As we study our Bible, it is essential to understand the meaning of the words we come across in the passage. Words are important. Words are the building blocks of language. If we are confused about the meaning of a word, we might miss the idea communicated in a passage, and that’s not a good thing. We believe that the Bible is inspired by God, the very words of the Lord, so there is significance to everything that has been written. Examining the words that are used in a passage can help us better understand the message that is being conveyed. This might sound complicated, but I promise that with a little practice and the right tools, this is something that you can learn to do in your own study.
My family has always enjoyed playing board games. It’s been awhile since we’ve got out the Scrabble board, but I am reminded of what a great game it is. If you’ve played before, you know the goal: use letter tiles to form words on a board for points. Bigger, more complex words earn higher scores, especially if you land on a bonus tile.
But Scrabble teaches us more than strategy. It reminds us of something important: words matter.
The Power of Every Word
As we study the Bible, it’s crucial to understand the meaning of the words in the text. Words are the building blocks of communication. If we misunderstand a word, we might misinterpret an entire passage.
We believe the Bible is inspired by God: not just in its message, but in every word. Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) says, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
In the previous lesson, we looked at the big picture of Scripture. This week, we’re zooming in. We’re focusing on the importance of individual words and learning how to study them deeply.
What Is a Word Study?
A word study is the process of exploring the meaning, use, and context of a specific word in Scripture. This helps us better understand what God is saying.
Let’s look at John 1:35–42, where we find several unfamiliar terms that may have been unfamiliar to his original readers: Rabbi, Messiah, and Cephas. Thankfully, he defines those words for readers who were not familiar with Hebrew or Jewish culture.
- Rabbi = Teacher
- Messiah = Christ or Anointed One
- Cephas = Peter (which means “rock”)
These translations were necessary for John’s readers, especially Gentiles unfamiliar with Jewish terms. It reminds us that when we encounter an unfamiliar word in Scripture, we should slow down and seek understanding, not skip past it.
Step 1: Define the Word
Start by looking at the immediate context. Does the passage explain the word, like in John 1?
Next, compare translations. You don’t need to know Greek or Hebrew to do this. Open a few English versions and look at how they translate the word.
You can also consult tools like:
- A lexicon (biblical dictionary)
- An expository dictionary
- Trusted Bible software or websites
Caution: Be sure to use these tools wisely. Don’t pick the definition that “sounds best” or combine all possible meanings into one. The goal is clarity, not confusion. Look for how the word is being used in this passage.
Step 2: Trace the Word in Scripture
Many important biblical words appear multiple times. Tracing how a word is used throughout the Bible reveals deeper meaning.
Take the word disciple (Greek: mathētēs), which appears 78 times in John alone. It means a learner, student, or apprentice, someone who not only listens but imitates the teacher.
- In John 1:35–37, we see two of John the Baptist’s disciples begin following Jesus.
- In John 4:1, we’re told that Jesus began gaining more disciples than John.
- In John 8:31, Jesus says, “If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine.”
Discipleship isn’t about curiosity. It’s about commitment.
Want to go deeper? Use a concordance to trace every usage of a word throughout Scripture. Tools like Strong’s Concordance can be incredibly helpful.
Step 3: Determine the Intended Meaning
Many words have multiple meanings. Take the word “trunk.” It can mean a tree trunk, a suitcase, a car compartment, or even swimwear. Context tells you which one is correct.
Biblical words work the same way.
The Greek verb ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō), translated “follow,” can mean:
- To physically walk behind someone
- To become a disciple, figuratively following their teachings and example
In John 1, we see both meanings in action:
- First, the disciples literally follow Jesus down the road.
- Then, Jesus invites them to “come and see,” a deeper invitation to know him and follow him as disciples.
- Later, in John 1:43, Jesus tells Philip, “Follow me.” This was not just about walking. It was a divine calling to leave everything and become a disciple.
Application: Are You Truly Following?
It’s easy to be part of the crowd, casually interested in Jesus. But He calls us to more. He calls us to be true disciples, to follow His teachings, His example, and His calling.
In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says:
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”
Following Jesus may be difficult. It requires sacrifice, obedience, and a changed life. But it is the only path to true freedom and purpose.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Biblical Words
Word studies open up the richness of God’s Word. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can uncover amazing insights from the text.
But remember:
- Always look at context
- Don’t pick the definition you like best. Seek the one the author intended
- Don’t get overwhelmed by Greek and Hebrew. Start with your English Bible
- Let the meaning of the word lead you closer to Jesus
So next time you open your Bible, don’t just read the words; study them. Discover what they meant to the original audience… and what they mean for you today.
“Every word of God proves true.” – Proverbs 30:5
📚 Want to start doing word studies on your own?
Check out tools like BlueLetterBible.org, BibleHub.com, or the Logos Bible Software for deeper study.