or actions.)
• Interpretation – What does it mean? (What is God teaching through this passage? What was the context?)
• Application – How does this apply to my life today?

Benefits:

• Helps you dig deep into the text.
• Builds strong understanding without relying on outside opinions.
• Encourages personal discovery and direct connection with God’s Word.

Best For: Christians who want to grow in independent study and learn to “feed themselves” spiritually.

2. Deductive Bible Study

The deductive method starts with a topic or idea and then looks at Scripture to see what it says about that subject.

Example: You might start with the topic of “forgiveness,” and then study different passages across the Bible that teach about forgiveness. Or perhaps you might be looking for answers on “overcoming sin” in your life. You will then look up different verses and passages across the Bible that teach you about overcoming sin. With today’s world of internet, it is easy to search for appropriate Bible passages relating to any topic. This is called the Deductive bible study method.

Benefits:

• Great for finding biblical answers to life’s questions.
• Helpful when you want to study a specific doctrine or theme.
• Builds a broader, big-picture understanding of what the Bible says.

Best For: Christians looking to understand what the Bible teaches on specific issues or doctrines.

3. Topical Bible Study

A topical study is very similar to the deductive method but usually broader and more practical. Instead of beginning with one doctrine, you choose a subject (like “prayer,” “fear,” or “faith”) and look up verses throughout the Bible that address it. In my earlier days, I wasn’t aware of any bible study techniques. I just started off from Genesis and decided to go through the entire bible from cover to cover. It wasn’t a “bible study” per say, but just reading through the Word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me. But these bible study techniques are very useful and I would have found them to be a blessing had I known earlier.

Steps:

• Pick a topic.
• Use a concordance, Bible app, or search tool to find related verses.
• Compare the verses and note how they connect.

Benefits:

• Very practical—helps answer questions about everyday life.
• Easy for beginners to start with.
• Builds a strong foundation on key areas of Christian living.

Best For: Beginners and small groups studying together. There are plenty of devotions on relevant topics as well.

4. Verse-by-Verse (Expository) Study

This technique involves going through a book of the Bible slowly, studying it verse by verse. There are many churches that preach and teach using this method. You could look up on YouTube for verse by verse bible study sermons and you will find many. This technique is one of my favorite because it takes you book by book, verse by verse, all the while giving you a clear understanding on the intended audience, the context, the circumstances, and the relevance to our lives.

Benefits:

• Keeps passages in context.
• Helps avoid misunderstanding by seeing how verses fit into the bigger picture.
• Great for long-term growth.

Best For: Christians who want steady, systematic study. This bible study technique is also slow in pace, but leaves you with a much deeper understanding of the books of the bible.

5. Character Study

A character study focuses on one person in the Bible. You trace their story, their struggles, their faith, and what you can learn from them. This bible study technique is fantastic for your personal quiet time. Often, you will find that you can relate your personal struggles with someone in the Bible.

Example: Studying the life of David—his courage, his failures, and his heart after God, or Joseph – his integrity, his fear of God and his journey from the pit to the palace.

The story of Joseph is my personal favorite. Although God gave him a dream of his success, he had to go through a very humbling experience before God could raise him up. I’ve learnt a lot from his story, especially the fact that the way up with God is the way down. The lower you go in humility, the higher He lifts you up. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Benefits:

• Makes Scripture personal and relatable.
• Helps you see God’s faithfulness in ordinary people’s lives.

Best For: Anyone who learns best through storytelling. If you are one of those who learn just by listening or reading through a true story, then this bible study technique might interest you.

6. Word Study

A word study involves digging into the meaning of key words in Scripture, often using original Hebrew or Greek definitions. This bible study technique is often used by preachers and teachers who already know the Word of God quite a bit, but are seeking to dig out the true meaning of a particular verse or passage.

Example: Studying the word “love” (agape, phileo, eros) to see its depth of meaning or studying the word “caught up” (harpazo) referring to the rapture of the church.

Benefits:

• Unlocks richer understanding of familiar passages.
• Helps clarify verses that seem confusing in English.

Best For: Those ready to go deeper beyond surface-level reading.

Which Technique Should You Start With?

• If you’re a beginner, start with topical study (easy and practical) or inductive study (to build deeper habits).
• If you want to grow in doctrinal understanding, try deductive study.
• If you prefer stories, go with a character study.
• As you grow, add in verse-by-verse or word studies to strengthen your foundation.

Remember—there’s no “one right way.” The best Bible study technique is the one that helps you connect with God’s Word consistently and apply it to your life. The end goal for you is to become intimate with Jesus Christ Himself.

Bible study isn’t about how much you know but about how much you let God’s Word transform you. Don’t feel pressured to master every method right away. Choose one technique, practice it faithfully, and watch how the Holy Spirit opens your eyes and heart.