Non-Sikh academics tend to approach the Adi Granth with methods that deliberately bracket devotional commitments, treating it as a profound religious, historical, and literary document. They often employ historical–critical study, situating the hymns within the religious currents of the 15th–17th centuries, especially the Bhakti, Sufi, and Sant milieus. The evolution from early hymn collections to the compilation under Guru Arjan, and the inclusion of bhagat hymns, is examined as a window into social and religious pluralism. In this way, the scripture is read not only as sacred text but also as a record of a distinctive response to its time and environment.

A great deal of attention is given to language and form. Scholars undertake philological and linguistic analysis of the multiple tongues and registers present, along with the grammar, meter, and musical organization by rāg. Textual criticism and manuscript studies are used to compare different recensions, study the compilation and standardization process, and clarify textual variants. Literary and poetic criticism explores genres such as shabad and salok, the role of rāg, and the dense metaphorical and symbolic language that shapes the text’s spiritual vision.

Interpretation is also framed through comparative theology and religious studies. Academics compare the Adi Granth’s teachings with broader Bhakti, Sufi, and other Hindu and Islamic traditions, tracing convergences and distinctions in themes such as devotion, liberation, divine oneness, and ethical living. The presence of Sikh Gurus alongside Hindu saints and Muslim mystics invites study of how diverse voices are woven into a coherent theological tapestry. This comparative lens highlights both shared spiritual concerns and the particular way the text articulates them.

At the same time, sociological and anthropological approaches explore how the scripture functions in the lived life of the Sikh community. Researchers examine its role in shaping identity, community formation, ethical practice, and social ideals such as equality and service. Hermeneutical and translation studies then probe how meaning is mediated: by traditional commentaries, by modern translations, and by differing “insider” and “outsider” frameworks. Across these approaches, the Adi Granth is treated as a living center of meaning for Sikhs and as a rich resource for understanding the interplay of language, history, and spirituality.