Observations Checklist
OBSERVATION 1:
IDENTIFY WORDS THAT COMPARE
When reading a text, it is imperative to identify keywords that make comparisons. These little words often bring the bible to life by comparing a spiritual truth to an earthly one helping us grasp the true meaning behind the author’s intent. The two most popular types are similes and metaphors. Similes are things that are compared using the KEY WORDS below. Metaphors make comparisons without using these words. KEYWORDS: Like, as, such as, as much as, etc.
OBSERVATION 2:
IDENTIFY WORDS THAT CONTRAST
When reading a text, it is imperative to identify keywords that make contrasts. These words help us understand the pivot that the author intended. Try to determine the contrast that the author desires His readers to understand.
KEYWORDS: But, however, yet, nevertheless, etc.
OBSERVATION 3:
IDENTIFY WORDS THAT INDICATE A PURPOSE/RESULT
You want to observe certain words that indicate a purpose or a result has taken place. These observations are some of the most important as they truly help us understand what purpose or result the author wants his readers to experience in their lives.
Essentially, “What is supposed to happen in my life as a RESULT of this or that?”
KEYWORDS: That, in order that, so that, etc…
OBSERVATION 4:
IDENTIFY WORDS THAT ARE CONDITIONAL
As you are reading the text, identify any words that indicate that a certain condition must be met on your part before certain actions occurs. Usually these conditions are denoted by using the words IF. KEYWORDS: If
OBSERVATION 5:
IDENTIFY WORDS THAT MODIFY OTHER WORDS
Look for words that modify other words in the text. Examples would be LARGE crowds or DECEPTIVE philosophy. Paying attention to these words will allow you to notice specifics about a text and break it down into smaller pieces for advanced study.
OBSERVATION 6:
IDENTIFY WORDS INDICATE A CAUSE OR REASON
Often in the text we see words or phrases that alert us to go backwards to see what the author is precisely trying to communicate in this text.
KEYWORDS: Because, for this reason, therefore, etc.
OBSERVATION 7:
IDENTIFY WORDS CREATE LISTS OR CONNECT THINGS TOGETHER
Pay attention to words that connect pieces of a verse/text to another piece or verse in that text. These words help to form lists. We should then be prepared to analyze for further study once we get to the interpretation phase.
KEYWORDS: And, but, commas, etc.
OBSERVATION 8:
IDENTIFY IMPERATIVES (COMMANDS)
Some of the most powerful words in scripture are what’s called imperatives. These are commands given by the author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The imperatives you observe in this phase will become your applications in the applications phase.
OBSERVATION 9:
IDENTIFY WORDS THAT ARE REPEATED
Pay close attention to words or phrases that are repeated in the biblical text. This is the author’s way of trying to emphasize and draw out a particular word or phrase for his readers.
OBSERVATION 10:
IDENTIFY SPECIFIC WORDS THAT STANDOUT
As you are reading, underline or highlight any words that you would like to learn the true Greek/Hebrew meaning of even if you think it’s a common word. Then when we come to the interpretation phase we will learn exactly how to obtain the meaning of that word.