Observing a Passage

The back of two students going through marked-up manuscripts on clipboards. They are sitting outdoors.

Observing a Passage

If you know what types of things to notice when observing a passage of the Bible, you’ll be able to see more than you normally do. Make sure to look for elements in all three of the below categories: context, content, and connections.

Context: 

  • Passages before and after
  • Place within the whole book of the Bible
  • Culture of original readers
  • Old Testament references 

Content: 

  • Characters
  • Relationships
  • Location
  • Actions
  • Time
  • Numbers 

Connections: 

  • Repetition
  • Comparison/ Contrast ("but")
  • Images/ Metaphors ("is like")
  • Cause/ Effect ("so", "that")
  • Reasons ("for", "because")
  • Conditions ("if...then") 
Resource Topic - Primary
Small Group
Resource Type
Guide
Audience
Everyone
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National Scripture Engagement Team

The National Scripture Engagement Team develops resources and experiences that help people meet God in Scripture together. Their vision statement is Love Scripture. Lead Scripture. and they seek to cultivate healthy engagement of the Bible that increases our love for Jesus through Scripture and our witness to Jesus through Scripture. Please contact Christy Gates with questions or for more information.

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