Understanding the Scriptures in Context

Define

Explain that context helps us better understand the scriptures. Reading the verses before and after a particular passage provides immediate context. The broader context is the circumstances of and background information for a passage, which can include the cultural, historical, or geographic setting. Understanding context helps us (1) discern the intent of the author; (2) consider what prompted a teaching, event, or account; and (3) avoid making incorrect interpretations.

Review with students the following handout in preparation for the model and practice activities:

Understanding the Scriptures in Context

Putting the scriptures in context means we study a particular passage in relation to the circumstances, events, and teachings surrounding it. Consider how the following levels of context can help:

1. Immediate context. Read the surrounding verses to learn the immediate setting for the scripture passage. What event or circumstance provides important background information? Did a question asked in the verses prompt a response? For many passages it can help to know who is speaking to whom and why.

2. Broader context. Learning about the historical, cultural, and geographic setting can help us better understand a particular passage by seeing how it fits into the chapter or book. It may also help us see how the passage fits within the context of the gospel.

Readers can find help to understand the context of scripture passages in the following resources (available in Gospel Library): Study Helps, Church History, Topics and Questions, institute or seminary teacher manuals, and Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church.

Model

The following examples demonstrate how immediate and broader context bring insight to a particular scripture passage. You could display the table in example 1 or provide it as a handout. After reading the passage, review the “Immediate Context” and then the “Broader Context” sections. You could use the table in example 2 on a different day to review this skill.

Example 1

Passage	Immediate Context	Broader Context
Passage Read Genesis 25:33.	Immediate Context The immediate context is found by reading the surrounding verses. Genesis 25:21–34 tells us that Esau and Jacob are twins. Esau is the firstborn and therefore the birthright son. Before their birth, the Lord revealed to Rebekah that her younger son, Jacob, would receive the birthright (see Genesis 25:23). Esau is favored by his father, and Jacob is favored by his mother. One day, being very hungry, Esau asks Jacob for some soup (red pottage). Jacob agrees to give Esau the soup in exchange for his birthright. Esau accepts the trade, showing he felt that his birthright was unimportant.	Broader Context Consider how the following sources help with the broader context of this verse: “Esau sold to Jacob his birthright (Gen. 25:33), by which he lost both the leadership of the tribe and also the covenant blessing (Gen. 27:28–29, 36; Heb. 12:16–17)” (Bible Dictionary, “Esau”). “In the time of the ancient patriarchs, the firstborn son received the birthright (Gen. 43:33) and thus inherited the leadership of the family upon the death of the father. The firstborn had to be worthy to assume this responsibility (1 Chr. 5:1–2) and could lose his birthright by unrighteousness” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Firstborn,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). You could also read Guide to the Scriptures, “Birthright,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Insights

The context for Genesis 25:33 helps us see that to receive the birthright was a great honor and responsibility. The context also tells us that Esau did not place high value on his birthright. These insights provide important background information when we learn later about Rebekah’s instructions to Jacob of how to obtain the birthright blessing from Isaac (see Genesis 27:1–33).

Example 2

Passage	Immediate Context	Broader Context
Passage Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–3.	Immediate Context The immediate context is found by reading Doctrine and Covenants 121:4–8. Here Joseph Smith pours out his soul to God about what he and the Saints are suffering. Joseph hears the voice of the Lord and is told his suffering will be but “a small moment” and that if he “endure[s] it well,” he will “triumph over [his] foes” (verses 7–8).	Broader Context The section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 121 provides a broader context for verses 1–3: “Prayer and prophecies written by Joseph Smith the Prophet in [a letter] to the Church while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri, dated March 20, 1839. The Prophet and several companions had been months in prison. Their petitions and appeals directed to the executive officers and the judiciary had failed to bring them relief.” The article “Within the Walls of Liberty Jail” (see particularly paragraphs 8–16) describes the deplorable conditions the prisoners had to endure (see Justin R. Bray, in Revelations in Context [2016], 258–60). Consider looking at an image of Liberty Jail found in Church History Photographs.

Insights

When we understand the despicable conditions of Liberty Jail and the suffering of the Saints being driven from Missouri, Joseph Smith’s plea takes on added meaning and power. We learn that under the most adverse circumstances we can turn to God for help and receive comfort and guidance from Him.

Practice

Select a passage from the scripture block you are studying, or use one of the following: 1 Samuel 16:7; Mark 2:16; Alma 39:5; Doctrine and Covenants 138:11. Then give students the handout “Understanding the Scriptures in Context,” and invite them to use it to discover the immediate and broader context for the passage you selected. You could invite students to complete the chart that follows.

Understanding Context

Passage	Immediate Context	Broader Context
Passage	Immediate Context	Broader Context

Insights

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to use the principles of understanding the scriptures in their context during their personal study. Remember to follow up and allow time for students to share and practice the skill again as needed. You might look for an opportunity throughout the week to follow up with students on using these principles in their study.