Studying Scripture
Study Reminders
(as seen on one22 bookmark)
SEEK WISDOM
In the Bible, "seek wisdom" means to actively pursue God's understanding, guidance, and truth rather than relying solely on your own knowledge.
Some key verses include:
Proverbs 4:7: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Proverbs 2:1-6: Solomon teaches that if you seek wisdom like hidden treasure, God grants wisdom and understanding.
James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
Proverbs 3:13-14: Wisdom is described as more valuable than silver or gold.
A concise biblical description would be:
To seek wisdom is to intentionally pursue God's truth, understanding, and guidance through prayer, Scripture, learning, and obedience.
In biblical literature, wisdom is not merely intelligence or knowledge. It is the ability to live rightly according to God's will. A wise person not only knows what is true but applies that truth in daily life. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts wisdom with folly, emphasizing that wisdom begins with reverence for God:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)
In a biblical sense, "seek wisdom" is best described as pursuing God's perspective and living according to it
Open mind and open heart
In Bible study, having an open mind and an open heart means approaching God's Word with both a willingness to learn and a willingness to change.
Open Mind
An open mind asks:
What does this passage actually say?
Am I bringing assumptions to the text?
Could I have misunderstood this before?
What would the original audience have understood?
An open mind seeks truth rather than trying to prove a preconceived opinion.
Proverbs 18:15
"The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
Open Heart
An open heart asks:
What is God teaching me?
Is there something I need to change?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there an attitude, habit, or belief I need to surrender?
An open heart is receptive, humble, and willing to apply what is learned.
James 1:22 (the basis of One22 ministry)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Together
An open mind without an open heart can lead to gaining knowledge without transformation.
An open heart without an open mind can lead to misinterpreting Scripture based on feelings rather than understanding.
An open mind and open heart together allow you to understand God's Word accurately and apply it faithfully.
A simple prayer before studying might be:"Lord, help me approach Your Word with an open mind to understand it correctly and an open heart to receive and obey what You teach me."
Never read one verse
"Never read just one verse" is a common Bible study principle.
It means don't build an interpretation or doctrine from a single verse without considering its context.
Why?
A verse can mean something very different when isolated from:
The verses before and after it
The chapter's main theme
The book's purpose
The historical and cultural setting
The rest of Scripture
Example 1: Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Taken alone, some interpret this as "I can accomplish anything I want."
But when you read the surrounding verses, Paul is talking about being content whether he has plenty or little. The verse means Christ gives him strength to endure all circumstances, not necessarily to achieve any goal.
Example 2: Matthew 7:1
"Judge not, that you be not judged."
Taken alone, people sometimes conclude Christians should never make moral judgments.
But the surrounding passage teaches against hypocritical judgment, not against all discernment. A few verses later, Jesus tells believers to evaluate false teachers by their fruit.
A Good Rule
Many Bible teachers use this phrase:
"A text without a context becomes a pretext."
In other words, when a verse is separated from its context, it can be made to support almost any idea.
Practical Bible Study Method
When you find an important verse:
Read the whole paragraph.
Read the entire chapter.
When someone says, "never read one verse", they are usually encouraging you to study Scripture in context rather than treating isolated verses as standalone statements.
Period Correct Context
Period-correct context (also called historical-cultural context) means interpreting a Bible passage as the original audience would have understood it in its own time period, rather than through modern assumptions.
When studying the Bible, you're asking:
"What did these words mean to the people who first heard or read them?"
Why it's important
The Bible was written over thousands of years in cultures very different from ours:
Ancient Hebrew culture
Ancient Near Eastern kingdoms
First-century Jewish society
The Roman Empire
Words, customs, laws, occupations, and social norms were often very different from today.
Example 1: "Good Samaritan"
Most Christians know the parable, but to a first-century Jew, a Samaritan was not viewed as a friendly neighbor. There was deep hostility between Jews and Samaritans.
When Jesus made the Samaritan the hero of the story, it was shocking. Understanding the period context reveals the full impact of the teaching.
Example 2: "Lukewarm" in Revelation 3:16
Many people assume "lukewarm" means being only moderately committed to God.
However, the city of Laodicea received water through aqueducts. By the time it arrived, it was often lukewarm and unpleasant, unlike the hot therapeutic waters nearby or the cold refreshing waters of another city.
Knowing that historical context helps explain the imagery in a way the original audience would immediately recognize.
Example 3: Shepherds
When Jesus says:
"I am the good shepherd"
Modern readers may picture a pleasant rural profession.
But ancient shepherds lived with their flocks, protected them from predators, knew them individually, and were willing to risk their lives for them. The metaphor carries far more weight in its original setting.
Four Levels of Context
When studying a passage, consider:
Literary Context
What comes before and after?
What is the chapter talking about?
Historical Context
When was it written?
What was happening at the time?
Cultural Context
What customs and beliefs existed?
How did people live?
Biblical Context
How does this passage fit into the overall story of Scripture?
Practical Questions
When reading a verse, ask:
Who wrote this?
Who was the audience?
What was happening historically?
What would the original readers have understood immediately?
Am I reading a modern meaning into an ancient text?
A Simple Example
Suppose Jesus says:
"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Matthew 5:41)
Without period context, this sounds like generic advice about being helpful.
With period-correct context, you learn that Roman soldiers could legally compel civilians to carry equipment for one mile, and it could even be in the opposite direction of where they were traveling. Jesus was speaking to people living under Roman occupation. That historical background dramatically changes how the teaching is understood.
Period-correct context means interpreting Scripture through the lens of the time, culture, language, and circumstances in which it was originally written, before applying its meaning to today.
Literary Style
Literary Style is another excellent Bible study principle because different parts of Scripture are written in different genres, and each genre should be read according to its intended style.
A key question to ask is:
"What type of writing am I reading?"
Understanding the literary style helps prevent misinterpreting a passage.
Common Literary Styles in the Bible
1. Narrative (Historical Accounts)
Tells a story about real people and events.
A few examples:
Genesis
Exodus
The Gospels
Study Tip:
• Look for characters, events, conflicts, and lessons.
• Remember that not everything described is necessarily approved by God.
2. Poetry
Uses imagery, symbolism, parallelism, and emotion.
A few examples:
Psalms
Much of Proverbs
Portions of the Prophets
Example:
"The Lord is my shepherd." (Psalm 23)
This is a metaphor, not a statement that God literally herds sheep.
3. Wisdom Literature
Focuses on practical living and godly decision-making.
Examples:
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Job
Study Tip:
• Many statements are general principles, not absolute guarantees.
4. Law
Commands and regulations given to Israel.
Examples:
Portions of Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Study Tip:
• Understand who received the law and its purpose.
• Consider how it fits into the broader biblical story.
5. Prophecy
Messages delivered through prophets.
Examples:
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Minor Prophets
Characteristics:
Warnings
Calls to repentance
Future predictions
Symbolic language
6. Epistles (Letters)
Written to churches or individuals.
A few examples:
Romans
James
Peter
Study Tip:
• Ask what issue or situation the author is addressing.
7. Apocalyptic Literature
Uses vivid symbols, visions, and imagery.
A few examples:
Revelation
Parts of Daniel
Portions of Ezekiel
Study Tip:
• Expect symbolism.
• Avoid assuming every image is meant to be interpreted literally.
Questions to Ask when reading a passage:
What literary style is this?
Is this literal language or figurative language?
Is this a command, story, poem, prophecy, or letter?
How would the original audience have recognized this genre?
Example
Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge."
Understanding literary style tells us this is poetic imagery describing God's protection, not a statement that God literally has feathers.
Literary Style of Scripture
Identify the type of writing before interpreting the passage.
Read narratives as stories, poetry as poetry, letters as letters, and prophecy according to its context.
Allow the literary genre to guide your interpretation.
Understand the type of writing you're reading so you can interpret it the way the author intended.
Scripture interprets scripture
"Scripture interprets Scripture" is a Bible study principle that means:
Clear passages of the Bible help explain passages that are less clear.
Since Christians believe the Bible has a unified message from God, they compare related passages rather than building a doctrine from a single verse.
How it works
When you encounter a difficult verse:
Read it in its immediate context.
Find other passages on the same topic.
Let the clearer passages help explain the more difficult one.
Avoid interpretations that contradict the broader teaching of Scripture.
Example: Faith and Works
James 2:24
"A person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
At first glance, this seems to contradict:
Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith..."
Using Scripture to interpret Scripture, we see:
Paul is discussing how a person is saved.
James is discussing how genuine faith is demonstrated.
Together they teach that salvation is by faith, but genuine faith produces works.
Example: The "Fear of the Lord"
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)
If you looked only at that verse, you might think God wants people to live in terror.
Other passages explain that this "fear" includes:
Reverence
Awe
Respect
Recognition of God's authority
The broader biblical picture clarifies the meaning.
Important Balance
"Scripture interprets Scripture" does not mean ignoring historical or cultural context.
A healthy study approach is:
Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?
Read the surrounding context
Understand the historical setting
Compare with related Scriptures
Apply the teaching today
A Simple Formula
When studying a verse:
Context first → Scripture second → Application third
"The Bible is its own best commentary."That's the essence of "Scripture interprets Scripture": use the whole Bible to help understand any individual passage, especially when the meaning is uncertain.
Its ok to write/highlight
Many Christians consider it completely acceptable to write, highlight, underline, and take notes in their Bible if it helps them study and remember God's Word.
There is no biblical command that says a Bible must remain unmarked. In fact, marking passages can be a way of engaging more deeply with Scripture.
Common practices include:
Highlighting key verses
Underlining important words
Writing cross-references in the margins
Recording insights from sermons or study
Marking repeated themes or promises
Color-coding topics (prayer, wisdom, faith, obedience, etc.)
Some people prefer not to write in their Bible because they view it as a treasured keepsake or simply like a clean page. Others use a heavily marked "study Bible" and keep a separate Bible for reading.
We are called to honor God's Word, not necessarily the paper and ink on which it is printed.
If writing in your Bible helps you understand, remember, and apply Scripture, many believers would view that as a positive study habit.
Many long-time Bible students find that a well-marked Bible becomes a valuable record of what God has taught them over the years.
Leverage outside sources
Leveraging outside sources is an excellent Bible study principle, provided those sources help you understand Scripture rather than replace Scripture.
When studying a passage, use trusted resources to better understand:
Historical context
Cultural practices
Geography
Original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek)
Cross references
Different interpretations
Theological concepts
Helpful Outside Sources
Study Bibles
Often include:
Verse notes
Maps
Historical background
Cross references
Bible Dictionaries
Explain:
People
Places
Customs
Important terms
Bible Commentaries
Provide insights from Bible scholars on:
Context
Meaning
Application
Maps and Timelines
Help answer:
Where did this happen?
When did this occur?
What nations and rulers were involved?
Concordances
Help trace a word or topic throughout Scripture.
Example:
Wisdom
Faith
Covenant
Grace
Original Language Tools
Can reveal nuances that may not be obvious in English translations.
A Good Order of Study
Read the passage yourself
Observe (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
State it in your own words
Compare Scripture with Scripture
Then consult outside sources
This prevents you from immediately adopting someone else's interpretation before you've wrestled with the text yourself.
Things to Watch Out For
Not all sources are equally reliable.
Ask:
Is the source faithful to the context?
Does it support conclusions with Scripture?
Does it acknowledge alternative views?
Is it helping me understand the Bible, or simply telling me what to think?
A Balanced Mindset
"Read the Bible first, commentaries second."
The goal is not to replace personal study with a commentary but to use outside sources as tools that illuminate the text.
This approach helps you be both a careful student of Scripture and a humble learner from those who have studied it before you.
Who? What? When? Where?Why?How?
When studying Scripture, "Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?" is a simple observation method that helps you understand the passage before trying to apply it.
Who?
Ask:
Who wrote this passage?
Who is speaking?
Who is being spoken to?
Who are the main people involved?
Example: James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God..."
Writer: James
Speaker: James
Audience: Believers scattered among the nations
Person mentioned: God
What?
Ask:
What is happening?
What is the main message?
What command, promise, warning, or teaching is given?
Example: James 1:5
What is being taught? Ask God for wisdom.
What is promised? God gives wisdom generously.
When?
Ask:
When was this written?
What historical events were occurring?
Was it before or after a significant biblical event?
Example: Acts
Written during the early growth of the church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension.
Understanding this helps explain why many passages focus on establishing churches and spreading the gospel.
Where?
Ask:
Where did this occur?
Where was the author?
Where was the audience?
Example: Revelation
John was on the island of Patmos.
The letters were sent to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Why?
Why was this written?
Why did the author say this?
How?
How does this apply to the original audience?
How should it be applied today?
Example: Proverbs 4:7
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom."
Who?
Solomon speaking to his son.
What?
A command to pursue wisdom.
When?
During ancient Israel's monarchy.
Where?
Israel.
Why?
Wisdom leads to godly living and better decisions.
How?
By seeking God, studying Scripture, listening to instruction, and applying truth.
A Good Bible Study Framework
Observation: Who? What? When? Where?
Interpretation: What did it mean to them?
Application: How should it affect me today?
This approach helps prevent one of the biggest Bible study mistakes: jumping straight to "What does this mean to me?" before first understanding what it meant to the original audience.
Prescribed or Described
When studying Scripture, described and prescribed are important terms because they help determine whether a passage is:
Describing what happened, or
Prescribing what believers should do
Understanding the difference can prevent many interpretation mistakes.
Described
A passage is descriptive when it records an event, behavior, conversation, or historical fact.
The Bible often tells us what happened, without necessarily saying it was right, wrong, or intended as a universal pattern.
Examples:
David and Goliath
The Bible describes David defeating Goliath.
The passage tells what happened.
It is not prescribing that everyone fight giants with slings.
Judges
Many terrible actions are recorded in Judges.
The Bible describes those events.
It is not endorsing them.
David's multiple wives
The Bible records this fact.
The passage describes the situation.
It does not prescribe polygamy.
Bible Study Question
Ask:
"Is the author simply telling me what happened?"
Prescribed
A passage is prescriptive when it gives instructions, commands, principles, or teachings intended to guide belief or behavior.
Examples
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..."
This is prescribing an action.
Matthew 22:37-39
Love God and love your neighbor.
This is a command.
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another..."
This is prescribing Christian behavior.
Bible Study Question
Ask:
"Is the author instructing me to believe, do, avoid, or practice something?"
Why This Matters:
Many Bible study errors happen when people treat a description as a prescription.
Example: Acts
In Acts, believers sometimes:
Sold possessions
Met in homes
Cast lots
Experienced miraculous events
The question becomes:
Is Luke describing what the early church did?
or
Is Luke prescribing what every church must do for all time?
Those are two very different conclusions.
A Helpful Rule
When reading a passage, ask:
What is being described?
What, if anything, is being prescribed?
Does the author explicitly approve, condemn, command, or teach from the event?
How does the rest of Scripture treat this action?
Example Study Note
Descriptive: Tells what happened.
Prescriptive: Teaches what should happen.
Do not assume every recorded action is an approved example.
Look for commands, teachings, explanations, and broader biblical support before treating a passage as a rule for all believers.
Simple Memory Aid
Described = reported.
Prescribed = required.
Or:
Description tells you what happened.
Prescription tells you what to do.
Can I answer that question
"Can I answer that question?" is a self-check that helps determine whether you've truly understood a passage.
After reading a section of Scripture, ask yourself:
"If someone asked me what this passage means, could I explain it in my own words?"
If the answer is I don’t know, it's often a sign that you need to:
Read the passage again.
Examine the context.
Ask Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
Compare Scripture with Scripture.
Consult trusted study resources.
Example
Suppose you read James 1:5:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..."
Ask yourself:
What is wisdom?
Why does James mention it?
What is God promising here?
Could I explain this verse to a friend?
If you can answer those questions in your own words, you've likely moved beyond merely reading the verse to actually understanding it.
Another Use
You can also use the question while applying Scripture:
"Can I answer what God is teaching in this passage?"
Or:
Whenever you see a question in scripture, like the many Jesus asked, try to answer it yourself (with context)
As a Bible Study Principle
You could write it as:
Can I Answer That Question?
Test your understanding by explaining the passage in your own words.
If you cannot clearly explain it, continue studying the context and related Scriptures.
Understanding should precede application.
State in my own words
In Bible study, "state it in my own words" means:
Restate the meaning of the passage in simple language without changing its intended message.
This step helps ensure you're understanding what the text actually says before moving to interpretation or application.
Example
Scripture:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..." (James 1:5)
In your own words:
If I need wisdom or guidance, I should pray and ask God because He is willing to provide it generously.
Why It Helps
Confirms your understanding.
Prevents simply reading words without processing them.
Helps identify parts you don't yet understand.
Makes Scripture easier to remember and apply.
Example: Proverbs 3:5-6
Scripture:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."
In your own words:
Rather than relying only on my own judgment, I should trust God completely and seek His guidance in every area of life.
If you explained the verse to a friend who had never read it, how would you say it in everyday language?That's essentially what "state it in your own words" means.
How can I apply this to life?
"How can I apply this to my life?" is one of the most important questions in Bible study because it moves Scripture from information to transformation.
After you've understood what a passage means, ask:
"Based on what I've learned, what should change in my thinking, attitude, actions, or relationship with God?"
Why This Matters
The goal of Bible study isn't just knowledge.
James 1:22
"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only..."
Understanding Scripture is important, but God also calls us to live it out.
Practical Application Questions
When studying a passage, ask:
Is there a command to obey?
Is there a promise to trust?
Is there a warning to heed?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there an example to follow?
Is there something I should start doing?
Is there something I should stop doing?
What does this teach me about God?
Example
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."
Meaning: God wants us to rely on Him rather than solely on our own understanding.
Application:
Pray before making important decisions.
Seek biblical guidance instead of acting impulsively.
Trust God when circumstances are uncertain.
Another Example
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..."
Meaning: God generously gives wisdom to those who ask.
Application:
Make prayer a first response rather than a last resort.
Ask God for guidance before major decisions.
Develop a habit of seeking God's wisdom daily.
A Good Application Test
Application should be:
Specific rather than vague.
Personal rather than aimed at someone else.
Actionable rather than theoretical.
Less effective:
"People should trust God more."
More effective:
"This week, I will pray for wisdom before making work and financial decisions."
As a Bible Study Principle
How Can I Apply This to My Life?
Identify how the passage should influence your beliefs, attitudes, decisions, or actions.
Look for specific and practical ways to live out the truth.
Move from understanding God's Word to obeying God's Word.