Reading & Studying The Word – Part 2

The very first thing that we need to establish while reading is that the Word of God is just that; it is God’s Word. The Bible is unique for a multitude of reasons and is separate from every religious work known to mankind. Many people seem to think that it’s arrogant or bragging to make that claim, but I disagree. It isn’t arrogance when it’s true, it’s just factual. Besides that, I didn’t write the Bible so any claims I make are based on what Someone else has done, so I’m not bragging! Anyway, we will look later on at why the Word of God is so unique, but to begin with, we need to settle this in our minds and hearts, the Word of God is divine and living. If you don’t have this mindset then you cheat yourself out of the benefits of reading the Word of God in faith. And faith does not necessarily mean blind, irrational acceptance.

There is a difference between reading the Word of God to get the general meaning out of a passage versus doing a word or topical study. By simply reading we see that the Word of God contains themes or principles (like salvation, death, love, sin, etc.) which occur throughout the text – both in the OT and NT. These principles don’t change over time, and we can use these themes to get a better grasp of the concepts God conveys to us. General reading, as in the Psalms, is a great way of learning these themes because they are presented in such a way as to be easily identified as we follow along in the passages. For this reason some people use paraphrased editions, trying to identify the overall impression of what the Word contains. Paraphrased versions, however, are just that – paraphrased! They are not literal word-for-word translations, but try to provide the general meaning of what the text says. Paraphrased versions are the interpretations of those who have translated the text, and they have arranged the words and sentences in a way that they think sounds more in-line with the flow of thought. I normally don’t like paraphrased editions because I am a literalist, but I have used them on occasion with good results when searching for the general meaning of a passage. However, you don’t want to confuse the purpose for this type of version! Paraphrases are good if you want something that is easy to read and just gives the impression of what the original text conveys, but remember that these versions are not literal in nature. They are definitely not something you should use when building your understanding of the principles of God’s Word! If you want to conduct an in-depth study (whether of words or concepts and themes) you had better stick with a translation and not a paraphrase. Paraphrases attempt to find the most easily understood words or phrases to use, taking context, meaning and other factors into account. Always remember though, that when you’re reading a paraphrase you are reading somebody’s impressions of what the text implies, and as a result they are NOT divinely inspired.

Translations are great for in-depth studies and are good for finding out all the intricacies of a specific word or concept, such as love. Is there a difference between the love a man has for his wife, the love an employee has for a great boss, or the love God has for us? The answer is obvious. Questions like this are best answered through a word or topical study. Both Hebrew and Koine Greek are excellent languages for word studies because the words used in both languages are very specific, but they are often translated using the same word in English. We can keep using the word love as an example. In Koine, the words used are agapao and phileo. While both are translated using the English word love, the meaning of each original word is a bit different. Does that mean the translators got it wrong? No, because the word love is a sound translation. We just need to keep in mind that the original language and word choice had a way of making the meaning deeper, richer and fuller. This is where a word study, or a topical study, can really benefit someone interested in taking a deeper and more fulfilling look into the beauty and complexity which is the Word of God. You don’t have to be a scholar to do word or topic studies. In fact, as many people mature in the Word of God they begin to develop a desire to know more about the One Whom they are reading about. As you delve deeper into the Word of God you gain an ever greater appreciation for the vast wisdom and counsel God freely provides to us via that Word.

In either case, a starting point is to try and remember certain passages in the Word. This not only makes future studying easier but it also provides a way for the Holy Spirit to bring things back to your memory;

John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

King James Version

By memorizing verses (or repeatedly reading the same passages), you begin to place an emphasis on God’s Word, which in turn will start to work things in your life you aren’t even aware of. It all begins with the amount of time you give to God’s Word, and it is proportional. If you spend a little time you will get a little benefit; if you spend more time you will get more benefit – it’s just that simple!

This is Part Two of a multi-part series. Keep an eye out for the next installment!