Lord, grant me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of who You are. Amen.
Use a study Bible or trusted online resource to review historical context:
author · time frame · audience · purpose
Put away extra resources for now and read through the passage slowly, taking note of key characters and settings.
- It is important to get historical context so that you can place where we are in the Big Story and get a better perspective for how different the culture would have been from today.
- Much of this information can be found on reliable sites: Bible Hub – Introductions (biblehub.com/genesis/) and Blue Letter Bible – Introductions (blueletterbible.org/resources/intros.cfm)
- Now that you have your historical context, put away all resources for now (including AI).
- Repetitively read through your passage and surrounding text as you let the Holy Spirit transform you.
Reread the passage — which words or phrases are being emphasized? (Look for repetition, lists, comparisons, etc.)
Which words need more clarity? Look them up — what do you learn?
How would you summarize the passage in 1–2 sentences?
- Simply use highlighters and pens to annotate the text.
- If you do not have a Bible you want to write in, get one or print the text out so that you can mark up the page.
- Use a simple dictionary as you are getting started like: Dictionary.com (dictionary.com)
Lord, correct any lies I believe. Let this knowledge increase my love for You and others, not my pride. Amen.
Reread the passage — what questions come to mind?
Review other translations, cross references & surrounding passages — do they shed any light on your questions?
How would the original audience have understood this passage?
- Don't rush to commentaries or AI for answers to your questions.
- Use scripture to verify scripture, by first using another translation of the passage to gain clarity.
- You should also use cross-references to clarify difficult verses and to integrate this passage into the larger, unified story of the Bible: Bible Hub – Cross References (biblehub.com/genesis/1-1.htm#crossref)
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What truth does this passage reveal about God's character and purpose?
What cultural or personal lies does this truth challenge today?
- If you are faced with an unclear passage or verse, read ahead in the book to gain clarity, and look for other clear passages on the same subject. Often times the New Testament writers will interpret passages from the Old Testament.
- Protect against bias here by refining your findings in a community group.
- Feel free to bring back in reliable external sources (commentaries, sermons, etc.) to refine what you have learned.
How will this truth shape your prayers, thoughts, words and/or actions today?
- Consider how living out this truth would change things in your home, your church and your community and beyond.
- Write your application in light of what you have learned about God. When we learn His character and purpose, it changes our character and purpose.
- Pray for God to reveal to you how you should be living this out and when necessary ask for accountability from other believers.