Cross-referencing might just be one of the most important tools for Bible study, and in the same breath, it also might be one of the most underutilized tools. A seasoned Bible reader knows the value of cross-references, but for those who are new to Bible reading, a word of explanation might be beneficial. The purpose of a cross-reference is to notify you that there are other verses in the Bible that say something similar to what you are presently reading. For example, Hebrews 7:19 from my NKJV Bible looks like this:
“for a the law made nothing b perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of c a better hope, through which d we draw near to God.”
From Hebrews 7:19, there are just four points of cross-reference, however, each of those points (superscript letters) has multiple verses attached to each for a total of 14 cross-references. This means 14 other verses in the Bible reiterate, develop, or further explain the thoughts in Hebrews 7:19. Many Scriptural concepts and themes are spread across the entirety of the Biblical narrative, not just in one or two places. The beauty of cross-referencing is that it allows the Scripture to become its own commentary for you. By the way, some Bibles today don’t include cross-referencing for the sake of space, design, or other elements. If you want to find a Bible with cross-references, look for one that is titled as a reference Bible; it will have all the cross-references in the middle columns or out in the margins or at the footers of each page.
If you want to take your cross-referencing skills to the next level, I suggest you find a copy of the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (the latest edition is 1992). You can purchase a copy online and most brick-and-mortar bookstores have them in stock as well. I access my copy from my Bible software – I looked up Hebrews 7:19 to find that there were 35 cross-references for Hebrews 7:19; that’s 21 more references! Letting the Bible interpret itself is a key principle to Bible study, and cross-referencing is one of the best avenues to get you there.
“for a the law made nothing b perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of c a better hope, through which d we draw near to God.”
From Hebrews 7:19, there are just four points of cross-reference, however, each of those points (superscript letters) has multiple verses attached to each for a total of 14 cross-references. This means 14 other verses in the Bible reiterate, develop, or further explain the thoughts in Hebrews 7:19. Many Scriptural concepts and themes are spread across the entirety of the Biblical narrative, not just in one or two places. The beauty of cross-referencing is that it allows the Scripture to become its own commentary for you. By the way, some Bibles today don’t include cross-referencing for the sake of space, design, or other elements. If you want to find a Bible with cross-references, look for one that is titled as a reference Bible; it will have all the cross-references in the middle columns or out in the margins or at the footers of each page.
If you want to take your cross-referencing skills to the next level, I suggest you find a copy of the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (the latest edition is 1992). You can purchase a copy online and most brick-and-mortar bookstores have them in stock as well. I access my copy from my Bible software – I looked up Hebrews 7:19 to find that there were 35 cross-references for Hebrews 7:19; that’s 21 more references! Letting the Bible interpret itself is a key principle to Bible study, and cross-referencing is one of the best avenues to get you there.
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