Lesson Description

In this lesson, we will learn how to compare Bible passages to gain a clearer understanding of God’s Word. We will see why related verses should be studied together, why context must remain important, and why we should not force unrelated passages to support our preferred interpretation.

1. The Bible Can Help Us Understand the Bible

When studying a Bible passage, we may find other passages that discuss the same subject. Comparing these passages can help us understand the teaching more clearly.

For example, if we are studying grace, we can examine different passages where the apostles explain grace and its relationship to faith, salvation, and the believer’s life.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

Paul was explaining the message he communicated through the Spirit. This verse is often considered when discussing the comparison of spiritual truths. As we study it, we should also consider its immediate context rather than assuming it gives permission to connect any two verses without regard for their meaning.

The principle is to examine related passages carefully and allow the wider teaching of Scripture to inform our understanding.

2. Begin with the Passage You Are Studying

Before searching for other verses, first understand the passage in front of you.

Read the whole paragraph or section. Identify the main subject, the speaker, the audience, and the point being made.

Then ask: Does another passage address this same subject? Does it explain a word, clarify a teaching, or provide additional information?

Starting with the original passage helps prevent us from collecting verses without understanding what they mean.

Acts 17:11 (KJV)

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

The Bereans were commended for examining the Scriptures to see whether the things they heard were true.

Their example encourages us to examine teaching rather than accepting every claim without investigation.

3. Compare Passages That Address the Same Subject

Suppose you are studying salvation. You should examine passages that directly discuss salvation, faith, and God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

These verses teach that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through our own works.

We can compare this with another passage discussing the same subject.

Titus 3:5 (KJV)

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

Both passages emphasize that salvation is not earned through our own righteous works.

By comparing them, we gain a fuller understanding of the emphasis on God’s grace and mercy.

However, comparison should not mean ignoring the specific details of each passage. Read each passage in its own context before drawing conclusions about how they relate.

4. Do Not Use One Verse to Cancel Another

Comparing Scripture with Scripture does not mean choosing one verse and using it to silence another passage.

Instead, we should examine what each passage actually says and understand how the teachings relate.

Sometimes two passages discuss different circumstances or address different questions. What appears to be a contradiction may become clearer when we understand the audience, context, and purpose of each passage.

We should not rush to conclusions simply because two verses use different words or emphasize different aspects of a subject.

Our responsibility is to study carefully, not to force Scripture to fit our assumptions.

5. Keep Every Passage in Its Proper Context

A verse should not be removed from its context simply because it contains words that resemble another passage.

For example, two verses may both mention faith but address different questions. One may explain how a person receives salvation, while another may discuss how faith is demonstrated through actions.

Although both mention faith, they may not be answering the same question.

Therefore, ask these questions when comparing passages:

• What is each passage actually discussing?

• Who is being addressed?

• What point is the writer making?

• How do the passages relate to one another?

• Am I allowing each passage to speak for itself?

These questions help us compare Scripture carefully and avoid creating teachings from disconnected verses.

Practical Example

Imagine studying a subject in a textbook. One paragraph gives the main explanation, while another paragraph elsewhere provides an additional example.

Reading both sections can help you understand the subject more fully. However, you must make sure that both sections are discussing the same issue and that you have not misunderstood either one.

In the same way, comparing related Bible passages can deepen our understanding, provided that we respect the context of each passage.

Remember

Compare Scripture with Scripture by studying related passages in their proper contexts. Begin with the passage you are reading, identify its meaning, and then examine other passages that address the same subject. Do not use isolated verses to force a conclusion or cancel what another passage clearly teaches.