Topics for Biblical Analysis

 

Here is a list of 50 suggested topics for Biblical Analysis, covering a range of themes, books, characters, and methodologies:

Old Testament Focused Topics:

1. The Nature of God in the Book of Job: Analyze how God's character, justice, and sovereignty are portrayed and questioned.
2. Covenant Theology in the Pentateuch: Examine the development and significance of God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
3. The Role of the Prophets in Ancient Israel: Discuss their function as social critics, theological interpreters, and messengers of God.
4. Wisdom Literature: A Comparative Study: Analyze themes of wisdom, suffering, and the meaning of life in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job.
5. The Davidic Kingdom and Messianic Expectations: Explore the historical reality and theological significance of David's reign and its connection to future hope.
6. The Theme of Exile and Restoration in Prophetic Literature: (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel).
7. Creation Narratives in Genesis 1-2: A literary and theological analysis of the two creation accounts.
8. The Character of Moses: Leadership, doubt, and relationship with God.
9. An Analysis of the Sacrificial System in Leviticus: Its meaning and purpose for ancient Israel.
10. The Conquest of Canaan in Joshua and Judges: Ethical and theological considerations.
11. The Portrayal of Women in the Old Testament: (e.g., Ruth, Esther, Deborah, Huldah).
12. The Concept of "Hesed" (Loving-kindness/Covenant Loyalty) in the Psalms.
13. Apocalyptic Elements in the Book of Daniel.
14. The Significance of the Temple in Old Testament Theology.
15. An Analysis of a Minor Prophet: (e.g., Amos's call for social justice, Hosea's portrayal of God's love).

New Testament Focused Topics:

16. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7): Its ethical teachings and relevance today.
17. The Parables of Jesus: Narrative Structure and Theological Meaning.
18. The "I AM" Sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John.
19. Pauline Theology of Justification by Faith (Romans and Galatians).
20. The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts and Pauline Epistles.
21. Christology in the New Testament: Understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ (e.g., in Colossians, Hebrews).
22. The Theme of the Kingdom of God in the Synoptic Gospels.
23. The Last Supper: Historical and Theological Significance.
24. The Resurrection of Jesus: Its centrality to Christian faith and historical arguments.
25. The Early Church as Depicted in the Book of Acts.
26. The Concept of Discipleship in the Gospels.
27. The Role of Women in the Early Church and Pauline Ministry.
28. Eschatology in the Book of Revelation.
29. The Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament by a specific author (e.g., Matthew, Paul).
30. The Theme of Love in 1 Corinthians 13 or the Johannine Epistles.

Thematic/Comparative/Methodological Topics:

31. The Theme of Redemption Throughout the Bible.
32. Biblical Understandings of Justice and Righteousness.
33. The Problem of Suffering as Addressed in Different Parts of the Bible.
34. The Nature of Faith in the Old and New Testaments.
35. A Comparative Analysis of a Biblical Figure with a Figure from another Ancient Near Eastern text.
36. The Use of Metaphor and Symbolism in a Specific Biblical Book or Genre.
37. Historical-Critical Approaches to a Specific Biblical Text.
38. Literary Criticism of a Biblical Narrative (e.g., character development, plot, narrative voice).
39. The Canonization of the Bible: How the books were chosen.
40. Biblical Perspectives on Wealth and Poverty.
41. The Theme of Creation Care and Environmental Stewardship in the Bible.
42. The Concept of Marriage and Family in Biblical Thought.
43. An Analysis of a Specific Theological Concept (e.g., Grace, Sin, Forgiveness, Hope).
44. The Role of Miracles in the Bible: Their purpose and interpretation.
45. The Development of Monotheism in Ancient Israel.
46. The Impact of the Roman Empire on the New Testament Writings.
47. A Study of Prayer in the Bible: Types, purposes, and examples.
48. The Depiction of Angels and Demons in Scripture.
49. The Relationship Between Law and Grace in Christian Theology.
50. **Analyzing a Difficult or Controversial Passage in the Bible (e.g., divine violence, imprecatory psalms).
51.  Old Testament Focused Topics (Continued):
    51. The Development of Israelite Monotheism: An Evolutionary or Revolutionary Process?
    52. Dreams and Visions in the Old Testament: Prophetic Communication and Divine Revelation.
    53. The Figure of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah: Identity and Interpretations.
    54. An Analysis of Legal Codes in the Pentateuch beyond the Decalogue (e.g., Covenant Code, Holiness Code).
    55. The Role and Representation of Non-Israelite Nations in the Prophetic Books.
    56. Water Symbolism in the Old Testament: Chaos, Cleansing, and Life.
    57. The Concept of "Shalom" (Peace/Wholeness) in the Old Testament.
    58. Lament and Protest in the Psalms and Prophetic Literature.
    59. The Use of Irony in Old Testament Narratives (e.g., the Book of Jonah, the story of Elijah).
    60. The Function of Genealogies in Genesis and Chronicles.
    61. Hospitality and the Treatment of Strangers in Old Testament Ethics.
    62. The Ark of the Covenant: Its Physical Description, Symbolic Meaning, and Historical Journey.
    63. The Day of the Lord (Yom Yahweh) in Prophetic Writings: Judgment and Hope.
    64. Kingship in Israel: Divine Mandate vs. Human Failure (e.g., Saul, Solomon, Ahab).
    65. The Portrayal of Wisdom as a Feminine Figure in Proverbs.

    New Testament Focused Topics (Continued):

    66. The "Messianic Secret" in the Gospel of Mark.
    67. The Use of Rhetoric in Paul's Letters (e.g., Galatians, 2 Corinthians).
    68. Household Codes in the New Testament (e.g., Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Peter): Context and Application.
    69. The Conflict Between Jesus and Religious Authorities in the Gospels.
    70. The Theme of "Witness" in the Gospel of John and the Book of Acts.
    71. The Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
    72. The Concept of the "New Covenant" in Hebrews.
    73. Apocalyptic Imagery in the Gospels (e.g., Olivet Discourse - Matthew 24-25).
    74. The Role of Peter in the Early Church as depicted in Acts and his Epistles.
    75. An Analysis of a Specific Miracle of Jesus: Narrative Details and Theological Import.
    76. The Theme of Joy in Philippians.
    77. "In Christ" as a Key Theological Phrase in Pauline Epistles.
    78. The Understanding of the Law (Torah) in the Teachings of Jesus and Paul.
    79. The Function of Hymns and Creeds Embedded in New Testament Texts (e.g., Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-20).
    80. The Community Life and Practices of the Early Believers as Described in the New Testament.

    Thematic/Comparative/Methodological Topics (Continued):

    81. The Biblical Understanding of Memory and Remembrance.
    82. A Comparative Study of Creation Myths: Genesis and Enuma Elish (or another Ancient Near Eastern text).
    83. The Concept of Sacred Space and Sacred Time in Biblical Thought.
    84. The Use of Numbers and Numerology in the Bible (especially in Revelation or Daniel).
    85. The Biblical View of Leadership: Qualities and Responsibilities.
    86. Analyzing Different English Bible Translations of a Specific Passage: Implications for Interpretation.
    87. The Role of Music and Song in Biblical Worship and Narrative.
    88. Food and Feasting in the Bible: Cultural and Theological Significance.
    89. The Concept of "Calling" or Vocation in Biblical Narratives.
    90. Biblical Perspectives on Sickness and Healing (beyond miracles).
    91. The Influence of Hellenistic Culture on New Testament Writings.
    92. The Ethics of War and Peace in the Old and New Testaments.
    93. The Character of Satan/The Devil: Development and Portrayal across the Canon.
    94. Postcolonial Readings of Specific Biblical Texts (e.g., the Exodus narrative).
    95. The Theme of Divine Hiddenness or Absence in the Bible.
    96. An Archaeological Investigation of a Site Relevant to Biblical Narratives (e.g., Jerusalem, Jericho).
    97. The Reception History of a Specific Biblical Book or Passage through Art or Literature.
    98. Feminist or Womanist Approaches to Interpreting Biblical Texts.
    99. The Biblical Conception of the Human Body: Temple, Vessel, Image.
    100. **The Relationship Between Biblical Studies and Modern Ethics on a Specific Issue (e.g., social justice, environmentalism).