The 5 W’s Bible Study Method is a simple but powerful game changer. You don't need to be a Bible scholar to understand why David said, ...but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. Ps. 119:161 All you need is a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to ask questions! It’s like having 5 keys and each one unlocks a part of the Scriptures. Maybe you can even think of these 5 W’s as a set of training wheels. They will keep you steady and focused.
Understanding the 5 W’s Bible Study Method
Here are the basics: Ask these 5 simple questions - Who, What, Where, When and Why for each passage. Using this approach as a guide will help you avoid that overwhelming feeling of information overload. As we go through each type of question, you'll see how easy the 5 W’s will make your studying.
Who - Identifying key people and audiences
The who question will help you become acquainted with the people that God has chosen to have a part in His Word. These are real people, not just “Bible characters” in a novel. Someday we’ll meet these people in heaven; a place with familiar faces!
Start by asking yourself questions like "Who's talking here?" and "Who are they talking to?" It's amazing how much you'll uncover by focusing on the people involved.
Think about the original audience - what would these words have meant to them? Sometimes understanding their perspective can completely change how we see a passage.
Try to put yourself in their place. How would you feel if you were Peter when Jesus called you to walk on water?
Don't forget about the author. Paul's background as a former Pharisee, for example, adds so much depth to his letters. You can feel the passion in his voice because He was once where they are now!
What - Uncovering the happening
Get to the heart of what is happening in the text.
Look for the main events first - what's happening in this passage? Sometimes we get so caught up in the details that we miss the big picture!
This is one of my favorite things about the King James Bible. I love looking for definitions that God defines for us. For example, the passage may be talking about Zion. That’s not something you hear every day. Search for the word Zion in a concordance and you'll discover the Bible has defined it for us. 2 Sam. 5:7 “Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.” 2 Sam. 5:7. Don’t stop there. What is the city of David? The Bible will tell you!
Repeated words or phrases are usually super important to the main message. It's like God highlighting key points for us!
Biblical writers often use word pictures to help us understand deep spiritual truths. For example, Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd". One thing we know about a good shepherd is that he knows how to and will care for his sheep!
Here’s a tip. Try imagining telling a friend what is happening. What would be necessary for him to understand what you want him to know? Better yet, this is the Holy Spirit talking to you. Have you been participating in the conversation with Him?
Where - Exploring Biblical Geography and Context
The Bible always refers to up when giving directions to Jerusalem. Normally, if we give directions to the south, we will say, “Go down to so and so.” But not Jerusalem! Places in the Bible have spiritual significance.
The 40 years of wilderness wanderings weren't just about being lost - each location holds a powerful spiritual lesson and it's often repeated when those places are mentioned.
When you trace Paul's missionary journeys on a map, you'll notice he followed major trade routes. Paul went where large numbers of people gathered. Instead of a map to tell where these major trade routes were located, you can use the Bible to tell where the people were located and that would’ve been a good place for a major trade route! (Just a thought).
Jesus walked about 20 miles to talk to one woman at a well in Samaria. This shows just how much He values each person.
When - Understanding Biblical Timeline and Context
When we see God’s timing in the Bible, we are reminded that He has perfect timing in our lives too. Just as He had a plan then, He has a plan now. Consider the when of these events.
Ever wonder why the Jews were so ready for a Messiah in Jesus' time? There were 400 "silent years" between Malachi in the Old Testament to the birth of Jesus in the New Testament. That’s a long time of silence when you're expecting deliverance.
Jesus dying on the cross at Passover is not just a coincidence. He is the Passover Lamb. Festivals and dates hold deep spiritual truths. They serve as foreshadows of events to come. There is no other book on earth that sheds that kind of light!.
Sometimes knowing the sequence of events completely changes how we understand a story. Imagine how much more meaningful Jesus’ resurrection is when you realize it happened on the Feast of Firstfruits!
Why - Discovering Purpose and Application
Every story in the Bible has a purpose. When we understand why something was written, it helps us apply it to our lives today. The amazing thing about Scripture is that it's always relevant. The same God who spoke to people thousands of years ago is speaking to your heart today!
John makes his purpose super clear: "These things are written that you may believe" (John 20:31). How's that for being direct?
Peter's letters feel like letters from home to scared believers. He's saying, "Hang in there - your faith matters, especially when times are tough!"
Practical Application of the 5 W's Method
Try the 5 W’s now. Start with the Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:25-37). It's perfect for practicing these questions.
You don’t need higher education or outside information to understand the Bible. God has provided everything in His Word that we need to understand His Word. However, a concordance is a great tool to help you find where specific words or phrases are located in the Bible. Think of it as an index at the back of your Bible.
God has also given us teachers. A good commentary can help you learn from others. Eph. 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
Study the Bible! Write it down, make notes, and visualize the Scriptures. The Common People Bible Study Guides are guided verse by verse and allow you to ask the 5 W’s and record your notes.
Make Bible study a part of each day. Avoid studying while you’re rushed or tired. This is your time to spend with God. If you’re genuinely tired, meditate on a single verse or spend time in the Psalms. Don’t walk over the “treasure in the field” trying to keep up with a daily reading schedule.
In conclusion, the 5 W’s Bible Study Method isn’t just another study technique - it is a proven method that will open up deep Bible truths to those willing to diligently seek the Scriptures. Remember, every time you open your Bible ask these questions; Who, What, Where, When, and Why. But the most important thing to remember is not the questions you are asking but it is Whom you are asking. Spend time with the Heavenly Father and diligently seek Him with your whole heart. 🌟
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