Bible Quilting® + Verse Mapping
- Dianna
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Verse mapping is a way to study scripture by breaking it down into smaller pieces, exploring the origin of words and examining the passage in context. We can use our #biblequilting techniques to do verse mapping in a unique way as a supplement to our devotional studies.
Some things to consider when verse mapping
Prayer: Start with an open mind, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you as you seek deeper understanding of the scripture passage
Background: Who was the author of the text? When was it written? Who was the intended audience? What was the setting?
Context: Read the full passage.What happened before and after? How does this verse fit into the larger picture of what's occurring?
Literary style: Consider the passage in terms of the author's style and purpose. Is it historical and intended as a reminder of lessons previously learned? Is it poetic and meant to evoke an emotional response that you can relate to in your relationship with God?
Word study: define keywords, consider synonyms, explore different translations
Themes: How does this verse connect with particular themes threading throughout the Bible?
Cross-references: What other verses share a similar message? How was an Old Testament scripture referred to in the New Testament? Consider how different authors relayed the story of the same events (e.g. various perspectives of the gospel authors)
Personal reflection: How does this verse impact you personally? What is the Holy Spirit nudging you about this verse? Is it convicting? Is it comforting?
Application: What insights have you gleaned on how this verse may sustain you during your current season of life? What character trait might it be refining in you that you may need to explore further? Does someone come to mind to share this scripture with or to pray over a particular situation? Have you been convicted to memorize it?
I recently designed a set of BQJ-style verse mapping worksheets to provide us with some options.
In the large circle write out your selected verse, then explore definitions of the keywords or phrases.
Add additional notes and insights as you consult resources such as your Bible's concordance or online sites such as Bible Hub or Blue Letter Bible. It may be helpful to compare different translations of the verse in the medium-sized circles.
I left space at the bottom of these pages for personal reflections and/or application to current life circumstances.
The remaining page of this trio set has fewer prompts, so it's flexible for your own terms. Adapt it to your personal study style.
You can file your BQ verse mapping sheets into a 3-ring binder, punch them to put in a happy planner BQ system, or adhere them directly to your BQ journals.
If you use a 3-ring binder, here are some binder labels to help organize your notes between the Old & New Testaments:
Creative interpretation/embellishment
If a verse strongly resonates with you, maybe you want to steep in it a bit longer. Perhspas you want to have some creative interaction with it so you have more of a visual of its impact on you? Maybe you feel led to write it out creatively or repetitively in different translations to memorize it? Select a BQ template to help you illustrate a verse or passage.
Haven't done verse mapping before?
Start simple with a short Psalm as this sample shows, using a vertically oriented BQJ template. You'll be blessed however you do it!
It would be beneficial to the whole BQ community to see additional samples, so please share your verse mapping pages in the comments below and/or the BQJ Facebook group.
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