The Study of a Subject or Object

1. THE STUDY OF A SUBJECT
1. Occurrence in Scripture
1. Identify all synonyms which would be included in this topic.
2. Find every occurrence of this subject in scripture.
3. Use Treasury of Scripture Knowledge to find other verses that are related to your subject but might not use the exact word that you are studying.
4. Divide the occurrences out by section of the Bible.
1. Is this subject emphasized in one section of the Bible over the others? Why?
2. Is this subject totally ignored in some sections of the Bible?  Why?
3. Is this subject covered in every section of the Bible?  If so, what does that tell you?
5. Is there a chapter in the Bible that focuses on this subject?
2. Connotation in Scripture
1. Does the subject that you are studying have an evil connotation in the scripture?
1. Is this evil connotation limited to certain people, places or things?
2. Is this evil connotation consistent throughout scripture?
2. Does the subject that you are studying have a good connotation in the scripture?
1. Is this good connotation limited to certain people, places or things?
2. Is this good connotation consistent throughout scripture?
3. Comparison or Contrast in Scripture
1. To what other things is your subject likened?
1. Covetousness is often likened to idolatry.
2. Anger is often likened to fire.
3. Death is often likened to sleep.
2. With what other things is your subject contrasted?
1. God’s righteousness is often contrasted with man’s righteousness.
2. b. God’s greatness is often contrasted with man’s lowliness.
3. The life of the wicked is often contrasted with the life of the righteous.
4. Define the Subject.
1. Once you have read every occurrence of the subject within its context, make a general definition of the subject.  If possible, make a very specific definition but do not do so to the detriment of the scriptural use.
2. Allow the scriptural connotation and the comparison or contrast of your subject to form your definition as well.
3. Is the definition that you have arrived at the standard teaching of this subject?  If not, what scriptures lead you to go against the standard teaching?
5. Outline the Subject.
1. Take what you have learned and make an outline.
2. Your main points might contain things like…
1. Place of emphasis in the scripture
2. Connotation in scripture
3. Comparison and contrast in scripture
4. Literal interpretation from the scriptures
5. Practical application from the scriptures
2. THE STUDY OF AN OBJECT
1. Occurrence in Scripture
1. Find every occurrence of this object in scripture.
2. What are the different forms of the object that are found in the scripture?  Include plural and possessive forms.
3. Find the first and last mention of the object.  What is the significance of these references?
4. Is the word used in more than one primary way (i.e., ark)?  If so, identify the different meanings.
5. Divide the occurrences out by sections of the Bible.
1. Is this object emphasized in one section of the Bible over the others? Why?
2. Is this object totally ignored in some sections of the Bible?  Why?
3. Is this object covered in every section of the Bible?  If so, what does that tell you?
6. Is there a chapter in the Bible that focuses on this object?
7. Is this object tied to a specific people, place or time?
2. Connotation in Scripture
1. Does the object that you are studying have an evil connotation?
2. Does the object that you are studying have a good connotation?
3. Does the object that you are studying have a neutral connotation?
3. Comparison or Contrast in Scripture
1. To what other things is your object likened?
2. With what other things is your object contrasted?
4. More In-Depth Scriptural Usage
1. Are there any Bible teachings or customs associated with this object?
2. What adjectives are used to describe this object?
3. What characteristics of this object can be seen in the scriptures?
4. How does the Bible use this object to illustrate truth?
5. Outline the Subject.
1. Take what you have learned and make an outline.
2. Your main points might contain things like…
1. Truths taught using this object
2. Connotation in scripture
3. Comparison and contrast in scripture