Studying the Bible is vital to our spiritual lives but it is also important to make sure that as much as possible we avoid certain mistakes when doing so! In the class, we highlight common Bible study mistakes so that you can avoid them. Watch it now and share with someone else!
Forgetting the Little Words
In Scripture, we often see small words like “ye” and “thee” that are easy to overlook. They may seem like random old English, but there’s actually an important difference between them: “ye” is plural, while “thee” is singular. A well-known passage highlights just how meaningful that distinction can be.
In John chapter 3, we read about Nicodemus speaking with Jesus about salvation. In verse 3, Jesus says, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Then in verse 7, He adds, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Although Jesus was speaking to one person, His teaching about the new birth being necessary applies to everyone. Recognizing and not overlooking these small words can make an eternal difference in someone’s life.
Don’t Assume Modern Definitions
Speaking of old English—it is important to remember that the Bible was written and translated a really long time ago! Just as we have trends that change and evolve over time, language does the same thing. When studying the Bible, make sure that you get an accurate understanding of what it is saying. Just because there is a modern definition of a word that you may be familiar with, that doesn’t mean that’s what the Bible meant at that time.
A great example is found in Hebrews 4:12 where the word of God is described as quick and powerful. The word quick in this scripture doesn’t mean fast, speedy, or swift like we may assume but it means alive. Understanding that the Bible is alive and able to make us alive means something entirely different than the Word being fast.
Make sure you are getting all that God has for you in His word—learn more about other common Bible study mistakes and how to avoid them. Watch the class above and then dive further into the class in Just Word Academy for the full notes, quiz, and more. Don’t have your free account? Create one now!
