One method of Bible study is keyword listing. The benefit of this method of Bible study is that it helps us draw out and summarize what the passage is teaching. To begin studying with this method, we read a passage to get the feel of it, and then look for keywords or phrases that may be emphasized or repeated. In our Bible study notebook, we write down the day, the passage, and then the first word or phrase that we want to list out. We then start reading the passage again, looking for the first time we see that word or phrase. When we find it, we write down the verse number and then what the verse says about that word or phrase. We then continue through the rest of the passage doing the same thing for each reference to our word or phrase. When we have finished listing every reference to that word or phrase, we look back over everything that the passage teaches us about that word or phrase and summarize it in our notes. We can then look back over the passage or other words or phrases that we want to list and summarize.

One of the great things about this method of Bible study is that it does not require special tools, commentaries, background, or knowledge. All it takes is a little time, some paper, and a pen or pencil, and anyone can do it. We are simply writing out what the Bible says.

​David Dalton

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