Learn to Study the bible like Jesus! it's time for a bible study makeover?
- Thad DeBuhr
- Sep 10
- 14 min read
Learning the Hebrew Word: Pardes (Garden or Orchard)
The Main Message: The Pardes method of Bible study encourages you to go beyond simply reading the text to discover its deeper, interconnected meaning, using the same interpretive principles Jesus used to reveal the richness of God's Word.
*Don't miss this section near the end 👉🏻 "Why the PARDES method is WAY better than S.O.A.P. and other popular Bible Study methods!"
Learn more about our exciting out-of-the-box ministry here
Learn how to study the Bible like Jesus
What if I told you that Jesus, the greatest teacher who ever lived, used a specific set of ancient methods to unlock the deepest meaning of the Scriptures? What if you could learn to read the Bible with the same depth and insight he did?
Do you ever feel like you're reading the Bible, but the words just aren't jumping off the page? Maybe you've heard a familiar story a hundred times, but you're not seeing anything new. You know the Bible is powerful, but you're left with a nagging feeling that you're missing something crucial, some deeper layer of truth that lies just beneath the surface.
That's why I want you to discover the Hebrew word Pardes and unwrap the deeper meaning hidden within it. By exploring this ancient framework for interpretation, we'll learn to move beyond the literal words and uncover the rich layers of meaning that the original audience would have understood and that Jesus himself would have appreciated as a master interpreter of the Scriptures.
I read out of the New Living Translation during the Daily Bible Podcast. But I study in several different translations. My go-to versions are: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV
Sign up to get these Free In-Depth Bible Study Guides delivered to your email every day to help you dig deeper into the passage we introduce in the daily podcast - https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604
The Pardes Method: Ancient Principles for Deeper Reading
The Pardes (pronounced "par-DESS") method, whose name means "orchard" or "garden" in Hebrew, is a beautiful metaphor for how we should approach God's Word. Ancient Jewish teachers likened the study of the Bible to tending to a divine garden. The more time, care, and different methods you invest in cultivating this spiritual ground, the more abundant the fruit will be. It's not about a quick harvest, but about a patient, loving engagement with the text that promises a deep and lasting yield. This is the very essence of why this method is so powerful. It's a journey into the garden of God's wisdom, and these four levels are the tools we use to cultivate it.
While the formal Pardes acronym was developed by medieval Jewish scholars, the methods themselves were common in Jesus' day. By exploring these, we can learn to read the Bible in a way that goes beyond the surface. And as you'll see, it's a method far superior to SOAP and other modern techniques that often lack this depth and richness!
P – Peshat (peh-SHAHT): The Plain Meaning. This is the literal, straightforward meaning of the text. It focuses on the historical, grammatical, and literary context.
R – Remez (REH-mez): The Hidden Meaning. This level looks for hints or allegorical meanings. It recognizes that a verse may hint at a deeper, messianic, or spiritual truth.
D – Derash (deh-RAHSH): The Comparative Meaning. This involves "seeking" and drawing connections between different parts of Scripture. It often looks for moral or homiletical lessons. This method was central to Jesus' teaching.
S – Sod (SODE): The Secret Meaning. This is the deepest, mystical truth of the text. It points to a spiritual reality revealed by the Holy Spirit.
How Jesus Utilized These Interpretive Methods
While the formal PaRDeS system is a later development, the interpretive methods it represents were integral to first-century Jewish thought. Jesus, as a rabbi, was a master of these methods, particularly Peshat, Remez, and Derash, and he used them to reveal the deeper meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures and show how they found their ultimate fulfillment in him.
Peshat (Plain/Literal Meaning): This was the foundation of all biblical study. Jesus consistently grounded his teachings in the literal text of the Torah and Prophets. For example, when he quotes from Deuteronomy in his temptation in the desert ("Man shall not live on bread alone..."), he is using the Peshat of the text as a direct and authoritative statement. His frequent use of the phrase "It is written..." demonstrates his profound respect for the plain meaning of Scripture.
Derash (Homiletical/Comparative Meaning): This method, which involves "seeking" or "inquiring" into the text for deeper lessons, was a central part of rabbinic teaching and is clearly reflected in Jesus' ministry. The broader term for this is Midrash. Midrashic teaching was often done through storytelling, parables, and drawing connections between different parts of the Scripture. Jesus' use of Midrash is evident in his parables. Parables (in Hebrew, mashal) are a classic form of Midrash. He used stories about a sower, a prodigal son, and a good Samaritan to unpack moral and theological truths. He also used it to "build a fence around the Torah." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus doesn't abolish the law but intensifies it. When he says, "You have heard it said, 'You shall not murder...' but I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister..." (Matthew 5:21-22), he is using a Derash method to go beyond the literal law and get to the heart of its intent. This was a common rabbinic practice of the time.
Remez (Hint/Allegorical Meaning): This method looks for "hints" or deeper symbolic meanings. Jesus's teaching and the writings of the New Testament are full of Remez that point to him as the Messiah. For example, in John 3:14, Jesus says, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up." In simple terms, Jesus used a historical story from the Old Testament about Moses lifting up a snake to save people in the desert. He connected this literal event to a hidden, symbolic meaning about his own crucifixion, showing that he, too, would be "lifted up" to save people. The Apostle Paul also uses this method explicitly. In Galatians 4, he calls the story of Sarah and Hagar "an allegory" (Remez), using the Old Testament narrative to make a theological point about the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant.
Sod (Secret/Mystical Meaning): This level of interpretation, often associated with Jewish mystical tradition (Kabbalah), was not a common public teaching method. It dealt with deeper, esoteric truths. While Jesus didn't use this method in a formal, rabbinic sense, he did allude to "mysteries" of the Kingdom of God that were revealed only to his disciples and not to the crowds (e.g., Mark 4:11). This suggests that he recognized deeper, spiritual truths that were not accessible through a surface-level reading alone.
For those new to our community, we have a daily Bible podcast where we teach through the Bible one book at a time in bite-sized chunks, helping you understand the Bible in plain language with the help of cultural context, history, language meaning, geography, and more.
Two days ago, we started the book of Ezra, so if you missed the intro episode, catch it here. Yesterday, we did a deep dive into Ezra 1:1-4, which you don't want to miss. Watch it here.
Today, we're going to use that same passage as an example of how we could apply this Pardes method with a passage we've just started looking at.
Applying the Pardes Method to Ezra 1:1-4
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God.” (ESV)
Peshat (Plain Meaning): This passage is a historical record. It states that King Cyrus of Persia, in his first year of rule, issued a decree allowing the exiled people of Judah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The text explicitly attributes this decree to the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah. This is the simple, literal account of what happened.
Remez (Hidden Meaning): What does this text hint at? The decree from a foreign king, a pagan, who acknowledges the God of Israel and orders the rebuilding of His temple, is highly unusual. This event hints at something much larger: God's sovereign power over all nations and his faithfulness to his covenant promises. It points forward to a time when all kings and kingdoms will acknowledge the God of Israel.
Derash (Comparative Meaning): How does this passage connect to other parts of Scripture?
Prophecy: It directly refers to the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the seventy years of exile (Jeremiah 29:10). This connects the historical event to God's long-term plan.
The Temple: It links back to the destruction of the first temple and forward to the rebuilding of the second temple. The emphasis on "rebuilding the house of the LORD" connects Ezra's mission with the long and ongoing story of God's dwelling with his people.
Exodus: The call for the people to return and be assisted with "silver and gold" echoes the Exodus narrative (Exodus 12:35-36), where the Israelites were given wealth by the Egyptians as they departed. This Derash comparison highlights God's recurring pattern of providing for his people during a time of liberation.
Sod (Secret Meaning): The deeper, spiritual truth is that God's plan of redemption is unstoppable. Even through a seemingly random decree from a pagan king, God is at work, orchestrating events to fulfill his promises and bring his people back to Himself. This points to the ultimate reality of God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan to bring His people to Himself, in the person of Jesus.
Why Jesus' Way Is Better than S.O.A.P.
Many popular modern Bible study methods, like SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) or devotional guides, are incredibly valuable.
They help you engage with the text and apply it to your life, which is a crucial first step. However, they are often a one-way street, focused almost entirely on your response to the text rather than a deep dive into the text itself.
The Pardes method, or more accurately, the interpretive principles Jesus used, offers a richer, more comprehensive approach. It’s not that these other methods are bad—they are excellent at what they do—but they often lack the depth of contextual and interconnected study.
Beyond Application to Revelation: Modern methods often jump quickly from "what does it say" to "what does it mean for me?" The Pardes approach encourages you to linger in the text and its rich connections to the rest of the Bible. It's about letting God reveal Himself through the layers of His Word, not just finding a quick application point for your day.
From Fragmented to Connected: The Pardes method’s emphasis on Derash (comparing Scripture to Scripture) helps you see the Bible not as a collection of disjointed stories, but as one cohesive, unfolding narrative that all points to Jesus. You learn to see how Ezra's story connects to Jeremiah's prophecy and even to the Exodus, creating a fuller picture of God's character and plan.
A Journey, Not a Task: While methods like SOAP are great for daily discipline, the Pardes approach reframes Bible study as an ongoing journey of discovery. It’s not just a box to check, but an invitation to explore an "orchard" of wisdom that promises new and deeper fruit every time you enter.
By using the methods Jesus used, we go beyond simple reading to a dynamic, multi-layered encounter with God's Word. We begin to see the Bible with ancient eyes, gaining the depth, wisdom, and interconnected understanding that truly transforms our hearts and minds.
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES WITH THIS STUDY GUIDE
See viewer comments and questions on screen at the end of the podcast.
Questions to Chew on and Discuss
Thinking about your past Bible study, did you tend to focus on finding a quick lesson or application for your day? How might using the Pardes method's emphasis on context and connections challenge or change that approach?
The idea of spending more time digging into a single passage can feel overwhelming in a busy world. What are your biggest hesitations about adopting a deeper, more intentional study method like this?
Which of the four levels (Peshat, Remez, Derash, or Sod) are you most excited to explore, and why? What kind of "new fruit" do you hope to find as you begin to study the Bible in this multi-layered way?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
What’s a Bible verse or story you've heard countless times that feels a bit "stale" or that you’ve never fully understood? Share the passage with the group. Now, looking at our new method, which of the four levels (Peshat, Remez, Derash, or Sod) do you think might help you unlock a new layer of meaning in that familiar text?
Applying It Today
It’s easy to get comfortable. We fall into routines—the same ten-minute devotional, a quick prayer, and then we’re on to the day’s to-do list. It’s a tried and true method, and it often feels like the best we can do in our busy lives. But if you’re honest, that nagging feeling of wanting something more is still there. You want a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and a richer knowledge of His Word, but you keep trying to fit it into a schedule that's already bursting at the seams.
So, here's the pep talk—and a bit of a kick in the butt: Stop trying to fit your Bible study into your life and start building your life around your Bible study. If you’re truly serious about a deeper walk with God, it’s going to take time, effort, and sacrifice. It’s time to move God’s Word from a daily task to your number one priority. Remember, you're tending the garden of God's word. Spending time in the orchard. Want amazing fruit and a bountiful harvest? It's going to take time, effort, and consistently rearranging your priorities to actually BE IN THE GARDEN.
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
First, create a sacred space for this new habit. Find a quiet corner, grab your favorite pen and a dedicated notebook, and have your Bible open. Silence your phone and eliminate all distractions. This isn't a ten-minute read-and-run; it's a commitment to a life-changing conversation with God. Now, let’s get practical using our study of Ezra 1:1-4 as an example (You can change out the passage and follow the same process).
1. Peshat (The Plain Meaning)
Before you jump to application, become a master observer. Read Ezra 1:1-4 slowly, maybe a few times, and ask yourself these questions:
Who is speaking and who is being addressed?
What is happening? What is the main event in these verses?
When did this take place? What time markers or historical context are mentioned?
Where are the main places mentioned?
Why is this happening? What is the stated reason for this event?
Your goal here is simple: see the words for what they are. Write down what you observe and what stands out to you. Don't worry about what it "means" yet; just focus on what the text says.
2. Remez (The Hidden Meaning)
Now, with the plain meaning in mind, ask yourself if there are any hints or clues meant to point you to something else.
Does this passage contain a word, phrase, or action that reminds you of a different person, place, or event in the Bible?
Could this story be a foreshadowing of something to come?
Sometimes you'll notice an odd detail in a passage. Or a detail that wasn't really needed. Those are good things to zero in on and investigate. It's not a guarantee that they are a remez, but those types of things are always worth taking a second look at.
For example, the language of being "stirred up" to go and build the house of the Lord could be a remez or a hint toward a future spiritual rebuilding. Or the idea of being given gold and silver to rebuild the temple could hint at the heavenly treasures we are given to build God’s spiritual temple (the Church) today.
3. Derash (The Comparative Meaning)
This is where you get to connect the dots. The Bible is a single, interconnected story, and this level of study helps you see it.
How does this passage compare with another one? We already know it refers to Jeremiah's prophecy. What does Jeremiah 29:10 say, and how does seeing it fulfilled in Ezra impact your understanding of God's faithfulness?
Are there any similar themes or stories? The act of returning from exile and being given resources echoes the story of Israel's departure from Egypt and the spoils they were given. How does comparing those two events reveal a greater truth about God's character?
4. Sod (The Secret Meaning)
Finally, approach this last level with humility and reverence. This is not about finding hidden codes or inventing strange interpretations. It’s about being like the disciples who, after hearing Jesus's parables, went to him privately and asked, "Explain this to us" (Matthew 13:36). They understood the words but sensed there was a deeper meaning, and they needed his help to get it.
Take a moment, close your eyes, and ask God to show you what you may have missed. Say a simple prayer: "Lord, help me to see what you want me to see. Is there a deeper spiritual truth here that you want to reveal to me?"
You may not get a new insight every time, but by making it a practice to humbly ask, you learn to be a more receptive and discerning student of the Word. This is about building a relationship, not just completing a task. The greatest fruit in God’s garden is a deeper understanding of who He is. And that is always worth the investment.
Don't go it alone. Find a community that will support you in this journey. Learn more about joining a Journey group at this link: [Link to journey groups].
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-bible-podcast-with-pastor-thad/id1838217398
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NA8lvRahCOhBNTxWaI16Q
🎧 Listen on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a5a9f7e-e5b3-4fd6-a523-20da6910774a
🎧 Listen on PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-xbsb7-1450dee
MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
Your Jesus Journey is an independent, non-denominational Christian ministry. We're fueled by God's grace and the generosity of our supporters. Our team—led by Pastor Thad and his wife Kaila—is made up of dedicated disciples from all over the United States. Together, we work to help people understand the Bible, find Christian friends, and grow as disciple-makers.
Be sure to grab our free E-Book, "Stop Reading the Bible Wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just click the Free Gift button at the top of our website, and we'll send it to you today!
Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!
You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.
To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.
There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!
This poison isn't just killing the church.- It's infecting your family, your marriage, and even your closest friendships. It's a "root of bitterness," and it's far more dangerous than you think.
💻 DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE to Pursue Peace, Holiness & Guard Your Heart Against Bitterness: https://www.wixforms.com/f/7368873690051642442
In this powerful message, we use the astonishing truth about a forest to reveal a spiritual poison that could be secretly destroying your community. You'll learn why bitterness is not just a personal problem but a dangerous, contagious disease, and what the Bible says is the only true antidote.
Using the vivid imagery of a healthy aspen grove and a poisoned forest, Thad shows you: Why the "root of bitterness" is a far greater threat than you think. ☠️ The sneaky ways this spiritual contagion spreads from person to person. ✝️ How to actively drink from the "river of grace" to heal your own hurts and protect your community.
We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!
Comments