How to Do a Bible Book Survey

Knowing how to do a Bible book survey is a powerful skill for any student of God’s Word. A survey falls under the first step of inductive Bible study because the focus of a survey is observation of the content and not interpretation.

A “survey” is a preliminary, big picture overview of an entire book of the Bible. Some people describe it as a “bird’s-eye” or “telescopic view.” This big picture look only skims the surface, noting the major points, primary themes, and running arguments. The reader does not slow down, go deep, or look for details. 

Why do a “Bible book survey?”

Each book of the Bible was written as a whole unit. The biblical author expected his book would be read as a unit and he structured it as such. Therefore, it’s easy to misunderstand a small passage when we disconnect it from the larger whole. (See “How Literary Context Aids Our Understanding.”) 

Note: There are exceptions to the individual Bible books being written as a unit. For instance, each individual psalm was written as a unit. However, each psalm was intentionally chosen to be part of the collection and the collection was organized into a cohesive unit with a specific structure.

It’s always helpful to do a book survey before digging deeper into the smaller pieces of a book. A survey establishes the overall context for the book as well as any and every smaller section you might want to study. 

Also, knowing the big picture of a book helps us better understand God’s big, overall story. The individual Bible books are pieces of the same divine puzzle. We best understand the whole when we understand the parts. The reverse is true as well, we best understand the parts when we know the whole. (Also see “What is the Metanarrative of the Bible?”)

What are the basic steps of a Bible book survey?

I’ve done a lot of reading and study about how best to study the Bible, particularly about inductive Bible study. Although the various resources I’ve consulted suggest slightly different approaches to a book survey, they all teach the same basic method. The variation I offer below is based on both my research and Bible study experience. First, I will list the steps and then I’ll go back and expand on each one. And before you begin, set aside any preconceived ideas or previously-held understandings you have about the book. Start fresh.

1. Pre-read the whole book
2. Gather background Information
3. Read the book multiple times 
4. Note the overall structure 
5. Observe the basic content 

Pre-read the Book

Before doing a complete read through of the book do a quick scan or skim. Kenneth Acha, author of “Inductive Bible Study: A Trusted Guide to Understanding and Applying the Word of God” recommends this and calls it “pre-reading.” Do read what appears to be the introduction and the conclusion. In a lengthier book this may be the first and last chapters. In a shorter book, it may be the first and last paragraphs.

The goal here is simply to get a feel for the book overall. You may notice some basic structure and main points. Also watch for key facts that will help you compile the background of the book like author, recipients, place, and other important people.

Gather information on the Book Background

The background of a book includes the specific circumstances surrounding its writing and the overall historical and cultural context of the time in which it was written. General knowledge of these are important so we can better understand what a book meant to the original audience. Some of these facts can be found within the book itself. You likely noticed some during your pre-read. But for other vital information you will need to consult outside resources. 

For instance, the reader should consider things like what was happening in world history, the political environment, and the culture. Although these things may seem disconnected from the Scripture, all of this and more helped shape the worldview of both the author and the recipients. These things impacted the environment in which the book was written and shaped the way the recipients would have understood it. The more we understand about their world at the time, the more likely we are to properly interpret the book. 

This research doesn’t have to be super lengthy or involved. Even the basics will improve your understanding. For specifics on the information to look for and where to find it see “First Steps to Study a Bible Book” and  “Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap.”

Read the book multiple times

Read the whole book through in one sitting. This may feel overwhelming with larger books, but it can be key to better understanding. After you read it all the way through word for word read it again in a different category of translation. (For help on this see “Why are There So Many Bible Translations.”) Ignore the chapter and verse divisions. These were not in the original manuscripts. Don’t slow down for details or notes. Repeat the read through as many times as possible. Mix it up by listening to the book one or more times. Listening and reading it aloud enhances our “hearing.” Watch for – or listen for – main arguments, large sections, shifts in topic.

The biblical authors crafted their books as a whole. There is intentional structure with all the parts relating to each other and to the whole. In fact, the authors usually expected their books to be read to the audience in one sitting. 

Note the overall structure

The multiple readings will give you a good feel for how the author organized his book. The goal for this step is to recognize the basic structure or “bones” of the book that hold it all together. You can do this in a variety of formats. For instance, you could do a traditional basic outline or create something more visual like a chart.

Start by noting the author’s main ideas, his primary points. If you’re doing an outline, those would be your Roman numerals I, II, III, etc. If you’re creating a chart those would be your column headings. Then, under each primary point list the subpoints the author used to support it. 

For instance, Paul divided the book of Ephesians into two big, primary sections. The first is a description of the incredible salvation we have in Christ (chapters 1-3). The second practically details how we should live in light of the salvation we have been given (chapters 4-6). Those would be my two primary points or Roman numerals I and II. Then I would fill in the subpoints that support those using A, B, C, and so on.

Observe the overall content

If the structure is the bones of the book, the content is the flesh. The structure supports the book, but the content gives it life and meaning. Here are some things to look for:

• Author’s overall tone
• Author’s purpose
• Patterns
• Themes
• Key words and phrases
• Running arguments

I’ll share a few quick examples of some of the above. For instance, the book of Judges contains an obvious pattern. Over and over we see God’s people turn away from God to worship idols. After God disciplines them for a time through enemy nations, they repent, and God raises up a judge to delivers them. But it’s not long before they once again fall into idolatry and the pattern begins again.

One running theme in Matthew’s Gospel is that as the Messiah Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant. Throughout his account Matthew shares example after example.

In his letter to the Galatian believers, Paul has one primary running argument. Trying to follow the Law brings slavery, but living by the Spirit brings freedom, purpose, and spiritual growth.

For more content examples see “7 Differences between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels.”

This post was lengthier than usual so if you reached this point, thanks for sticking with it! I’d love to hear from you…

Have you ever done a Bible book survey? If so, of what book? If not, do you feel like you could do it?