Understanding the Bible, especially a single verse or passage, can feel daunting for both beginners and seasoned readers. In this article, I would love to walk you through how to understand a Bible verse or passage deeply and accurately. We’ll use a simple, step-by-step method to interpret Scripture. Along the way, we’ll apply each step to a specific example (Joshua 1:1-9) to see how it works in practice!
I have laid out 6 steps to help you understand a verse or passage: the first 4 are vital for forming an accurate and clear interpretation of the text, while I would say step 5 & 6 take this understanding even deeper and then open you up to exploring the wider depth of Scripture.
Example Passage: Joshua 1:1-9
As an example, we will be looking at Joshua 1:1-9, but more particularly Joshua 1:7-9. You can find that passage below as reference – you may refer to this or open up the full passage in your Bible.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:7-9)
Joshua 1:7-9
How to Read Bible Verse Numbers
If you’re new to reading Scripture, a quick note on references: A notation like Joshua 1:9 means the Book of Joshua, chapter 1, verse 9. The Bible is divided into books, then chapters and verses for easy navigation. So when you see a reference, you can find it in your Bible or app by book name, then chapter number, then verse number. Now, let’s dive into the process of understanding Bible verses in context!
Overview of the 6 Key Steps
Here are the 6 key steps before we break them down.
1: Read the Verse in Context
2: Identify the Differences (Then vs. Now)
3: Discover the Timeless Theological Principle (core truth)
4: Apply the Passage Today
5: Compare with Parallel Themes and Scriptures
6: Try a Language and Word Study
Each step builds on the previous one. By the end, you’ll see how this method helps you see Scripture explained clearly and accurately – not just for one verse, but as a skill you can use for any passage!
In fact, this process is built into some Bible study tools like our own: Scripture Scanner, built specifically for understanding particular verses and passages deeply. It has dedicated tabs for Summary, Context, Themes, and Language to guide you through these steps.
Dive even deeper into Joshua 1:7-9 using Scripture Scanner.
Learn Joshua 1:7-9Understanding Bible Verses – Step by Step
1. Read the Verse in Context
The first and most important step in understanding a Bible verse is to read it in context. Context is key; it’s the golden rule of any verse-by-verse Bible study. This means we don’t isolate a single verse on its own. Instead, we look at the surrounding verses, the overall chapter, and even the entire book where the verse appears. We then also consider the historical context – the time, culture and situation in which it was originally written.
Literary Context
Ask yourself, “What comes before and after this verse?” Read the whole paragraph or section. Is the verse part of a story (narrative), a poem (like Psalms), a prophecy or a letter (epistle)? The genre matters! For example, a command in a historical story might not be a direct command for us, but a principle within a story. Reading the surrounding verses and chapters prevents misunderstanding. Many misunderstandings are cleared up simply by reading the full passage instead of a single line. Every verse is part of a larger flow of thought.
For more on genres: What Is Literary Genre in Scripture?
Historical Context
Next, consider the background: Who is speaking or writing, and to whom? When and where did this happen? What was the situation of the original audience? The Bible was written in real times and places, and knowing those helps reveal the verse’s intended meaning.
A verse spoken to ancient Israelites wandering in the desert will have a different immediate context than one written to first-century Christians in Rome. If you have a study Bible or a commentary, the introduction notes can provide this historical background. (Helpful tip: The Context tab in the Scripture Scanner app is designed to give you this kind of historical and literary background at a glance.)
Example: Reading Joshua 1:1-9 in context
Let’s apply this to our example: Joshua 1:1-9. Instead of only zooming in on the famous verse 9 (“Be strong and courageous…”), we read the whole section from verses 1 through 9 and even glance at the chapters around it. What do we find?
Literary Context
Joshua 1 is the opening of the Book of Joshua. It starts with the words:
“After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give them…’” (Joshua 1:1-2).
Joshua 1:1-2
We immediately see that this passage is a narrative of God commissioning Joshua. It’s not a standalone proverb or a poem – it’s a historical scene. The verses that follow (Joshua 1:3-9) are God’s instructions and promises to Joshua as he prepares to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The famous exhortation “Be strong and courageous” actually appears multiple times in this speech for emphasis. And verse 8 adds instruction about meditating on the Book of the Law. Reading all of this, we learn that verse 9 is part of a larger conversation where God encourages Joshua to faithfully obey the Law and take courage because God will be with him.
Historical Context
From the first verse and the broader biblical story, we learn this is around 1400 B.C. Moses, the great leader of Israel who led them out of Egypt, has just died. Joshua, his assistant, is now appointed to lead the Israelites. They are camped east of the Jordan River, about to enter Canaan (the Promised Land) after years of desert wandering. The people Joshua is leading are the Israelites – God’s covenant people under the Law of Moses. They face the daunting task of conquering a land occupied by other nations. Knowing this context, we see why God’s words in Joshua 1:1-9 are so significant: Joshua is stepping into big shoes as Moses’ successor and he’s about to face huge challenges. God is preparing and encouraging him for this task.
By reading in context, the verse comes alive with meaning. We haven’t even interpreted everything yet, but already “Be strong and courageous” sounds less like a generic mantra and more like a very specific charge to Joshua at a pivotal moment. It’s rooted in a real situation. Understanding Bible verses with meaning starts with seeing that meaning in their original setting.
2. Identify Differences Between Then and Now
Once you grasp what the verse meant to the original audience, the next step is to recognize the differences between that ancient situation and our situation today. Think of it like there’s a river separating “their world” from “our world.” This river is made up of differences in culture, time, language, covenant relationship with God, and circumstances. We need to measure the width of that river before we can safely cross with the verse’s meaning.
Ask questions like:
- How are the original readers/hearers different from us?
- Are they ancient Israelites living under the Old Testament Law, while we are modern Christians under the New Covenant?
- What were their customs, language, and historical context versus ours today?
- What specific situation were they facing, and is it something we face or not?
Being aware of these differences helps prevent us from misapplying scripture. For example, if God gave a command specifically to Noah to build an ark, we instinctively know that’s not a command for us to literally follow – it was spoken to Noah in his context.
The same logic applies in less obvious ways to other verses: some promises or instructions were unique to the original audience, but there may still be an underlying principle we share. By identifying the “gap,” we become more careful and accurate interpreters.
Example: Differences for Joshua 1:1-9
What are the differences between Joshua’s context and us today?
- Joshua was the leader of the nation of Israel, tasked with a military conquest of a specific land (Canaan) because God was fulfilling a promise to give that land to Abraham’s descendants. We, on the other hand, are likely not leaders of Israel! In fact, unless you’re the leader of an ancient Israelite army (which you’re not), your situation is quite different.
- The people in Joshua 1 were under the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses). They had specific laws and promises tied to their obedience (e.g. prosperity and success in the land for obeying God’s Law, as mentioned in Joshua 1:8). We today live under the New Covenant in Christ. We relate to God through Jesus, not through keeping Israel’s law for land inheritance. That’s a big difference in audience and covenant.
- Culturally, Joshua’s world was the ancient Near East over 3,000 years ago – a time of warfare with swords and spears, no modern technology, very different social structures. Our modern world is vastly different in lifestyle and culture.
- Joshua’s task was specific: lead Israel to conquer and settle a particular geographical territory. We are not standing on the banks of the Jordan River about to march into a promised land with an army.
Listing these differences might seem obvious, but it’s an important exercise. It guards us from automatically assuming everything in the verse applies word-for-word to us. For instance, God’s promise:
“I will give you every place you set your foot” (Joshua 1:3)
Joshua 1:3
was spoken to Joshua regarding the land of Canaan – it’s not a blanket promise that wherever we walk, we claim new territory, nor is it a political promise. Identifying differences helps us respect the unique elements of the story.
At this stage, you might think, “Well, if there are so many differences, is this verse even relevant to me?” Good news: yes, it is! We just have to cross the bridge from their town to our town the right way – which brings us to the next step.
(See the ‘Bridge the Gap’ section in the Context tab in the Scripture Scanner app)
3. Find Timeless Theological Principle
Now we get to the heart of Bible interpretation: finding the timeless theological principle in the verse or passage. This is sometimes called the “main idea,” “central truth,” or in our journey analogy, “crossing the bridge.” In simpler terms, we’re looking for the underlying message or truth about God, people, or life that applies across the board – to the original audience and to us today.
How do you find the theological principle? Reflect on the meaning you found in context (Step 1) and then ask: What is the broader truth here that isn’t tied only to the ancient situation?
It should be a statement that would be true in any time or culture, because it reflects God’s character or a general spiritual principle and measures up to the context you have studied.
Here are a few guidelines for a solid theological principle (a mini checklist you can use):
- Grounded in the Text: The principle should clearly come from the verse/passage itself – not from our imagination. Don’t invent a meaning; discover what’s already there.
- Timeless: It should not be tied to one time period or a one-off event. It should be something that could apply yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
- Not Culturally Bound: The principle should make sense in any culture. (For example, a directive about wearing sandals might be cultural, but “walk in holiness” behind it is timeless.)
- Consistent with the Rest of Scripture: It shouldn’t contradict other parts of the Bible. In fact, a good principle is usually confirmed elsewhere in the Bible (we’ll double-check this in the next step).
- Relevant to Both Original and Modern Audiences: Both the ancient audience and we today can relate to this truth, even if the situations differ.
If you can formulate a sentence or two that meets those criteria, you’ve likely identified the core message God is communicating through that verse or passage.
Example: Theological principle in Joshua 1:1-9
Considering the context and differences we noted, what enduring truth stands out from God’s words to Joshua?
Theological Principle 1
There are a few, but one major theological principle might be stated like this:
“Because God is faithful and present with His people, we can find strength and courage to follow his will.”
Let’s see how this fits: In Joshua’s story, God was calling him to a daunting task (leading Israel into the Promised Land), but God promised His presence (“I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you”) and urged Joshua to be strong, courageous, and obedient to God’s word.
The timeless truth is that God’s presence and faithfulness can empower His people to face challenges without fear. That truth isn’t just for Joshua; it reflects God’s character and how He helps anyone He calls. It’s echoed throughout Scripture (as we’ll see soon).
Theological Principle 2
We could also phrase the principle as:
“We draw strength and courage from God’s presence and promises, enabling us to overcome fear and faithfully follow Him.”
Notice that this doesn’t mention Joshua by name or Canaan or Israel’s law – those are specific to the story. Instead, it captures what transcends the story.
To double-check our principle, we ensure it aligns with the whole passage. God’s main points to Joshua were “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” and “obey the Law” for success. The strength/courage comes from God’s presence and the task is to obey God’s word so our principle encapsulates those ideas of God’s presence, our courage, and obedience. And there’s nothing in that principle that only applies to Israelites or only in 1400 B.C. It’s a truth for all of God’s people.
(If you were using Scripture Scanner, at this point the app’s Summary tab would provide concise explanations and interpretations of Joshua 1:1-9. This can help you check if the principle you’ve identified lines up with other trusted summaries and interpretations.)
We’ll later see how this principle appears elsewhere in Scripture and how to apply it, but identifying it clearly now is crucial. It’s like finding the solid plank that will help you cross that contextual river.
4. Apply the Passage to Today
Armed with a timeless principle, we can now apply the passage today. This step is often the most exciting – it’s where the ancient words truly speak into our lives. Application means taking that theological principle and asking, “How do I live out this truth? What does this principle mean for me, my family, my church, or society, in concrete ways?” This means bringing the meaning across the bridge into our world.
A few tips for thoughtful application:
Be Specific
General truths are great, but think of specific life situations where this principle hits home. Is it an attitude to change? An action to take? A promise to trust? For example, “God is with me so I should be courageous” is a wonderful truth but apply it specifically: perhaps “I can face my job uncertainty with faith,” or “I can share my faith with my neighbour without fear”.
Personal vs Communal
Some verses might apply to us individually (e.g. personal habits, moral choices) and others might also have community implications (e.g. how our church should act or how we treat others). Consider both if relevant.
Stay True to the Meaning
This is not the time to go wild with imagination and stretch the verse to say something it doesn’t. Our applications should emerge from the principle we identified, not from unrelated ideas.
Example: Applying Joshua 1:9 today
Going back to our principle from Joshua 1:1-9 (“God’s presence gives us strength and courage to follow His calling”), how do we apply that in our lives? We’re not leading Israel into battle, but we all face challenges and missions where this applies. Here are a few possible applications:
Personal life
Perhaps you feel God calling you to start a new job, ministry, or to have a hard conversation. It’s intimidating, and you may feel inadequate – much like Joshua might have felt. Joshua 1:9’s principle encourages you that you can be “strong and courageous” because God is with you just as He was with Joshua.
Spiritual life and obedience
Joshua was told to obey God’s Law and not turn from it, and that would lead to success. While we’re not under Mosaic Law, the principle of meditating on God’s Word and obeying it (Joshua 1:8) certainly applies.
Facing fears
The verse explicitly says, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Think of fears that might discourage you – health issues, family problems, uncertain future. You can apply this by remembering you’re not alone in those battles. The same God who went with Joshua into Canaan goes with you into your day-to-day battles. That reality can change your mindset from fear to faith.
5: Compare with Parallel Scriptures
A crucial part of deep Bible study is checking what the rest of the Bible says. No verse lives in isolation. The idea here is often stated as “compare Scripture with Scripture.”
Once you think you’ve got a principle or understanding, you ask: “Is this consistent with the rest of biblical teaching? Do other passages reinforce this, or am I misunderstanding something?” The Bible has a unified message, and one part can shed light on another.
Cross-references: Many Bibles have tiny footnotes or reference columns that point to other verses on similar topics. Looking those up can show you parallel themes or how earlier promises are echoed later.
Thematic study: If your verse is about “courage,” you might recall other verses about courage and see what they say. If it’s about “faith” or “love” or any theme, trace it through Scripture.
Use resources if needed: A concordance or Bible study software can help find verses by keywords. Also, a good commentary, bible app, or study Bible will usually point out connections to other scriptures.
(The Scripture Scanner Themes tab is designed for this step – it automatically finds related verses and themes and theology connected to your passage.)
Example: Parallel Scriptures for Joshua 1:9’s principle
We’ve already hinted at a few. Our principle was about God’s presence giving strength and courage. Does the rest of Scripture agree? Absolutely yes – in fact, seeing these other verses can deepen our appreciation of Joshua 1:9.
Jesus Promise
In the New Testament, Jesus gives a very similar promise to all His disciples in the Great Commission:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).
Matthew 28:20
This is Jesus’ parting assurance after instructing His followers to go and make disciples. Sounds a lot like God telling Joshua to go into Canaan with the assurance “the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go,” right? God’s presence with His people is a recurring theme.
Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews 13:5 quotes God’s promise directly to encourage believers:
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
Hebrews 13:5
The writer of Hebrews applies that Old Testament promise to Christians, showing that this truth of God’s unfailing presence still stands.
King David to Solomon
The call to be “strong and courageous” is not unique to Joshua. King David told his son Solomon something similar regarding building the temple:
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work…” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
1 Chronicles 28:20
Paul to Timothy
And in the New Testament, although the phrasing is different, we have verses like:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
2 Timothy 1:7
This is Paul encouraging Timothy to have courage in ministry. It mirrors the idea that God empowers us with courage instead of fear.
By comparing these scriptures, two things happen:
1: We confirm that our interpretation of Joshua 1:9’s principle is sound (it aligns with the wider Bible and we’re not inventing something new or odd).
2: We gain a richer understanding. Seeing the theme repeated in multiple contexts shows just how important it is and allows us to see other applications of the lesson.
If we had found a discrepancy – say our take on Joshua 1:9 implied something contrary to these other verses – that would signal we need to adjust our understanding. But in this case, everything lines up beautifully. Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture.
6. Try a Language and Word Study
The final step in our method is optional but often extremely insightful: doing a basic word study or original language check for key words in the verse. The Bible was originally written mostly in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), with a bit of Aramaic. Most of us don’t know those languages – and that’s okay! But with modern tools we can still glean the nuances behind the English translation.
Why bother with original language or word studies? Because sometimes our English words can’t capture the full meaning or have slightly different connotations. By looking at the underlying Greek or Hebrew word, or even just how the word is used elsewhere, we can avoid misunderstandings and appreciate the richness of Scripture. That said, you don’t need to do a word study for every single verse, just for those key terms or phrases that seem important or confusing.
(Our Scripture Scanner app pulls out those more important words for you in the Language tab)
Use Tools
Websites like Bible Hub, Blue Letter Bible, or apps like Scripture Scanner often let you click on a verse and see the Hebrew/Greek words and their definitions. A lexicon will give you a short definition and sometimes examples of usage.
Look at Multiple Translations
If you see a word or phrase that’s translated differently in another Bible version, that’s a clue there’s something interesting in the original language. For example, one translation might say “prosperous and successful” while another says “prosperous and wise.” That invites a closer look at what that word really implies.
Check the Word’s Usage Elsewhere
If you discover the original term, see how it’s used in other Bible verses. Does it consistently mean the same thing? Some study Bibles or software (like Scripture Scanner) will let you view other uses of this word translation and some let you search by Strong’s Concordance numbers to find all occurrences of that word.
Example: Word study in Joshua 1:8-9
In our passage, a few words are worth a closer look:
The word “meditate” in Joshua 1:8 (“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…”). In Hebrew, the word translated “meditate” is hagah, which literally means “to murmur or mutter.” It gives the picture of someone reciting something quietly to themselves over and over. It’s not just silent contemplation; it’s an active recitation. Knowing this adds depth: Joshua (and we) are encouraged to continually speak and ponder God’s Word, letting it always be on our lips and minds. This is deeper than a quick read; it’s a constant dwelling on Scripture. No wonder it leads to careful obedience!
The phrase “be strong and courageous” – These English words are straightforward, but it might be encouraging to know that in Hebrew, to be strong ( chazaq ) can mean to seize, grasp, or become strong, and to be courageous ( amats ) carries the idea of being bold, alert, and determined. The repetition of this phrase three times in verses 6, 7, and 9 emphasizes it strongly. A word study might also point out that this was a common encouragement for leaders (Moses said the same words to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6-7). So it’s like a leadership mantra God is affirming for Joshua.
The term “prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). Some translations say “have success” or “act wisely.” The Hebrew word often translated as “prosper” can mean to thrive or succeed, and “successful” can mean to act wisely or have insight. This suggests that the prosperity in context is not just material success, but succeeding in the mission God gave, through wisdom that comes from His Word. This guards us from misinterpreting it as a blank check for worldly success; instead it’s about success in God’s eyes by following His way.
By understanding these words, we haven’t changed the meaning of the passage, but we have a richer picture. It’s like seeing the verse in high-definition as opposed to standard definition. Every bit of insight helps the verse come alive.
(The Scripture Scanner Language tab breaks down a verse’s significant words with their original meanings and other instances of the word)
Final Thoughts: Putting It All Together
Congratulations! We’ve walked through a complete process of interpreting a Bible verse!
By reading in context, noting differences between then and now, finding the timeless meaning of the scripture, applying it today, cross-checking with the rest of the Bible, and examining key words, we’ve seen how to understand a Bible verse deeply.
Our example of Joshua 1:1-9 showed this method in action: we learned who Joshua was and why God told him “Be strong and courageous.” We discovered a principle about God’s presence and our courage, confirmed it with other verses, and found encouragement for our own lives from this ancient passage.
This approach is powerful because it guards us from errors (like taking verses out of context or reading our own ideas into the text) and it bridges the gap between an ancient culture and our lives today. It’s essentially a way to have scripture explained to us by Scripture itself, with the Holy Spirit guiding our hearts and minds in the process.
In the end, understanding the Bible is a journey – a rewarding one. With each verse you study, you’re not only learning information; you’re conversing with God’s Word and letting it shape you. So keep reading, keep exploring, and enjoy the adventure of discovering what each Bible verse really means in its fullness.
