Bible Verse Map Printable

We have already taken a look at making observations about a Bible verse and studying a word using Strong's Concordance, now in our third installment of this series we will take a look at making a Bible Verse Map. Verse mapping is one method of studying and researching a single Bible verse. There are many different ways to verse map, with no one correct method. My method includes observations, word studies, cross-references, context, background research, and application.

To begin, print out the Bible Verse Map printable. You can follow along with the directions on this web page or print out the instructions. Start by writing the Bible verse reference and date at the top and copy the Bible verse in the empty box. Then, write down observations around the box using colored pencils or markers to make it more colorful and easier to follow. For example, circle any pronouns and jot down to whom they refer. Box any phrases that remind you of other related verses and write down the reference. Also, underline connecting words (therefore, but, then...) and note what is connected and how they are connected (contrast, cause and effect, comparison...). For more suggestions on how to make observations and markings on a Bible verse, try my printable Bible Study bookmark.

Next, move on to the word study section on the second page. Choose several words from your Bible verse that seem important. You can do the word studies on a separate printable and just write the highlights here or just do a mini word study here noting the original word in Hebrew or Greek, its roots, its meaning, and any other relevant uses of the word.

Then, write out the related verses that you noted in the Bible map. Look for verses with similar phrases or ideas, supporting facts, or conflicting ideas. How do the verses fit together? If you didn't notice any related verses, try looking at the cross-references in your Bible but don't limit yourself to those listed or trust that they really are related. Highlight or underline the related part of each of the related verses.

Afterward, look at the context of the verses. Look both at the few verses before and after the verse, especially ones that are part of the same sentence or paragraph. Also, look at the bigger context of the entire book. Outlines, overviews, or charts of the book may help. How does the context enhance the meaning of the verse? Highlight or underline anything that seems relevant to the verse you are mapping.

When you have completed the context, research the book of the Bible. Who wrote it? When? What was its purpose? Why was it written? To whom was it written? You can find this information in Study Bibles or Commentaries. You can even find it online. Write it in and highlight or underline anything that seems relevant to the verse you are mapping.

Now, go back to the first page and write a summary of what you have learned. I placed the summary on the first page so that when the whole Verse Map is complete you have the most important information (the map, summary, and application) all on one page. To help you know what is most important, you might want to highlight the most important things that you learned in each section and add those details around the box with the Bible verse. These ideas should be incorporated into the summary. 

Finally, fill in an application. This is the most important part. John 13:17 says, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." Knowledge is important, but without action it is useless. How does this verse affect my life? How does it change my mind, heart, or actions? What should be different about you after understanding this verse? What can you do about what you learned? Pray that God will help use these verses to change your life and actions.

I recommend practicing this on 1 Peter 2:24. Follow the instructions to fill out the printable. When you are finished you can take a look at my example. There are no right or wrong answers here as long as you are accurately handling God's Word, but sometimes seeing an example helps you understand the process better. Keep in mind that not everything on the "map" (the verse in the box with the arrows and notes around it) was added at the beginning. Much of it came as a result of the work on the second page.

If you have any questions, please ask in the comments. Also, if you learned something exciting when you made your Bible verse map, I would love to hear it so share that in the comments as well.

Other Bible Study Printables

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