TO USE A VERSE OUTSIDE ITS CONTEXT IS TO ADD SOMETHING TO THE WORD OF GOD

 

Did you know that you can “prove” almost anything if you pull a Bible verse out of context?  Someone could say, “The Bible says there is no God,” by quoting only a part of Psalm 14:1: “There is no God.” Another might insist, “Jesus said we should hate our parents,” and then cite Luke 14:26: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother… such a person cannot be my disciple.” And there are countless other examples. By ripping a verse from its setting, you can make Scripture appear to support almost any idea—no matter how strange! Sadly, this is a common habit—not just among skeptics but even among many believers. We hear verses misused in pulpits, Bible studies, online discussions, and across social media. Some even say, “God says…” or “The Bible says…” while quoting a verse that has nothing to do with what they say.

Using a verse outside its context is a serious matter. It is adding to the Word of God. “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5–6)

Anyone who quotes a passage and claims that God said something He did not is guilty of adding to His Word. Whether intentional or not, that person is spreading a lie—using the Bible’s authority to promote an idea the text does not teach. No matter how inspiring it sounds, if it is not what the passage truly means, it is wrong. This practice must be corrected. Preachers, teachers, and study leaders who are comfortable doing this should be ashamed. Scripture says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).

To keep from misusing a verse, start by reading the entire passage—don’t stop at just one or two favorite lines. A verse’s meaning is inseparable from the paragraph, chapter, and even the book where it appears. The Bible is not a collection of stand-alone quotations you can pull at will. Every statement belongs to a larger conversation and follows the writer’s train of thought. To grasp what a verse truly means, a careful reader must first ask why the author wrote it and how it fits the surrounding text. Best tip for beginners: read as many verses—and even whole chapters—as you can. The more context you absorb, the clearer the true meaning becomes. Stay Curious.