The 5 Questions We Always Need to Ask

Lesson Points

• Who: Who is the author, and who is the audience?

• What: What is happening in the passage? What themes are being explored?

• When: When was this written? What was the historical context?

• Where: Where is this event taking place? How does the geography influence the story?

• Why/How: Why was this passage written, and how does it relate to God’s plan?

Lesson

As you dive into the Bible, it’s important to ask questions that will help you unpack the meaning and relevance of each passage. The first question to ask is Who—who is the author of the text, and who is the intended audience? Understanding the author’s perspective and the audience’s cultural and historical situation helps us better grasp the purpose of the writing. Next, ask What—what is happening in this passage? What are the main themes being explored, and how do they fit into the larger biblical narrative? Understanding the content and themes will help you interpret the passage’s message.

The question When is equally important. When was the text written, and what were the historical circumstances surrounding its writing? History provides context that can change how we interpret the text. Similarly, ask Where—where is the event taking place, and how does the geographical setting influence the meaning of the passage? Geography often plays a significant role in biblical narratives, shaping the events and teachings. Finally, ask Why/How—why was this passage written, and how does it fit into God’s greater plan of redemption? By asking these questions, you can avoid a superficial understanding of Scripture and move toward deeper, more meaningful study.