Commonly Used Terms In Verse Mapping and Bible Study Defined!
- cmzbishopenterpris
- Jul 20, 2024
- 3 min read
This article provides an overview of the common terms used in verse mapping and bible study, helping readers to gain a better understanding of the Bible and its teachings. Because I see a lot of women struggle with what different words mean when they begin Bible study, I wanted to write a blog post that explains many of them. Let me know if there is anything you would like to see added!
Bible Concordance – This is a book that contains an alphabetical index of words used in the Bible and the main Bible references where the word occurs. A Bible concordance is useful in locating passages in the Bible.
Bible Dictionary – This is a book that contains definitions of key words found in Scripture. Bible dictionaries list all the major words in the Bible, such as people’s names, places, concepts, animals, and plants. Bible dictionaries are usually based on specific translations.
Bible Encyclopedia – Bible encyclopedias contain articles and definitions to thousands of words and terms used in Scripture. Entries include full historical references such as date, religious environment, family life, customs, language, and literature. All encyclopedia terms are cross-referenced and linked to the verses where they are found to help understand the full meaning of the word in context to its use in specific verses of the Bible.
Bible Handbook – Bible handbooks provide answers for a variety of biblical questions with short commentaries, maps, photos, outlines, historical and archeological backgrounds, lists of kings and judges, genealogies, and more. Bible handbooks also provide a brief summary of each book of the Bible.Here are some common reasons a person would use a Bible handbook:
To learn the cultural and historical background information about a book of the Bible.
To discover how a certain passage fits into the whole book and why it is included.
To learn the key words, themes, and verses in a book.
To learn more about the Bible’s history: its compilation, printing, and preservation.
To better understand the particular doctrines taught in each book and how they correspond to the overall message of the Bible.
To research the geography and archaeology associated with the Bible.
Lexicon – A Bible lexicon will provide the meanings of original-language words used in Scripture. A Hebrew-Aramaic lexicon covers the words of the Old Testament. A Greek lexicon contains the words of the New Testament.
Key Word or Phrase – Key words or phrases function like keys to help the reader "unlock" the meaning of a passage, a paragraph, a chapter or a book.
Context – This is the setting in which a passage occurs or simply what precedes and what follows the text you are studying. Thus, context includes those verses immediately before and after the passage, then the paragraph and book in which the passage appears, then other books by this author, as well as the overall message of the entire Bible.
Genre – A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, marked by a distinctive style, form, or content.
Interpretation – Webster defines interpretation as explaining or telling the meaning of something and presenting it in understandable terms. In Biblical interpretation you are seeking to place yourself in the writer's "sandals", setting aside any preconceived ideas, with the ultimate goal being to understand the writer's original intent, and God's intent which sometimes goes beyond even the understanding of the human writer.
Secondary Sources – Dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, and handbooks are categorized as secondary sources. While they can significantly enhance our understanding, they inevitably reflect the authors' biases.
Paraphrase – This simply means to restate the passage that you have studied in your own words/
Application – This is putting truth you've discovered (through observation and interpretation) to use in your life with the ultimate goal of transformation or life change.
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