Marking in Your Bible? It’s Okay, Plus, Marking for Inductive
When I first started marking things in my Bible I was afraid that it was going to be so much that I wouldn’t be able to read the words anymore. I didn’t like that idea. As such, I was (and at times still am) very hesitant to mark things in my Bible. But there is a way to mark things and still be able to read the page.
As a general rule, it is acceptable to mark things in your Bible. People will typically make marks in their Bible to note key words or trace concepts throughout a book or passage. These marks may include the use of colored pens, highlighters, and special symbols to denote specific things.
Believe it or not there are ways that you can mark in your Bible and still be able to read what God’s Word says. So, let’s see how to do it.
It’s Okay To Mark in the Bible
First, let’s take a moment to clear something up. It is okay to mark in your Bible. Some will argue that it is not acceptable and may even be a sin. But so long as you are seeking to grow in the wisdom of God’s Word, it is acceptable to mark in your Bible.
Those who say it is not, and argue that it is a sin base that argument on Revelation 22:18 which says, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.”
But this argument is invalid. The concern about adding to Scripture is commendable. But to argue that marking up and making notes in the Bible is adding to Scripture is ludicrous. First, it takes this verse out of context. Second, it undermines the very thing it is trying to protect, i.e. the holiness of God’s Word.
This passage of Scripture involves people hearing the Word of God. In the first century, everyone did not have a copy (or access to a copy) of God’s Word. Thus, when John warns of adding to the words of the prophecy, he is referring to adding to its teachings, not making helpful notes to better understand it.
When you mark in your Bible you leave evidence of its transformative power in your life. Every mark, every note is an act of worship that sings praises to God.
Also, by arguing that marking up or making notes in a Bible is adding to Scripture, undermines the very thing it is trying to protect–the holiness of God’s Word. How does it do this? By assuming that one would not be able to clearly distinguish between written notes and commentary and God’s Divine Word.
God’s Word is Holy and special and should be valued in the highest regard. But that does not make writing in or marking up a Bible a sin. Rather, it makes marking in your Bible worthwhile. The idea that you can experience, interact with, and understand God’s Holy Word is in itself a miracle.
So, it is entirely okay and even beautiful at times to mark in your Bible. Why? Because you are using it. You are leaving evidence on the pages of its transformative power in your life. Every mark, every note is an act of worship that sings praises to God.
Methods Of Bible Marking
So, what are some ways that people mark in their Bible? Often you will see people use colored pens and highlighters to mark in their Bible. They will underline, circle, highlight, draw, scribble, etc. both on top of the text and in the margins.
People will typically have a set system of marking in their Bible. That is, that different colors or strokes will indicate different things. For example, every promise of God might be highlighted in purple. There is not one set marking system and you will find variations between people.
If you are a fan of this idea, then you may want to check out these common symbols for inductive Bible study. They will help you make your observations easier and fun!
Others may not have a set marking system at all, but rather do what comes naturally in the moment. And while some may use lots of different colored pens and/or highlighters, others will not. Honestly, it’s going to be best to find what works for you through trial and error.
I remember one time I tried marking in my Bible with a whole bunch of different colors and pens. I didn’t like it. I forgot what colors meant what and I ran out of colors to mark different things.
What happened was I was going to underline the different covenants (and references to them) in the Old Testament in different colors. Then when I got to the Mosaic Covenant, I was underling whole pages in Bible. Page after page. And it not only got tedious, but distracting for me.
So, you may want to create a method of marking in your Bible that works best for you. To do that you may want to consider:
- Whether or not you want to use different colors for different things
- Whether or not you want to utilize both highlighters and pens
- What pen strokes or symbols you may want to use
Now, before you make any concrete decisions on creating a Bible marking system for you, you may want to keep reading to know what to mark and how others mark up their Bible for inductive Bible study.
What to Mark in Your Bible
Now that you kind of have an idea of different methods of marking in a Bible for inductive Bible study, it’s time to discover what to mark in your Bible. Some people will choose to mark a whole lot of different things, others may only mark a few things.
Here is a list of some things that you may want to consider marking when creating your Bible marking system:
- Repeated words or themes
- Transition words
- People
- Promises of God
- References/Allusions to Jesus
- Contrasts
- Lists
- Summary or key verses
- doctrinal concepts
- etc.
These are just some of the common things people will mark in their Bible. Others may write notes in the margins or do a bit of both. Some common notes people may take include:
- Outlines of a passage or flow of argument
- Definitions of key words
- Cross-References
- Explanatians
- Thoughts or Prayers
- Questions you may have
Hopefully, this will help give you some idea of what to mark in your Bible. Again, it’s going to depend on personal preference and style.
Want to know what else to look for when studying the Bible? Here is a list of all the questions you need to ask when doing Inductive Bible Study. These questions will tell you not only what to look for but what to do with the insights that you discover.
Marking for Inductive Bible Study
Now that you have an idea of how to mark in your Bible and what to mark in your Bible, it’s time to talk about marking for Inductive Bible Study. Typically, those who utilize a Bible marking system when doing an Inductive Bible study will have a color-coded key or legend they refer to.
Want to know more about the inductive Bible study method before you get started? Then this article will answer all your questions and walk you through the Inductive Bible study method step by step.
There are many different Bible marking systems for inductive Bible study available online. If you are starting out with inductive Bible study for the first time, then start small. Just use a pen and one or two colors to get started.
Typically, I start with writing over repeated words or phrases. If there are multiple repeated words or phrases, then I’ll underline or circle the next. Then I’ll outline the structure of the passage in the margins of my Bible and include any lists. This allows me to mark in my Bible and still be able to read the text.
Right now, that’s where I am starting, because I’m still relatively new to marking in my Bible. I didn’t want to get overwhelmed again with all the colors and keys and symbols and codes. If that works for you, then great! Find one or create one that helps you get deeper into God’s Word.
But if you are like me, then start where I’m starting. There is no right way to mark in your Bible. The key to marking in your Bible is to help you experience it in a way that you encounter God. Find something that helps you do that.
