a) How many times is the word repeated?

b) Does it have the same meaning when it is repeated?

For example, I Peter 1:15-16:

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'

Just from the repetition of words, you can see this text is clearly about one thing.

a) What is being contrasted and usually denoted by the word “but?”

For example, Proverbs 15:1:

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Just from this text we are told how to keep peace or promote war.

a) What 2 items are being compared?

b) What similarities are being drawn?

For example, Proverbs 25:26:

Like a muddied spring or a polluted well, are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

To what are the wicked compared?

a) What items are in the list?

b) How many items are listed?

c) What is the significance of the list?

For example, Ephesians 1:4-10:

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Do you see the lists?

a) What is the cause and effect relationship of the verse?

For example, John 15:5-6:

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

What is the cause? What is the effect?

a) Look for words like “and”, “but”, “therefore”

b) Then investigate why those words are there.

For example, Colossians 3:12:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

From this text, it is impossible to lay out the "why" of the list presented without knowing what was written prior to this verse. Thus, the word “therefore” shows us that we need to understand what that word is "there for." We must go back to the previous verse(s) to fully understand this one.

a) Is it past, present, or future?

b) Who is the subject of the verb?

c) What is the object of the verb?

d) Is the verb imperative?

For example, Colossians 3:1:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

And Galatians 5:16:

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Verbs denote the action.

a) Who is the “us,” “we,” and “they?”

b) Who is the text talking about?

For example, Ephesians 1:3:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Who is the “us” in this text? Who is this text talking about?

a) What is the meaning of this word?

Have you ever heard the phrase, "lost in translation"? In the original language of Scripture, sometimes it is difficult to find the exact word in our language that best fits the original. Varying opinions on the meaning of words also can play a huge role in translation. That's why I find it important to know just what was meant when I read words like "predestination" in Ephesians. This video will walk you step by step on how you can confidently determine the author’s intent.