What is the 'Precept Inductive Bible Study' method?

What is the 'Precept Inductive Bible Study' method?

The Precept Inductive Method is exciting, engaging and very practical. We’re here to help you.

The best way to learn is to give it a go yourself.

However, if you’d like to know a little bit about the theory, read on! For a more thorough understanding, we’d recommend you take a look at our ‘Lord Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days’ or ‘How to Study the Bible’ studies. Lord Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days has the first 7 days available as an E-Course absolutely FREE on our Youtube channel click here for more.

Inductive Bible study takes you straight to the Bible first, so you can hear God speaking directly to you. We’ll equip you with skills to observe, interpret and then apply the text to your life so you can know God better and be made more like Jesus.

The three steps that make up the Precept Inductive Study Method


Observation: See exactly what the Bible says
  • Begin with prayer
  • Ask ‘who, what, when, where, why and how?’ questions as you read
  • Mark keywords and phrases
  • List what you have marked
  • Look out for and mark expressions of time and locations, terms of conclusion, contrasts and comparisons

While observation leads to an accurate understanding of what God’s Word says, interpretation goes a step further and helps you understand what it means.

Interpretation: Understand what the Bible means
  • Remember that context rules all interpretation
  • Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture

When you understand what God is saying, it’s time to believe the truth and live by it!

Application: Apply the meaning of the text to my life
  • Know God deeply. Live differently.

For a more in-depth understanding of inductive study, click here for a free downloadable PDF.

What next?

If you are looking into buying/downloading your first Bible study at precept.org.uk/shop then why not check out the Precept UK Study Calculator below? This handy tool helps determine what level of Bible study intensity each of our resources provide, ranging from No homework all the way up to 5 hours per week. Find the perfect study for you!

Study calculator