Field Tool 86
G

Discover

Gather Observations

Questions Worth Asking

Better questions lead to more careful observation and more faithful interpretation.

Good Bible study is guided by questions that arise from the text, respect the author’s purpose, and move carefully from observation toward meaning, theology, and faithful response.

1

Observe

What Is Actually Here?

Begin with what the passage plainly contains.

  • Which words, phrases, ideas, or actions are repeated?
  • Who is speaking, acting, receiving, or responding?
  • What commands, promises, warnings, or questions appear?
  • Where do the tone, setting, or direction change?
2

Context

Where Does This Fit?

Read every statement as part of a larger whole.

  • What comes immediately before and after?
  • How does this paragraph serve the larger section?
  • How does it contribute to the purpose of the book?
  • What historical or cultural setting matters?
3

Structure

How Is the Passage Built?

Trace the author’s arrangement and movement.

  • What are the main units, scenes, clauses, or movements?
  • Which logical connectives hold the argument together?
  • Is there progression, contrast, pattern, or climax?
  • Which statement carries the greatest weight?
4

Meaning

What Did the Author Intend?

Seek the message given to the first audience.

  • What central claim is the author communicating?
  • What response did the author expect?
  • What problem, fear, need, or error is addressed?
  • How does the genre shape the message?
D.I.G.G.E.R. Field Journal Questions Worth Asking 86A
Field Tool 86
G

Discover

Gather Observations

Questions Worth Asking — Continued

Broaden the View

Read the passage theologically, canonically, Christologically, and practically.

5

Theology

What Does This Reveal About God?

Identify what the passage teaches about reality.

  • What attributes, works, purposes, or promises of God appear?
  • What does it reveal about humanity, sin, and grace?
  • How does it clarify salvation, covenant, or kingdom?
  • What doctrine is taught, assumed, or illustrated?
6

Scripture

How Does the Bible Clarify It?

Let Scripture interpret Scripture responsibly.

  • Does the passage quote or echo earlier Scripture?
  • Where does the same theme appear elsewhere?
  • Do later writers explain, fulfill, or apply this text?
  • Which clearer passages guard against error?
7

Christ

How Does This Relate to Christ?

Locate the text within Scripture’s witness to Christ.

  • Does the text speak directly of Christ or His work?
  • Does it contain promise, prophecy, type, or shadow?
  • How does Christ fulfill or complete its theme?
  • How does the gospel shape its application?
8

Response

What Faithful Response Is Required?

Apply the author’s message specifically and faithfully.

  • What should I believe about God, myself, or the world?
  • What should I praise, confess, trust, or fear?
  • What should I obey, reject, pursue, or endure?
  • What truth should I teach or proclaim?
D.I.G.G.E.R. Field Journal Questions Worth Asking 86B
Field Tool 86
G

Discover

Gather Observations

Questions Worth Asking — Continued

Test and Refine the Question

A useful question should be rooted in the text, capable of an answer, and important to the passage.

Test Every Question

Is It Worth Asking?

T

Textual

Does it arise from the words, structure, genre, or context?

A

Answerable

Can Scripture support the answer rather than speculation?

M

Meaningful

Will it clarify the author’s message or faithful application?

Refine the Question

Move from Vague to Text-Grounded

Specific questions produce more reliable answers.

Instead of Asking
Ask
What does this verse mean to me?
What did the author intend the first audience to understand?
Why did God do this?
What reasons does the text itself give for God’s action?
Is this symbolic?
What features of genre and context indicate figurative language?
What is the main point?
Which repeated ideas and structural features identify the main point?
How can I apply this?
What response did the author require, and how does the gospel shape it?
Where is Jesus in this verse?
How does this text relate responsibly to Christ in the Bible’s storyline?
D.I.G.G.E.R. Field Journal Questions Worth Asking 86C
Field Tool 86
G

Discover

Gather Observations

Questions Worth Asking — Continued

Use Questions Deliberately

Record questions freely during observation, then prioritize those most important to interpretation.

A Repeatable Practice

How to Use This Tool

  1. 1

    Read the entire passage before forming conclusions.

  2. 2

    Write questions while observing; do not answer too quickly.

  3. 3

    Prioritize questions that affect the passage’s main point.

  4. 4

    Answer from the text before consulting outside resources.

  5. 5

    Record unresolved questions for later study.

Practice

Questions Raised by the Passage

Write first. Rank later.

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