Would you like to see what we have written on a subject? Use the search below.

[If you purchase anything on this site, I may make a commission. Disclosure Policy]

Feed Yourself™ Lesson Seventeen

How To Analyze A Verse

"Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee." Deut. 6:17

This week, we will look at how to analyze a verse or sentence. As you know, the original text did not have verse divisions. Often, verses are divided in the middle of a sentence. When doing this study, always choose a complete sentence, even if it includes several verses or parts of verses.

Before analyzing a verse/sentence or chapter [as we will do next week], we should do a Book Survey. This helps us to understand the context in which our verse is set. I keep stressing context because it is so important. We can see the Big Picture, the overall theme and the writer's intent. A sentence can have vastly different meanings depending on the context. For example, Rom. 8:7b states, "It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." We need context to see that it refers to the sinful mind, but more than that, we need it to understand what Paul is trying to prove and how this fits into his argument.

So, how do we analyze a Verse/Sentence?

Step one is to select the verse/sentence to analyze. Note the type of book it is in [i.e. historical, poetical, etc.]

Step two, if not already done, is to do a book survey on the entire book [See lessons 9-11].

Step three is to do a devotional reading on the chapter in which the verse is found [See lesson 3]. Steps 2-3 help you build a solid foundation of context before looking at an individual verse/sentence. Context is vital.

Step four is to do a Textual Re-Creation. Now don't get worried. This doesn't mean you are changing Scripture! Textual Re-Creation simply means writing the verse or sentence word-for-word, but using different techniques to emphasize different words. This is your chance to be creative. You can indent, underline, capitalize, use upper- or lowercase letters, circle words, box words, use different colours, use arrows, or anything that strikes you. See the example. The point of Textual Re-Creation is to discover the meaning of the verse/sentence by emphasizing the important words and seeing the relation between them.

Step five is to identify the core sentence pattern. Note the subject [noun], the verb, and any modifiers [words that describe or qualify another word or group of words]. If you've forgotten English grammar, it may help to review a grammar book on subjects, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, direct objects, indirect objects, simple sentences, complex sentences, and compound sentences. This part can be the most frustrating because many Scripture sentences are long and complex. A modern-language Bible can help. Look at the sentences one part at a time. Taking out prepositional phrases can make finding the core sentence easier. Prepositional phrases begin with a preposition [such as: by, from, to, with, etc.] and have an object [by the road]. For example, in the sentence “Christ was raised from the dead,” we could mark off the prepositional phrase “from the dead.” By placing brackets around the prepositional phrase, we can easily see that “Christ” is the noun/subject and “was raised” is the verb. In more complex sentences, marking prepositional phrases makes it much easier to identify the main parts of the sentence. The important thing is to see how the different phrases relate to each other. Remember, don't get stressed out. This is for your own Biblical enrichment. The free world will not be destroyed if you make a mistake!

Step six is to record in the margins what you see in the verse. What does it mean? Who is it talking about? Why is it there? How does it fit the Big Picture?

Step seven is to write down personal applications you have learned from the verse/sentence. How will it affect your life? What do you have to do?

This may sound like a hard lesson. It can be, but don't get discouraged. It becomes easier with practice, and you can have a lot of fun with your textual reconstruction. Let your imagination soar; just do not change the Scriptural words.

Download the Verse Analyzer form and samples from the Bible Resources page.

WEEK SEVENTEEN PROJECT

1. Select a verse/sentence from the book on which you did your book survey. Analyze the verse according to the above steps. You may want to practice on several verses before moving on to the next lesson.

2. Continue with your daily reading program.

***********************

Reference Works Used In This Course:

Bible Study Methods by Mrs. Shirley Davis

The International Inductive Study Bible by Harvest House Publishers

Effective Bible Study by Howard F. Vos, Zondervan

How To Understand Your Bible by T. Norton Sterrett, IVP

How To Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur, Harvest House

Independent Bible Study by Irving L. Jensen, Moody

How To Study The Bible For Yourself by Tim LaHaye, Harvest House

Return to Feed Yourself™ Lessons.

Glenn Davis is a Christian author and Bible teacher whose work draws on more than 40 years of study, writing, and teaching in local churches. He has written 700+ articles, created five Bible courses, published three books, and shared 300+ Bible videos on YouTube. Readers can find his books on Amazon, follow his teaching on YouTube or visit Glenn Davis Books. Away from the keyboard, he enjoys time with family, reading, walking, and board or card games.

Follow us on social media for daily Scripture comments and more at MeWe, Facebook or YouTube.
Sitemap - Newsletter - Statement Of Faith - Donate

Please note: We no longer have the commenting feature [maybe again in the future]. Joshua Institute students who have questions or comments on their courses can use the contact button and mention the course name and lesson number in the email. Thank you. Glenn

ShareFacebook X Pinterest Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Messenger

Privacy - Disclosure