How to Study Context
The Text
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 Questions:
* 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 Questions:
Is the theme repeated throughout the book?
How does the theme fit within the overall purpose of the book?
Bible Context Questions:
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.
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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.
What to Study Next:
C
CONTEXT
Understand the text surrounding the passage
H
HISTORY
Understand the history and culture of the ancient world
A
AUTHOR
Understand the author’s purpose and their style of writing
R
RESEARCH
Dig deeper through word and translation study
A
APPLY
Identify how you can apply this passage to your life
The Bible’s Big Story
Understanding the Unified Story of the Bible
Connecting the Old & New Testament
How the Old Testament Sets the Stage for the Grand Finale of the New Testament
Layout of the Bible
Connecting the Table of Contents to the Story of the Bible
Parables of the Bible
Stories and Illustrations by Jesus
Context in Action
Examples of Studying Passages with the CHARA Bible Study Guide
The Insight of Context
In this video, we’re going to talk about why context is key when reading the Bible. Every verse is part of a bigger story, and understanding the surrounding text helps you see how it all fits together.