When we want to study a book of the Bible in even greater depth, after studying "Outlines of a Book of the Bible," the next logical step is to make an analysis of each chapter. After the overview, now the parts. This method of Bible study will give you a thorough understanding of the content of a particular chapter. In this method, we deal with chapters and pericopes. The verse-by-verse exegesis, which we discuss below, focuses on the meaning and the word. The chapter study is actually the connecting link between the "Biblical-theological" approach of the book review and the exegetical approach of the verse-by-verse explanation. The chapter-by-chapter study helps us understand the Bible in the way it was written. It is therefore a very popular method of study. Now the practice, how does it work?

Step 1 - Read and reread the chapter several times
This first step involves a general observation. To understand the content, it is helpful to summarize the chapter in your own words without interpreting in the process. It is strongly recommended that this summary be written out.

Step 2 - Writing down observations
In this step, we look at each verse and phrase individually and write down our findings. For each verse, you try to answer the following question: what does this Bible verse say? The goal is to saturate yourself with the content of this chapter. We often miss so much of the Bible message because we read or listen poorly. By writing down what you notice, you retain it better and longer.

Step 3 - Ask questions of the text
We now move from observing to explaining. This begins by asking questions that require explanation. These are the "what?" and "why?" questions. What is the meaning of the word "x"? Why does the writer say this? What is his intent in what he says in verse 'x'? Why is this important? The more questions you have, the better you will discover this Bible passage. When you have gathered all your questions, it is time to start looking for answers. In doing so, you will use Study Bible, especially in the Bible translations window and the commentary window. Note that the answers to different questions can be found in different places. Background questions will usually be answered in the "Introduction" to the Bible book (found in the index window on the left), the explanations in the commentary window, in an article (found through the index window or the "articles" button in the purple menu bar). The answer to a question such as "why does the writer say this here?" must usually be sought in context. You first read the explanation to the Bible verse where you have the question, but then also the explanation in the verses before and after (accessed via the "previous verse" and "next verse" buttons). For questions regarding the meaning of words, click on a Greek word in the Greek text window and then read the explanation of this word in the word study window. For questions related to translations, in addition to the explanations in the comments window, look at the interlinear translation below the Greek text and the various Bible translations in the translations window. (For more details, see the "explanation of a particular Bible verse" section).

Step 4 - Compare scripture to scripture
The next step is to compare what is said in the present chapter with what is said elsewhere in the Bible. Unclear passages can be explained by clear portions elsewhere. In making this comparison, however, we should keep a certain priority. We should compare reference texts in the same book of the Bible first, then, if possible, texts in writings by the same author. Then texts in the same Testament, e.g. the New, and finally the rest. The closer a reference text is to the passage we are examining, the more weight the reference has. You can find these references in the commentary window of the Digital Study Bible.

Step 5 - Explanation and message
Recall that the final purpose of Bible reading is not so much "explanation," but "message. God has spoken to mankind in the Bible. This final step involves summarizing the message the Lord gives in this chapter. It is very instructive, after all the piecework and sleuthing of the previous steps, to take time for this final stage as well. Write out this summary message as well. This is beneficial for yourself and it is among the necessary preparations when you have to give an introduction or meditation on this chapter.