UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD

Part Four: Bible Study Methods

We have learned quite a bit in the last three segments, especially trying to condense a very deep subject worthy of a book status, into five or six pages. I hope that these four segments have sparked you into not just reading God’s Word, but studying its pages.

Most generally, people need help with the KJV because of the archaic language. Like we have learned, the translators of the KJV used the Antioch Bible, which is the major text and they translated it in formal equivalency meaning word for word.

However, the translator’s translated all new translations from the Alexandria Bible, which is the minority text. Most, if not all were wrote using the dynamic equivalency. All new translations are more of a theological opinion as opposed to an actual translation. We, therefore, have to trust the translator’s theology. Unless a person is proficient in reading and understanding the Hebrew and Greek language, at one point in time, we all have to trust in another’s theology.

There are several methods in which to study and understand God’s Word. It all depends on what you are trying to learn, how deep you want to go, and whether it is a single word, single verse, a single Scripture, passage, or a particular phraseology that you don’t understand. Authors have written books on each method of study. Therefore, this blog will not be an exhaustive study.

To start, it’s probably a good idea to know in what language the transcribers wrote the Bible. First off, do not let the word transcribers mislead or scare you. The Bible IS God breathed by the Holy Spirit [2 Timothy 3:16] to a chosen people who then wrote what they heard from Him. This is an interesting study by itself. By learning who wrote each individual book of the Bible, gives us an indication of what the book is about.

Normally, where we start to study God’s Word is through Hebrew and Greek word studies using Lexicons. Etymologist assigned a number, with its definition, to each word. We can learn allot about a passage and its context by studying what a particular word means. This gives us insight as to what the author meant. Context IS everything.

It is my opinion that the KJV is the most accurate translation that we have today, even if some words mean different things today. It would still behoove us to make cross-references with other translations. This will give us an idea as to the projected meaning of Holy Scripture and that passage. Like we have learned, many words written thousands of years ago may not have the same meaning as today.

Another way to understand God’s Word is through a concordance or Topical Bible. The concordance will give cross-references to all other Scriptures using a particular word. Then study how each Scripture uses the word in each place. This could give you a context.

To study a particular topic and the word associated with it, you would use a topical Bible. For example, if you wanted a Scripture or proof text on the word anger, obedience, or marriage, then look up that topic in the topical Bible and you’ll find all Scripture pertaining to that topic. These two books are very useful in learning and understanding the Bible.

A study of God’s Word is incomplete unless we study the Bible in context by studying Jewish marriage customs and traditions. This study will net the context in which the authors transcribed the Bible.

I have used all of these methods in my 54 years of study and more, like the study of biblical Jewish customs and traditions, commentaries, and expository Bibles. However, the one method that I have learned the most about the Bible is through the Jewish marriage customs. (Below, please find a few links to get you started toward learning the context of the Bible through Jewish marriage customs. Alternatively, enter the search criteria and choose your own study site.)

Since the entirety of the Bible is about the Bride, her growth, guidance, proposal, and marriage to Christ, it stands to reason that a study of Jewish marriage customs is in order, and I highly recommend this endeavor. (Underline “highly.”)

I am now in the process of writing a book on understanding the Bible through a study of the Bride and Jewish marriage customs. Its title will be The Rose of Sharon. I should be done late next year providing the world lasts that long and Jesus doesn’t come. Like I said, we can find the Bride throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, from her betrothal to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Have fun as you study God’s Word. During this time in history, we should all be in prayer and be found devouring His Word. (Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation come to mind.)

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You can enter these in your browser window and do a search yourself
“Biblical Jewish Wedding Traditions”
"ancient jewish marriage customs"

Below find a few links to some Jewish marriage customs pages
http://focusonjerusalem.com/jewishwedtrad2.html
http://www.messianicfellowship.50webs.com/wedding.html
http://www.orthodox-jews.com/jewish-wedding-tradition.html#axzz2hB882akw
http://www.trackingbibleprophecy.com/jewish_wedding.php
http://www.bible.ca/marriage/ancient-jewish-three-stage-weddings-and-marriage-customs-ceremony-in-the-bible.htm
http://www.bible.ca/marriage/welcome.htm