HOW TO STUDY CONTEXT

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that tells one unified story. Context helps us discover how each verse and story harmoniously fit in the overall big picture of the Bible.  

If you start with just one verse, begin to work your way out by reading the immediate context - looking for the complete thought found in the surrounding text. Immediate context is essential and may be enough to uncover the intended meaning of a verse. But there will be times that you’ll want to consider its context within the book and the Bible to make sure your interpretation is in harmony with the rest of Scripture. 

Ask these questions when studying Context:

Immediate: What is the theme or main idea found in the surrounding paragraph(s) and how does that help determine what the verse means? Follow the train of thought by looking for: 

• Connective Words: How are connective words (e.g. therefore, and, but, however) used to develop a complete thought?

• Related Text: What is revealed through 1) Questions and Answers, 2) Compare and Contrast, 3) Cause and Effect?

Book: Is the theme repeated throughout the book and how does it fit within the overall purpose of the book?

Bible: Does my interpretation hold true throughout the rest of the Bible? Does the text quote or allude to another passage in the Bible and what understanding does that give? (find using cross references!)

KEY PRINCIPLE

The Bible cannot contradict itself.

Your interpretation of a passage cannot be in conflict with what is clearly taught somewhere else in the Bible. When it comes to confusing or seemingly contradictory passages, let clear Scripture interpret unclear Scripture, by turning to passages that make it abundantly clear.

RESOURCES TO HELP STUDY THE CONTEXT

WHAT TO STUDY NEXT