10 Questions to Ask When Reading a Bible Passage
The Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God, given unto us for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). As believers, our greatest privilege and responsibility is to diligently study and understand its sacred truths. Yet, many approach the Scriptures without a systematic method, leading to misinterpretation or a superficial understanding. To truly plumb the depths of God's revelation and rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), it is vital to engage with the text prayerfully and thoughtfully. The following ten questions serve as a powerful framework to guide your study, ensuring a robust, Biblically sound understanding that glorifies God and transforms your life.
1. What is the immediate context?
Before drawing conclusions from a single verse, always look at the verses immediately surrounding it. What comes before? What comes after? Taking a verse out of its immediate context is a common source of misinterpretation. Understanding the flow of thought, the preceding arguments, and the subsequent conclusions is paramount. For example, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," is often cited for personal ambition, but its immediate context (Philippians 4:11-12) reveals Paul speaking about contentment in both abundance and want.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
The immediate context clarifies that Paul's strength in Christ was for enduring all circumstances, not necessarily achieving every personal desire.
2. What is the broader context (book, author, historical setting)?
Beyond the immediate verses, consider the entire book, the author's purpose in writing it, and the historical, cultural, and geographical setting. Who wrote this book? When was it written? To whom was it written? What was happening in the world or among God's people at that time? For instance, understanding the book of Nehemiah requires knowing the historical context of the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall, facing opposition from surrounding peoples.
And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that we knew it, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
This verse gains profound meaning when you grasp the daunting task and spiritual warfare Nehemiah and the people faced.
3. Who is speaking/writing, and to whom?
Identifying the speaker or writer and their intended audience is crucial. Is it God speaking directly? Is it a prophet delivering God's message? Is it a historical narrative? Is it a proverb? Is it a letter from an apostle? Is it a psalm of lament or praise? The nature of the speaker and audience affects how we interpret the text. For example, many of the Proverbs (Proverbs 1) are instructions from a father to his son, offering timeless wisdom for practical living.
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
Understanding this helps us apply the wisdom appropriately.
4. What is the main point or theme?
After considering the various contexts, ask: What is the central message or primary truth this passage is conveying? What is the author's main intention? Try to summarize the passage in one or two sentences. This helps prevent getting lost in minor details and keeps your focus on the overarching truth. For example, the main theme of John 3, particularly the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, is the necessity of spiritual rebirth for salvation.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
This verse encapsulates the core message of the passage.
5. Are there any key words or phrases?
Look for repetition of words or phrases, significant terms, or literary devices. These often highlight important concepts or themes the author wants to emphasize. For instance, in Romans 8, the phrase "no condemnation" (Romans 8:1) and the repeated emphasis on the Holy Spirit are key to understanding the chapter's glorious message of Christian assurance and life in the Spirit.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Such terms unlock deeper meaning.
6. What does this passage reveal about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)?
Every passage of Scripture, directly or indirectly, reveals something about the character, nature, attributes, or actions of God – Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. Is He just? Merciful? Sovereign? Loving? What does He do? How does He relate to His creation or His people? In Psalms 23, God is revealed as the caring Shepherd who provides, guides, protects, and comforts His sheep.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
This passage beautifully illustrates God's tender care for His own.
7. What does this passage reveal about humanity?
The Bible is also a profound revelation of humanity – our nature, our sinfulness, our need for redemption, our potential in Christ, and our relationship with God and others. Does the passage show human rebellion, weakness, faith, obedience, or redemption? In Romans 3, Paul unequivocally declares the universal sinfulness of humanity:
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Understanding this truth is foundational to appreciating the grace of God.
8. How does this passage relate to the person and work of Jesus Christ?
The entire Bible points to Jesus Christ. The Old Testament foreshadows Him through types, prophecies, and promises. The Gospels record His life, death, and resurrection. The Epistles explain the meaning and implications of His work. Even if Jesus is not explicitly mentioned, ask how the passage reveals our need for Him, His redemptive work, or His ultimate reign. The Passover lamb (Exodus 12:5) in the Old Testament, for example, is a clear type of Christ, "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Every scripture ultimately finds its fulfillment and meaning in Him.
9. How should I apply this truth to my life today?
Bible study is not merely an academic exercise; it is for transformation. After understanding what the text meant to its original audience, ask: What does this passage mean for me today? How should it change my thinking, attitudes, words, or actions? What truth should I believe? What sin should I confess? What command should I obey? What promise should I claim? Application must be rooted in sound interpretation. For example, the command to "love your neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:39) requires practical demonstration in daily interactions.
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
This question moves us from knowledge to obedience.
10. Does this passage align with the whole counsel of God's Word?
The Bible is a unified, coherent whole. No single passage should be interpreted in a way that contradicts other clear teachings of Scripture. If your interpretation of a passage seems to clash with a major doctrine (e.g., God's sovereignty, Christ's divinity, salvation by grace through faith), then your interpretation is likely flawed. Use Scripture to interpret Scripture. For instance, while some passages speak of good works, they must always be understood in light of the clear teaching that salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9).
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
This principle of harmonizing Scripture ensures doctrinal purity and guards against heresy.
Conclusion
Approaching the Bible with these ten questions will transform your reading from a passive activity into an active, engaging, and fruitful spiritual discipline. Remember to always begin and end your study with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit, the divine Author, to illuminate His Word to your heart and mind (John 16:13). By diligently applying these principles, you will grow in your knowledge of God, be equipped for every good work, and truly delight in the glorious truths of His inspired Word.