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How to Read the Bible

The HEAR method is an inductive Bible study method. This method looks closely at what the Bible says in order to discover what it means, so that we can faithfully apply it to our lives.

  • Highlight: Read and observe everything in the passage carefully.
  • Examine: Based on your observations, discover what the passage means.
  • Apply: Determine how the meaning of the passage applies to your life.
  • Respond in Prayer: Pray God’s Word back to him.

HIGHLIGHT

The goal in this time is to slow down and observe everything you can about the passage. Most of your time should be spent here. The more time you spend faithfully observing, the easier it will be to understand the meaning of the passage.

When we say “highlight,” we don’t mean for you to simply grab a highlighter and mark some words. We mean for you to observe everything about the passage. Notice every small detail, like the subjects and verbs of each sentence. Notice the big things, like genre, themes, and structure.

Below are some helpful tips that will slow you down so that you can see what is really there in the text.

What genre is this (a narrative, a poem, a letter, etc.)?  

Say the passage out loud several times, but emphasize a different word each time. This way, you can clearly see what each word is doing in the sentence. For example:

Christ died for our sins. Christ died for our sins. Christ died for our sins. Christ died for our sins. Christ died for our sins.

What are some words/phrases that repeat? Is this word/phrase or concept used in other parts of this book of the Bible?

Are there any logical connectors or conjunctions (but, so that, therefore, if/then, etc.)?

Are there any quotations or allusions from other parts of the Bible?

How do other faithful translations render this sentence?

EXPLAIN

The goal in this section is to understand what the author intends from the text. Your main question is, How do these words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs construct meaning, and what is that meaning? 

Some helpful questions to ask about all your observations from the “Highlight” section:

What are the big ideas that are communicated clearly by the author? What’s the main emphasis? 

What does this word or phrase mean? Pro tip: If you are stuck on the meaning of a word or phrase, look at how the word is used in the rest of the book. You could even look up how the same author uses it in his other works.

Who is it referring to? Who is doing the action?

Slowly trace the textual relationships as you zoom out from words to paragraphs: What is the relationship between these words? between these clauses? between these sentences? between these paragraphs?

If an event is being portrayed, ask if the author answers these questions: When did this happen? Where did it happen? Why did it happen? How did it happen?

There will always be questions about a text you will have trouble answering. That is OK. Try to keep the main thing, the main thing. 

APPLY

Careful explanation of the text should lead to faithful application. God commands us to not merely be hearers of the Word, but faithful doers (James 1:21–25). Without faithful application of God’s Word to our hearts, our studying will do us little to no good. Below are some helpful questions to ask when applying the text.

What does this text teach me about God? How does this fuel my love for him?

What does this text teach me about myself, others, and the world?

What truths am I called to believe? How should I change the way I think?

What promises am I called to place my trust in? 

What sins am I called to confess and repent of?

What commands am I called to obey (by relying on God’s grace)?

What specific changes is God calling me to make right now in my life?

RESPOND IN PRAYER

Talk to God about what he is teaching you in his Word. Pray his Word back to him. You could follow the ACTS model used in this study if it is helpful:

Adoration: Express awe and worship for how God is revealed in this text.

Confession: How does this passage convict you of sin? Confess those sins to God, and ask him for forgiveness in Christ.

Thanksgiving: What are things in this passage that evoke thankfulness to God in your heart (his character, his actions, his gifts, etc.)? Express your gratitude to him.

Supplication: How can God help you obey this passage? Are you lacking in affections, understanding, or ability? Express all your needs to God, and ask him for help.