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Verse-by-Verse Analysis Method of Bible Study

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How to Study a Passage of the Bible Verse by Verse

As an alternative to the Chapter Analysis Method of Bible Study (chap.10), where you use the principles of observation, interpretation, correlation, and application in a systematic fashion, the verse-by-verse analysis of a passage is useful when you dont have the time for an in-depth study. Rather than doing an extensive job on book survey, chapter analysis, and book synthesis, the verse-by-verse analysis of a passage takes each verse and examines it from five viewpoints, using the special Verse-by-Verse Analysis Form. The five things you will do with each verse are Write a personal paraphrase of it. List some questions and whatever answers you find. Find some cross-references for it. Write down some insights you have discovered. Write out a brief personal application.
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Definition The Verse-by-Verse Analysis Method of Bible Study involves selecting a passage of Scripture and examining it in detail by asking questions, finding cross-references, and paraphrasing each verse. We then record a possible, personal application for each verse we study. Why This Method of Bible Study This method may be used two ways. First, it may be used as an alternative to the Chapter Analysis Method when you want to work systematically through a passage or chapter. It is particularly useful when you have limited time and cannot complete a whole chapter at one sitting. In this method you have the option of selecting the number of verses in a passage you want to analyze at any given time. The form is open-ended, and you may proceed at whatever pace you desire. Second, it may be used in a more advanced topical study. In this case, the verse-by-verse chart would be used in place of the comparison chart (at the end of this chapter). This method can be used without reference tools, or you can engage in a more in-depth approach that requires a minimum of tools, as follows:

Step OneWrite Out a Personal Paraphrase Step TwoList Some Questions, Answers, and Observations Step ThreeFind Some Cross-References for Each Verse Step FourRecord Any Insights You Get from Each Verse Step FiveWrite Down a Brief Personal Application for Each Verse

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A study Bible An exhaustive concordance (for cross-references) A Bible dictionary and/or Bible encyclopedia A set of word studies Simple Steps on Doing a Verse-by-Verse Analysis This study is built around the verse-by-verse analysis chart. You follow five simple procedures for each verse that you study. To begin, select the passage you want to analyze verse by verse. Work through the passage in a logical order, writing out your first verse in the first space of column 1, second verse in the second space, and so forth (see the Sample Verse-by-Verse Analysis Form).
Step One Write a Personal Paraphrase

Write out the verse in your own words. Do not use one of the modern paraphrases except to get the idea of how to do it. Stay true to the verse you are paraphrasing, and try to condense rather than expand it.
Step Two List Some Questions, Answers, and Observations

In column 3 of the Chapter Analysis Form at the end of this chapter, list any questions you have relating to words, phrases, persons, topics, and doctrines in that verse. Write down any answers you can find and also record any observations you have. Mark these as follows: Q = Question A = Answer O = Observations
Step Three Find Some Cross-References for Each Verse

Using the cross-references from your study Bible or from Scripture memory, write down some cross-references (at least one) for the verse you are studying. Identify
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the word or phrase you are cross-referencing at the end of this chapter. Use a concordance if you do not have a cross-referenced Bible.
Step Four Record Any Insights You Get from Each Verse

Having thought through the words, phrases, and concepts in the verse, record any insights that you get from them. These could be further observations, words and names that you have looked up and defined, or any other thought that comes to you. Let your imagination go and be as creative as you can in this fifth column, called Personal Application, in the form at the end of this chapter.
Step Five Write Down a Brief Personal Application for Each Verse

Because of the number of verses in your study, you will not be able to design an application project for each verse. Instead, just try to record some devotional thoughts that come to you from each verse. Later, in a devotional Bible study, you can pick one of the thoughts and plan to work on it. Or, if a particular verse seems to meet an immediate need, go ahead and write out an application that is possible, practical, personal, and measurable.

How to Fill In the Verse-by-Verse Analysis Form

You will need as many forms or your own sheets of paperon which you have drawn the six columnsas there are verses in the chapter you are studying. When you have decided on the number of verses to study, write each one in a separate space in column 1, using your favorite translation of the Bible. You should probably stick with the same translation all through the study. Filling Out the Form After selecting the verses and filling in column 1 with their words, fill in the rest of the columns as described in the five steps above. Refer to the following sample form for ideas on how to do it. The only limiting factors in this study are your time and your creativity.
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Sample Filled-out Form See the example of 1Timothy 1:13 at the end of this chapter. Assignment Since you have been given a sample from 1Timothy, your assignment is to continue in that book. When you have completed it and want a change of pace after trying some other methods, you may want to study some of the shorter books of the New Testament, such as 2Timothy, 1John, Philippians, or the one-chapter books (Philemon, 2John, 3John, and Jude).

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Verse-by-Verse Analysis Form

Book or Topic 1Timothy

Verses
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus our hope,

Personal Paraphrase
Paul, one sent forth as Christs representative, as instructed by God, the One who saves us, and Christ Jesus our hope,

Questions and Answers

Q. What does the word apostle mean? A. The Greek word apostolos comes from the verb apostello, send forth. O. God the Father rather than Christ is called Savior.

1:2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

To Timothy, my true child in the Christian faith. May love, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord be yours.

Q. Does the name Timothy have any special meaning? A. Timothy means he who honors God.

1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer.

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you can instruct certain men not to teach non-Christian doctrines.

Q. What doctrines were being taught by these men? A. Not doctrines of false religions, but a false teaching posing as inspired Christian doctrine. Q. What was Timothys ministry in Ephesus?

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Book or Topic 1Timothy

Cross-References
Apostle: 2Corinthians 1:1 God my Savior: Luke 1:47 Titus 1:3 Christ our hope: Colossians 1:27

Insights
1. The name Paul came from the Latin name Paulus, which means little. 2. The name Timothy means he who honors God. 3. Paul did not need to tell Timothy that he was an apostle, so perhaps this letter was intended to be read by others as well.

Possible Personal Applications

I must begin to see myself in the role of Christs ambassador who has been authorized and sent out with a divine message. The authority of my witness will only be as effective as my awareness of my mission.

My child: 2Timothy 1:2 Christ Jesus: 1Timothy 1:15

1. Messiah in Hebrew means Christo in Greek, which means Christ in English. Christ means the anointed one of God. 2. Jesus means Jehovah Saves! It comes from the word Joshua.

May my name become synonymous with a life that is honoring to God, like Timothys.

False teaching: 1Timothy 6:3 2Corinthians 11:4

1. Paul criticized the Christians in Corinth for their weakness in dealing with false doctrine (2Cor. 11:4). Since Timothy was with Paul in Corinth for a long time, he received good training for what was needed in Ephesus. 2. Timothy went to Ephesus with Paul, then later, after Pauls first Roman imprisonment, Timothy was there again. This is when he was urged to stay.

I will endeavor to be knowledgeable of Christian doctrine so I can differentiate between true and false teaching. Christian Science, Jehovahs Witness, and Mormonism all need my attention in this regard.

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Book or Topic

Verses

Personal Paraphrase

Questions and Answers

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Book or Topic

Cross-References

Insights

Possible Personal Applications

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