Cross References: Comparing Scripture with Scripture
It’s been a while since we’ve added a new Bible study tool to our tool box here on Think Bible. As I’ve been studying Scripture recently, I’ve realized the importance of cross references. I hadn’t really thought of it as a “tool” for Bible study before, but it really should be one of the first things we do to more fully understand a given passage. If there’s one principle that my Bible teachers and pastors have emphasized across the board, it is to compare Scripture with Scripture. As you allow God to be His own commentator on His own Word, the Holy Spirit will open up a new depth of understanding and application in your life.
So, how do cross references work? It’s very simple. In most Bibles, there will be notes throughout a text with other references mentioned. Or on your favorite Bible app, like Blue Letter Bible, which I use, there is an entire section titled “Cross References” for each verse of the Bible. You simply look up those other references and allow them to shed light—define terms, explain context, and illustrate principles—on the primary passage you are reading.
This is not a new idea. New Testament preachers, Jesus included, often quoted passages from the Old Testament to help their listeners better understand a lesson.
The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge says, “… this is the way which the Savior Himself studied and discussed Scripture (Luke 24:27,44; John 1:45; 5:39). It is the way which the apostle Paul used to expound and explain the Bible (Acts 17:2,3). Reflections of this method of studying Scripture can be seen in the way the apostle Paul quotes a series of texts of Scripture in his epistles (see especially Romans 3:9–18). So while there are many other valuable methods of Bible study, the method of comparing Scripture with Scripture … is certainly a valid, if not the best, method of Bible study.”
Let’s look at a couple of examples.
Last week I did a podcast on fasting. I was studying the book of Esther. In chapter 4, when Esther realizes the seriousness of the situation that she and her Jewish relatives are facing, she calls for a fast. Esther 4:16 says, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day….”
When I click on the the text of Esther 4:16 in Blue Letter Bible, it brings up a list of options for me to study further. These include Interlinear (original language information), Translation Comparison, Text Commentaries, Audio/Video, Dictionaries, and—you guessed it—Cross-References. A simple tap on “Cross-References” takes me to an extensive list of verses categorized by words within the original verse. So I scroll down to the list under “fast” and here’s what I get:
II Chronicles 20:3
Isaiah 22:12
Joel 1:14-15
Joel 2:12-17
Jonah 3:3-9
If you listened to my podcast, you know that these passages made up the bulk of my lesson. The verses are written out right there in the app, so I don’t have to move between the passages or look them up in my Bible to read them, but with the tap of my finger, I can navigate to the entire passage if I choose. It’s very easy to use, and such a help in my understanding of the principles and applications found in any passage of Scripture.
Let’s take another example from the very well-known verse, John 3:16. In my Scofield Bible, there are two notes for this reference. The first is for the word “world,” and it takes me to Matthew 4:8, which says, “Again, the devil taketh Him [Jesus] up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.” Scofield says that the word “world” comes from the Greek word “kosmos” which means order, arrangement, and even beauty (for the Greeks). “When used in the N.T. of humanity, the ‘world’ of men, it is organized humanity—humanity in families, tribes, nations—which is meant.” (Scofield)
In other words, Satan showed Jesus the whole of mankind, their kingdoms and tribes, and tried to tempt Him—the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe—to worship him—the created, fallen angel—in exchange for glory and power over them all. Of course, Jesus did not give in to that temptation.
But the second cross reference, John 3:16, also uses that same word “kosmos.” “For God so loved the world….” God did not just love some people, a few people, or certain select people. He loves the entire world, all of its kingdoms, tribes, and nations. And Jesus died for the whole world. At the end of time, people of every tribe and nation will gather before the throne of God and give Him praise and worship. So in the crucifixion and death of Jesus it looks like He has lost the battle for His own creation, but God is the originator of the underdog story. In the end, Satan will have lost everything, and Christ will rule over the “kosmos” for all eternity. (Rev. 5:9)
Do you see how cross-references open up a fuller, broader understanding of the Bible? How can you start today to use them in your own Bible study?
Start by prayerfully reading the passage you want to study.
Look up the cross-references in your Bible or on your app.
Look up the cross-references’ cross-references.
Take notes, make lists, look for overlapping themes and ideas.
Ask God to help you apply these things in your life.
Sometimes as you study, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind a verse that is not listed in your cross-references. That’s a good thing! Cross-references are identified by human men, and are neither infallible nor exhaustive. When you think of another verse that sheds light on your original passage, rejoice that your Scripture knowledge is growing and you are more fully understanding God’s Word! Write that verse in, so you can refer to it again as you come back to that part of your Bible.
However you choose to incorporate cross-references into your study time, I pray that you will find the joy of more deeply knowing the Word. I believe you will see great growth in your spiritual life, as well as a fuller understanding of the Bible as a whole.