Verse Mapping Tip

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

 Are you new to verse mapping?  When I first started this method of studying, I found the word studies a bit challenging.  The process of looking up words in Greek or Hebrew seemed daunting.  Then I discovered an easy way to “enter” the arena of word studies, and stayed with it until I built up my confidence to dig deeper.  If that’s you, or you know someone just starting out in verse mapping, this is a great tip to pass along.

As I chose words I wanted to study more in depth, I started using the free online tool known as Websters 1828 Dictionary.  It was the first English dictionary and made reference to religious terms, following the King James translation.  I found it served as an excellent way to enhance my word studies!

 Let’s try it together, using a couple of words from Psalm 19:14.

 The first word we can look up is “meditation.”  It has taken on a connotation in today’s culture that sometimes makes Christians hesitant to use it.  What does Webster use as a definition?

 “Meditation – a noun, from the Latin meditation.  Close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation.”   We then find Psalm 19:14 listed in that entry – fascinating!  I can take any or all of that definition and write it in my verse map.

 Let’s try one more word: “redeemer.”  As we search for it on Webster’s, we discover:

 “Redeemer – a noun. 

1.  One who redeems or ransoms.

2.  The Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.”

This is so helpful in building a deeper understanding of the words of Scripture.  Furthermore, when we pray a verse like this one, we can begin to add in some of these words, praying in way of Martin Luther.  For example, we might pray: “Father, I pray today that my speech and the turning of truth as found in Your word over and over in my mind today, would be acceptable and pleasing to You.  I praise and thank You, for You, God, are my rock and my redeemer.  I am safe and secure in Christ Jesus.  Amen

Written by: Sue Johnson