On Understanding Scripture
The following is what I call the “Coverdale Dictum” on studying Scripture. It captures the essence of the command in 2 Timothy 2:15 to rightly divide the word of truth.
“It shall greatly help thee to understand Scripture, if thou mark, not only what is spoken or written, but of whom, and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what Circumstances, considering what goeth before, and what followeth after.” Miles Coverdale’s Prologue to the 1535 Coverdale Bible
I like to put this into a study protocol I refer to as “the five Ws,” as follows:
Who is the person God chose to write down a particular section/division of the Bible, and to whom is it primarily addressed?
What is the context or primary subject matter of this section?
When, on the whole Bible timeline, does it take place?
Where does it take place?
Why. For what purpose is it written?
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