Q. How do I gain insight from the Bible without using a commentary?
A. There are two things I would suggest: learning how to read Scripture and learning how to observe. These two skills, when mastered, will help you unlock many Scriptural truths and gain biblical insights. Reading the Bible is unique because its words are living and carry a depth and purpose unlike any other text.
When reading Scripture, we practice the following:
Begin with prayer for understanding, and then read with a prayerful heart. Since the Bible was given by God, it takes the Spirit of God to illuminate the truth in its pages. Start by asking the Lord for eyes to see, a mind to understand, and a will to obey. We need to have the proper mindset that concentrates, searches, and focuses on unearthing the hidden treasures of Scripture.
Then, approach it as if for the first time. Several things can help with this. First, use an unmarked text without study notes, as previous markings and notes can sometimes be distracting or hinder fresh insights. Second, try using a different translation, which can help you see key insights with fresh eyes and bring out nuances in the text. You can easily access many free Bible transitions by visiting biblegateway.com on your computer or the YouVersion app for your smartphone. Third, I would suggest reading it out loud or listening to it read. Because much of the Bible was originally intended to be read aloud, listening to it can reveal truths you may have otherwise missed.
Next, read slowly with a questioning and active mind. Most of us read too quickly, glancing over words without truly comprehending them. Approach Scripture like a detective searching for clues. Continually ask: who? what? where? when? why? and how? It takes time to read and ask these questions, but they are the questions that unearth the true meaning of Scripture. Pay attention to details.
Continue by reading a passage repeatedly, seeking to discover the main idea the author was trying to convey. Pay special attention to different words each time. Mull them over. Meditate on key verses, taking notes and reflecting on their meaning throughout your day.
Finally, read purposefully. Rather than picking random passages, work through an entire book of the Bible. In addition to your slow reading, try reading through the book in one sitting at least once. This will help you grasp the big picture and the author’s intended purpose.
Besides learning how to read Scripture, we also must learn how to observe it. The two go together. Learning to observe Scripture is necessary because the Bible is unique and requires a different approach to observation than any other writing.
When observing Scripture, we look for the following:
First, we look for the immediate and larger context that came before and follow the passage. Context is the key determiner of meaning and understanding of what is being said. Observing context helps determine factors that impact meaning, such as geographic location, time frame, people involved, and reasons for the writing. Without understanding the context, we cannot understand what the author was trying to say.
Second, we examine things that are emphasized. Repetition in Scripture is for emphasis. Observe key words, phrases, themes, or patterns that are repeated. They are clues to the author’s intended meaning.
Third, we identify relationships between ideas, such as general to specific, question to answer, and cause to effect. Do we see contrasts indicated by words like “but” and “however”? Are there sequential connections introduced by words like “therefore” or “then”? Are there any figures of speech, such as similes, metaphors, or hyperbole? Often, it’s these small yet significant words and expressions that we tend to overlook, but they play a crucial role in understanding the message.
Finally, take notes of your questions, observations, and key takeaways. This is a good way to keep our mind fully engaged, clarify our thinking, and encourage personal reflection on the application. The difference between reading and studying often comes down to having a pencil and paper. Keeping these notes as a reference for comparing with other passages will provide even more benefit to your overall understanding of God’s Word.
Scripture has a depth unlike any other book, offering endless insights to discover and learn. This richness is meant to be read and understood so that it can transform our lives. While tools like commentaries are helpful, it’s essential that we personally engage with Scripture, learning to read and observe it ourselves.
