The Power of Observation

The Power of Observation

Careful observation is a critical, but often overlooked, component of Bible study.

by Randy D. Raysbrook and Adam R. Holz

Perhaps the most simple and widespread method of studying the Bible involves a three step process: observation, interpretation, and application. Almost all Bible study contains these three elements. Yet in our rush to figure out what a particular passage means, and how to apply it to our lives, we often give observation short shrift. Developing good observation skills is one of the most critical elements of any Bible study. Everything else that follows as we study the Bible depends on how well we've truly seen what's going on in a given text. If we come to a particular passage believing we know exactly what is there, we won't look at it very closely. But careful observation forces us to jettison our presuppositions, many of which we may discover are not as accurate as we'd initially assumed.

Learning to See

In most passages, there are more things going on than we're able to see in an overview reading. As you begin to study a particular passage, set a goal to make a certain number of observations about the verses you're examining. For example, I once participated in a group study in which the leader challenged us to make 50 observations about Mk. 4:35-41, the story of Jesus falling asleep in the back of the boat during a storm. We quickly exhausted the obvious and were forced to look more care fully at the passage. After we made 50 observations, he pushed us to make 25 more, which we did. By working your "observation muscles" in this way, you, too, will discover that there is a great deal to see in every passage.


Questions to Ask

Begin your observation by answering some basic questions. Asking who, what, when, where, why, and how questions will get you started.

Your questions will vary depending upon what biblical genre you're examining. If you're looking at a narrative, you'll spend more time observing events. If you're looking at an epistle, you might spend more time making observations about the main concepts in a chapter. But some basic questions can be asked of most texts. Common questions to ask include


Macro and Micro

After you've asked these questions, step back and observe the big picture. How does the passage you're studying relate to its broader context—that is, what comes before and after the passage? What is the relationship between the passage and the book as a whole?

Next, research important geographical information. If you have a study Bible or Bible dictionary, look at maps and entries describing the cities and prominent geographical regions in the passage. Just looking at a map and researching where events took place, and the kinds of people who lived there, will greatly enrich your study. For example, when Lk. 8:26 records, "They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee," you can examine a map to grasp the geographical scope of Jesus' ministry.

After you've looked at the big picture, get your magnifying glass out and look carefully at the details—each verse, even each word. You've already answered the basic questions, but there are still stones to be overturned as you mine the passage for all it's worth. During your microscopic study, look for the following:

Patterns. In Mark 4 and Mark 5, the relationship between fear and faith is mentioned three times (Mk. 4:40; Mk. 5:33-34, Mk. 4:36).

Repeated words. In Eph. 6:11-14, the word stand is mentioned four times in the New International Version.

Contrasting words or ideas. Jesus used contrasts frequently, such as in His discussion of the eyes in Mt. 6:22-23. Contrasts are often set apart by words such as however, but, or nevertheless.

Comparisons. Comparisons often use words such as like or as. David compared a deer's thirst to the soul longing for God in Ps. 42:1.

Words that indicate the passage of time. When, then, until, while, after this, and immediately all describe the chronological relationships in a passage.

Words that indicate cause and effect. Words such as therefore or for this reason often preface a discussion of the consequences of certain actions.

Additional Observation Exercises

Other Perspectives. Imagine you're looking at the passage from the perspective of someone else—for example, a seven-year-old child. How would that child see the passage differently? You can imaginatively appropriate many other perspectives from which to consider the text—a young believer's, a nonChristian's, a pastor's, a doctor's, a housewife's. The list is almost endless. Because we each come to a passage with our own "lenses"—the experiences in our lives that have shaped our perspective—purposefully stepping out of that perspective helps us see things we otherwise would have missed.

Paraphrasing. Read and reflect on the passage several times. Then, rewrite it in your own words. After you're through, compare your paraphrase with the original text. How accurate is your paraphrase? Did you emphasize some aspects of the text over others? Often, paraphrasing will help you see the most crucial issues in a passage.

Other translations. After you've thoroughly mined one translation, go through the entire observation process in another. How do the translations compare? Does another translation shed different light on some verses or cause you to see them in a new way? What are the nuances of difference between words? Comparing different translations may stimulate a deeper examination of the original Greek and Hebrew words. In-depth word study is simply an advanced form of observation.

Final Thoughts

Careful observation requires a relaxed setting, plenty of time, and a focused mind. While it might seem obvious, observations should be recorded. Write down what you see in a journal. Having a pen and paper handy as you observe what's happening will increase your attentiveness.

Careful observation naturally creates questions that lead into interpretation and application. Until you've looked deeply at your text, however, resist the urge to begin asking what something means or how it should be applied. If interpretation or application questions come up before you're through making observations, write them down to think about later and move on.

Don't be surprised if careful observation during Bible study causes you to begin to see people, events, and God's creation with more accuracy. Seeing well is an integral part of living well. Happy observing!

• This passage was written by Luke. The passage seems to be a transition between the story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet and the parable of the soils.
• This passage highlights the role women played in Jesus' ministry and follows a passage in which a woman was condemned by a Pharisee.
• Jesus was not afraid to break social customs by relating closely to women.
• Jesus' ministry consisted of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
• Jesus traveled and ministered with a fairly large group of people.
• He traveled with His 12 disciples.
• A distinction is made between towns and villages.
• Jesus ministered in urban areas of different sizes.
• Jesus allowed women to serve Him.
• Some of those to whom Jesus ministered served Him and followed Him closely.
• He traveled with several women who had been healed of diseases and delivered from evil spirits.
• The need both for healing and deliverance from evil spirits seems to be fairly constant throughout the time of Jesus' ministry.
• Three women who traveled with Jesus are mentioned by name: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.
• Mary Magdalene followed Christ after seven demons were cast out of her.
• Many other women traveled with Jesus.
• Both married and single women followed Jesus.
• Jesus must have held a significant attraction if women were willing to risk breaking social custom to follow Him.
• Jesus attracted female followers from different social strata: Joanna was the wife of the man who managed Herod's household.
• Joanna must have followed Jesus at some risk, given Herod's attitude toward Jesus.
• Jesus was humble enough to accept not only service, but also financial support, from the women who followed Him.
• The diversity of backgrounds of the women who followed Jesus rivals that of the 12 disciples.
• At least some of the women who followed Him must have been fairly wealthy because they supported Him "out of their own means."
• After this passage, which describes some of the people who followed Jesus, He tells a parable describing different kinds of people who respond to the Word of God.

  
Copyright, 1997, Randy D. Raysbrook and Adam R. Holz