A Step-by-Step Guide to Verse Mapping

One of the simplest ways to explore a scripture more thoroughly is through verse-mapping. What is verse-mapping, exactly? Verse-Mapping is a method of studying the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse in the Bible. 

 

Don’t worry! It’s a lot simpler than it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to verse mapping:

1. Pray

Before you begin verse-mapping, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you during your time of study. Pray that the Lord would open your eyes to new truths, deepening your understanding of scripture, and reveal to you how to apply what you learn in your daily life.

2. Write out the verse

Choose the verse you will be studying, and write it out. We recommend writing the verse out in your Seek First Journal as part of your daily reflections or in the misc notes section of your journal. Use a translation that is more literal than paraphrase, since this will help greatly when using a Bible lexicon or Concordance later in your study. Our favorites are NIV, NKJV, ESV and NASB. 

3. Look up different translations

Now compare the verse you wrote down with 2-3 different translations (this is where you can use thought-to-thought translation like NLT and the MSG). Make note of what words are different and any themes that are standing out to you.

4. Search for context

Next, search for context clues. Read the verses before and after the verse you are studying. Read the entire chapter the verse came from. Gain understanding on who the original audience of this particular text was and why it was written. Jot down major events that took place when this was written. This is where Study Bibles come in handy! We also love the Bible Project for a better understanding of context. 

5. Study key words

Highlight or underline key words in the verse that stood out to you and make note of why. Use a Bible lexicon or concordance to find the original Hebrew or Greek word for each keyword. Check out BibleStudyTools.com and BibleHub.com  to get started.

6. Cross reference other scriptures

Where else in the Bible is this topic covered? What does the Word of God say about this particular event or theme in other books of the Bible? You can easily use BibleStudyTools.com and BibleHub.com for this step as well. 

7. Meditate on God

Once you’ve completed your study, it’s time to slow down and review all your notes. What did this study show you about God? About His character? About His nature? About His attributes? Jot down what the Lord is showing you.

8. Learn about others and yourself

Now, reflect on what your study of the verse has shown you about humanity and about yourself. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal your need for Him. Journal what the Holy Spirit shows you.

9. Reflect and apply

This step is so important! As your study and reflection draws to a close, pray for God to give you direction. Ask Him how you can apply the scripture you studied into your daily life, and respond to His Word in obedience. 

10. Pray

Close your study in prayer, thanking the Lord for His Word and the time you have spent in His Presence.