How To Do A Word Study In The Bible

Studying individual words in the Bible can unlock deeper meanings and give you a richer understanding of Scripture. If you want to go beyond a surface reading of the text, learning how to thoroughly examine a word or phrase is an invaluable skill for any student of God’s Word.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: do a word study in the Bible by looking up the original language definition, analyzing how the word is used in context, comparing translations, and using Bible study tools like commentaries and dictionaries to understand all aspects of the word’s meaning.

Look Up the Original Language Definition

Use a lexicon to find the Hebrew or Greek definition

When studying a word in the Bible, it’s important to look at the original Hebrew or Greek definition. This gives insight into the precise meaning intended by the authors. Here are some tips for finding the original language definition:

Use a lexicon – This is a dictionary of ancient Hebrew and Greek words. Popular lexicons include Strong’s Concordance, Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon, and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon. These provide detailed definitions and root word connections.

Look up the word form – Is it a verb, noun, adjective? The form affects the meaning. Verbs describe action while nouns refer to people, places, things. Adjectives describe nouns.

Note the context – How is the word used in the verse and paragraph? This surround context brings shades of meaning. A lexicon may give multiple definitions, but the context narrows the meaning down.

Compare translations – Look at how various translations render the word. Differences in translation often reflect different nuances of meaning. Comparing brings these out.

See how the same word is used elsewhere – Tracking down other uses of the same Greek or Hebrew term can clarify the core concept.

Going to the original languages takes some effort but pays rich rewards in Bible study. It unveils finer shades of meaning and challenges surface understandings. God’s Word comes alive with deeper resonance.

See how the definition has evolved over time

Word meanings can change subtly over decades and centuries. Seeing how a definition evolves can aid Bible interpretation. Here are some tips:

Look at multiple editions of a lexicon over time. For example, Strong’s Concordance is now in its 1890 edition, but earlier editions had slight differences. Comparing entries shows shifts in meaning.

Consult dictionaries from the time the Bible was translated such as Webster’s 1828 dictionary for the King James Version. Seeing period definitions shows original intent.

Research the cultural background. For instance, the biblical concept of “heart” relates to ancient views of the heart as the seat of thoughts and emotions. Word meaning connects with cultural frameworks.

Study the history of interpretation. How did early rabbis and church fathers understand this term? Have later interpreters veered from original intent? Understanding interpretive history safeguards meaning.

Look at cognate languages. Hebrew and Greek terms often relate to words in nearby languages like Aramaic and Latin. These cognate meanings can clarify definition.

Consult scholarly articles on word meaning. Technical journals provide researched analysis of semantic range and evolution. Scholars pour lives into tracing fine changes.

By studying how definitions change over time, we avoid reading modern sensibilities into biblical words. We hear God’s inspired voice on its own terms.

Examine How the Word is Used in Context

Study nearby verses for clues

When doing a word study in the Bible, it’s important to carefully examine the verses surrounding the word or passage you’re analyzing. The context often provides valuable clues into the meaning and usage of the word.

Pay attention to grammar, sentence structure, and how the word connects with adjoining thoughts or concepts. For example, noticing words or phrases like “therefore,” “so that,” “in order to,” etc. can help you understand the logic behind why the word was used.

You’ll also want to note any descriptive phrases or sentences that offer further explanation of the word. Metaphors, similes, examples, and restatements can all expand your understanding of the term. By thoroughly studying the tight context around the word, you allow the biblical authors to define and characterize the meaning in their own words.

Compare how the word is used elsewhere

In addition to the immediate context, it’s helpful to compare uses of the word elsewhere in Scripture. How is it applied in different situations and circumstances? Does the meaning shift subtly in various passages or books of the Bible?

Concordances and Bible study software make it easy to quickly find all occurrences of the original Hebrew or Greek term so you can analyze patterns of usage across biblical texts.

For instance, the English word “world” translates several original words conveying different nuances, like aiōn (age), oikoumenē (inhabited earth), and kosmos (adornment, order, arrangement). Examining how each term is employed in different contexts can yield a fuller grasp of their distinct meanings.

Consider the genre and style of the passage

The Bible contains different types of literature, from historical narratives to poetic songs to New Testament letters. The style, formatting, and purposes of these genres vary. So the way a word or phrase is used may shift subtly across these textual categories.

For example, poetic or apocalyptic passages may use more metaphorical or symbolic imagery to convey theological truths.

Here’s a comparison of how understanding genre can yield insight into word meaning and usage:

So when studying a word, consider how the style of the passage shapes its usage versus more straightforward historical texts. This prevents misinterpretation or inaccurate application.

Compare Multiple Bible Translations

Notice where translations differ

When studying a passage in the Bible, it can be incredibly useful to compare multiple translations side-by-side. Different translations often phrase verses slightly differently, use alternative word choices, or structure sentences differently while attempting to convey the same essential meaning.

Paying attention to these subtle differences can shed light on the range of possible interpretations and help provide a more comprehensive understanding of the text.

For example, more literal formal equivalency translations like the ESV tend to closely mirror the grammatical structures of the original languages. Thought-for-thought dynamic equivalency translations like the NLT rephrase sentences to be more easily understandable for modern readers.

And paraphrase translations like The Message strongly restructure passages to try to capture core ideas. Comparing how key verses or controversial passages are translated can illuminate translators’ reasoning.

If multiple translations differ substantially in their rendering, it often indicates some ambiguity or complexity around interpreting the original text.

Think about why the translators made those choices

It can be insightful not just to notice differences between Bible translations, but to reflect on why translators might have made certain choices. Translators face immense difficulty in balancing literality, clarity, readability and other goals. Subtle decisions abound in translation work.

For instance, formal equivalency translations tend to consistently use the same English word when the same original Hebrew or Greek word is used, while dynamic equivalency translations may substitute synonyms for readability.

Translations also differ greatly on when to translate metaphorically versus more woodenly. Thinking about what considerations may have guided the translator’s hand can provide more empathy for just how complex translating ancient texts into modern languages can be.

There are often good arguments on multiple sides of such decisions. Comparing translations done by committees versus a single translator can also reveal differing philosophies.

Consult Bible Study Resources

Use commentaries for historical insights

Consulting authoritative Bible commentaries is a fantastic way to gain valuable historical and cultural context when studying a passage. Renowned scholars pour hours into researching the background of each biblical book. Their insights shed light on the original intent and meaning of the text.

For example, understanding the situation of the Corinthian church helps explain Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians. Quality commentaries like the Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible provide meticulous verse-by-verse exposition.

They also cross-reference archaeological findings and extra-biblical texts. Mining commentaries gives modern readers an advantage in developing a rich understanding of scripture.

Check dictionaries for cultural meanings

Biblical dictionaries are indispensable resources that provide definitions for the nuances of ancient words and concepts. For instance, the meaning of Greek words like “agape” and “phileo” have ranges and usages that get obscured in English translation.

Dictionaries restore insight into terms, euphemisms, measurements, currency, positions, artifacts, and more. They uncover cultural meanings that were intuitively understood by the original audiences. For example, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary illuminates how concepts like “rejoice” and “comfort” operated in New Testament times.

Digging into word meanings through dictionaries will profoundly enrich biblical study.

Look at cross-references for connections

Cross-referencing related verses significantly enriches word studies by exposing thematic connections across scripture. A reference Bible groups verse citations under key words so readers can analyze a concept systematically across the Bible.

For instance, the ESV Study Bible organizes dozens of verses about “faith” into categories like justifying faith, bold faith, dead faith, and more. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible has over 100,000 links between concepts.

Tracing biblical themes through cross-references allows readers to piece together God’s grand narrative thread by thread. It also provides a way to check assumptions or interpretations against the whole counsel of scripture. Making cross-referencing a habit will enrich bible study immensely.

Apply What You’ve Learned

Ask how this changes your understanding

Conducting a thorough word study can significantly deepen your comprehension of Scripture. As you analyze the original language and historical context behind key terms, new layers of meaning may emerge that challenge preconceived notions.

Reflect on how examining word origins and usages transforms your perspective on biblical passages. Does this change how you interpret certain verses? Do some teachings need to be reevaluated in light of new information from your study?

For example, discovering that the Greek word translated as “love” encompasses multiple types of affection could add nuance to your understanding of biblical commands about love. Carefully considering how word meanings have evolved over centuries can reveal timeless scriptural truths.

An enlightened perspective may inspire you to embrace biblical wisdom in new areas of life. Essentially, let your word investigation spark an open-minded quest to keep learning and applying God’s Word accurately.

Consider personal applications to your life

As your comprehension grows through word study, ponder practical implications for daily living. Beyond correcting faulty theology, how can you apply factual understanding to shape your thoughts, words and actions? Let illuminated truths inspire personal life changes.

For instance, examining verbs around common terms like “believe” could show that biblical belief always entails action. This insight might convict you to align behavior with professed faith instead of passively claiming belief without acting upon it.

Or studying words related to money could reveal spiritual principles about financing and generosity rarely considered. Ground-level obedience applies theology in ways that simply amassing knowledge cannot.

Look for related topics to study further

Each word investigation opens gateways to explore new avenues. As intrigued interest gets sparked, pursue other biblical themes utilizing word study skills. Branch into Greek and Hebrew lexicons more frequently to spur discoveries.

Over time, strengthen abilities to trace concepts throughout Scripture, bolstering cohesive comprehension of God’s Word.

For example, a study on “righteousness” could prompt examination of justification, judgment, law, grace, faith and scores of interconnected concepts. Tracing the vine of associated vocabulary and contexts paints a thorough picture of theological principles.

Follow the path of fascination to keep digging into God’s Word. Commentaries, Bible dictionaries and online resources like BibleStudyTools.com offer troves of information to supplement studies. Let the riches of Scripture lead to lifelong investigation that transforms perspective and purpose.

Conclusion

Doing an in-depth word study requires time and tools, but the investment will enrich your understanding of Scripture. By studying the original language definitions, usage, translations, and cultural contexts of words, you can uncover deeper meanings and applications of Bible passages.

Approach God’s Word with humility, patience, and prayer as you seek to handle the text carefully and apply it faithfully. Digging into words will equip you to nourish yourself and others from the Word of Life.