How (and Why) to Use an Amazing Tool
Today, we’re going to talk about a practical – but incredibly valuable – way to read the Bible Better. You’ll learn how to use cross references in the Bible, and when and why you should do so!
You’ll learn to:
- Understand the different types of references throughout the Bible.
- Identify a reference to another scripture- even when it’s not a direct quote.
- Take this awareness that something we’re reading refers to OTHER scripture and make it mean something for us!
How to Read the Bible on Its Own Terms
Most modern readers don’t have the ability – especially reading in an English translation – to identify all the references between different passages of scripture. Therefore, we can miss what they might have conveyed to the original reader. Without that understand, we can get the message altogether wrong.
We always want to read the Bible on its own terms; we want to receive what it’s intended to communicate, rather than what we want or expect it to say to us.
Learning to use cross references in the Bible helps us learn to let the Bible teach us about itself. In doing this, we understand it better and with more depth.
How to Find the Right Resources and Tools
At the end of this video, I’ll share links, resources, and tools that will help you to chart your own path through a rich study guided by cross references in the Bible.
The Big Ideas and Helpful Highlights of Cross References in the Bible
Many Cross References Throughout Scripture
By some counts, there are more than 380,000 cross references in the Bible. This includes references to people, places, specific events, themes, ideas, and stories.
It also includes both paraphrases and quotes of other scripture.
Why Understanding Your Translation Matters
How many cross references and what they are depends on which translation or Bible you’re using. Some Bibles (especially themed Study Bibles) may edit the standard cross references for that translation to narrow emphasis for that Bible.
Cross references are subjectively identified, and having an understanding of the theory and method behind your chosen translation will help you further contextualize those cross references.
How This Helps You Read the Bible Better
Letting the Bible act as its own explainer allows us to understand each of its ideas, themes, and teachings with more depth and nuance. Making the most of cross references in Bible allows the Bible to lead that exploration
How to Learn Even More as You Read
Ensure that you understand the impacts of your chosen translation as you read and study your Bible. Download my FREE Bible Translations Toolkit to learn the ins-and-outs of distinguishing between, understanding, and choosing translations for your study. Sign up to download it below.
Check Out These Other Related Links & Resources:
The Amazing Visualization of the Cross References in the Bible (plus some other cool Bible-related visualizations)
Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament by D.A. Carson & G.K. Beale