Embrace the Joy of Marking Up Your Bible for Deeper Understanding

Mark your Bible

If you're anything like me and treat books like sacred treasures, then this part of the Bible study method might feel like attempting a tap dance in a minefield! Growing up in the age when libraries were our go-to for books, you might still break out in a cold sweat at the thought of those terrifying fines for scribbling in a library book. Ah, the childhood trauma of defacing a book that belonged to the all-powerful library! Now toss in the twist that this isn't just any book we're talking about, it's the Bible, the holy Word of God, the ultimate bestseller of all time! But today's blog is all about marking up your Bible! So lets get started.

I have always been curious about how someone can extract so much information from just a few sentences. The key is that they aren't merely reading the Bible; they're studying it. This is another technique I picked up from Allan Parr's Bible Lab course. He calls it Markup Madness.

1. WORDS THAT COMPARE

   • Key words: like, as, such as, as much as

   •  Similes - A figure of speech in which two essentially unlike things are compared.

   Suffer hardship with me, AS a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

   2 Timothy 2:3

In this verse, Paul draws a comparison between the challenges we face as Christians and the difficulties experienced by soldiers, such as being separated from family, concerns for their safety, and the trials of warfare. Both endure suffering.

2. WORDS THAT CONTRAST

   • Key Words: But, However, yet, Nevertheless, etc.

   • instead of doing this, do this instead 

   Do not conform to the pattern of this world, BUT be transformed by the renewing of you mind.

   Romans 12:2

In this verse, avoid getting entangled in worldly behaviors, activities, or philosophies. Instead, transform your mind into a new way of thinking rather than conforming. In other words, let your mind be transformed rather than influenced by the world.

3. WORDS THAT INDICATE A PURPSE OR A RESULT

   • Key Words: That, in order that, so that, etc...

   • Pivot words

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another SO THAT you maybe healed

James 5:16

In this verse, ask yourself what is the purpose and what is the result of what's happening? The purpose: To build a supportive, honest, and prayerful community of believers.

The result: Healing of heart, soul, mind, and sometimes body.

4. WORDS THAT INDICATE A CONDITION

   • Key Words: If

   •  Certain words we must fulfill first before God will do his part.

   But IF we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

   1 John 1:9

In this verse, the focus is not on losing salvation. It's not about the relationship but about the fellowship. To have fellowship with God, we must learn to seek forgiveness. Because without doing so, you cannot expect to maintain that fellowship.

5. WORDS THAT MODIFY OTHER WORDS.

   • Key Words: Newborn, Pure (examples)

   • Words that modify other words enhance the text by offering additional clarity to what the author wants the reader to comprehend.

   And like NEWBORN babies, long for the PURE milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.

   1 Peter 2:2

In this verse, "newborn" describes the type of baby being referred to, helping you picture a newborn who requires milk. However, it's not just any milk but pure, uncontaminated milk, symbolizing the Word of God.

• Please note that "so that" is a word indicating purpose or result, which relates to growing in your salvation.

6 . WORDS THAT INDICATE A CAUSE. (These are very powerful words)

• Key Words: Because, for this reason, therefore

• Anytime you see "Therefore" make sure you understand what it is there for!

FOR THIS REASON, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh.

Ephesian 5:31

In this verse, ask yourself what preceded it and why. The phrase "FOR THIS REASON" prompts you to review the previous verses. Paul discusses wives submitting to husbands and husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the Church. Therefore, you can't truly love your spouse if you haven't left your parents' house, as your primary respect remains with them.

7. WORDS THAT CONNECT. (commas can be powerful because they make list.)

   • Key Words: And, but, commas, etc...

   • These are words that link sections of text together. They also sometimes assist in creating lists.

   If you abide in me, AND My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, AND it shall be done for you.

   John 15:7

In this verse, The very first word is IF (a condition word) Am I fulfilling this condition? But then there are 2 conditions. The first is are you abiding in God, spending time worshiping Him? AND is God's word abiding in you? The second condition "It shall be done for you" Ask & receive.

• Context: This verse indicates that God will not grant just anything you ask for; it must be in accordance with God's perfect Will.

8. WORDS THAT INDICATE A COMMAND ( imperatives)

   • Key Words: Commands

   • Commands are words that signal some action that God wants you to take.

     LET NO ONE DESPISE YOU FOR YOUR YOUTH, but SET THE BELIEVERS AN EXAMPLE in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, DEVOTE YOURSELF to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. DO NOT NEGLECT the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. PRACTICE these things, IMMERSE YOURSELF in them, so that all may see your progress.

     Summary of the 7 Key Commands:

     • Don’t let others look down on your youth.

     • Be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

     • Devote yourself to reading Scripture publicly, preach and teach the Word.

     • Don’t neglect your spiritual gift.

     • Practice be diligent in your calling.

     • Immerse yourself, give yourself fully to your ministry so others can see your growth.

9. WORDS THAT ARE REPEATED

   • Key Words: Repeated words.

   • Repetition indicates that the author strongly wants to emphasize this theme.

     Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his ACTIONS when he offered this son Isaac on the alter? You see, his faith and his ACTIONS worked together. His ACTIONS made his faith complete.

     James 2:21-22

James aimed to show that Abraham's obedience was demonstrated through his actions. It was his readiness to act on his faith in God. Faith is made complete not by what you say, but by what you do.

10. WORDS THAT ARE SPECIFIC OR INTERESTING.

    • Key Words: Any word that will help unlock the true meaning of the text.

      And those he PREDESTINED, he also CALLED, those he called, he also JUSTIFIED those he justified, he also GLORIFIED.

      Romans 8:30

To truly understand the Bible's text , you must translate the key words into their original Greek or Hebrew. The Old Testament was originally in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek. English meanings may differ from the original languages.

Example: Greek - Proorizō  literally means “to determine beforehand” or “to decide in advance.”

It refers to God’s sovereign choice and purpose made ahead of time.

These small words bring to life the Bible by placing side by side for comparison a spiritual truth with an earthly one, aiding us in understanding the author's intended meaning. Although mastering this method will require time, it's a solid starting point

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word. As I read and mark my Bible, help me understand what You’re teaching me. Show me what to remember, apply, and share. Let these notes draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.