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 (find using cross references and Study Bible notes!).

Ask these questions when studying Context:

*Immediate Context: 

• What is the theme or main idea found in the surrounding paragraph(s)?

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

• How does the immediate context help determine what the verse means? 

Book Context:

• Is the theme repeated throughout the book? 

• How does the theme fit within the overall purpose of the book?

Bible Context: 

• Does my interpretation hold true throughout the rest of the Bible? 

• Does another passage in the Bible provide clarity? Does the text quote or allude to another passage in the Bible and what understanding does that give?

• How does this passage fit into the big story of the Bible? Why is it included in the Bible?

NEW TO CHARA? Start with the questions we ask the most—they are noted with an *asterisk.

KEY PRINCIPLE

RESOURCES TO HELP STUDY THE CONTEXT

WHAT TO STUDY NEXT