I have designed this page to give an example of how you can do a word study.
Have you ever read a verse from the Bible that seemed to come alive? This can happen with a verse you have read many times before. Suddenly the scripture becomes a living, breathing source of strength that speaks life into a situation you may be facing.
One thing that makes a verse speak is the choice of words the author used in the text. We see a word in context that holds a certain weight and we seek to understand its meaning.
The example below will use a verse of the day and a key word.
We will read the verse of the day in our Bible. Then we will clarify our understanding of the key word using a Concordance, Word Study bible, or English dictionary. If you do not have these resources, no worries! Helpful tools online include BlueLetterBible.org and Dictionary.com.
In these steps we will unpack the verse of the day using the example word “wait”.
Wait
Verse of the day: ISAIAH 40:31a (NKJV)
Look up today’s verse. Have a pen and paper ready. We will work through five steps.
- Write down the Bible verse.
Verse: Isaiah 40:31a (NKJV) But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.
2. Find the key word and circle it.
Circle: wait
3. Look up the definition of the word (notice how it is used in context).
Definition: to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens; to be available or in readiness.
4. If you are reading from a different translation of the Bible, which word is used instead?
Synonym: hope or trust
5. Underline where you find a promise. Find the heart of this verse and mark it with a heart shape.
Underline: renew their strength.
Heart: on the LORD (put your hope / trust in the Lord)
Meditation
What does this verse reveal about God’s heart? How does this truth refresh your soul? Turn this into your prayer today.
Dear Lord, thank you for being my strength. Waiting is difficult when I feel weary and sometimes I want to give up. Help me to put my hope and trust in you. Renew me today in the power of your strength. In Jesus’s name, amen.