Out of Context

Pulling a verse out of its place can make it say almost anything. The Bible says, "There is no God." It does. Psalm 14:1 says, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" Psalm 14:1 Context changes everything.

Satan Quoted Scripture

When Satan tempted Jesus, he quoted a psalm:

"If You are the Son of God," he said, "throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.'" Jesus replied, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Matthew 4:6-7

The words were real Scripture from Psalm 91. Psalm 91:11-12 The use was wrong. Jesus answered with "It is also written." Scripture read beside Scripture keeps us from twisting any one verse.

Christians Do It Too

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" is often used for winning games. Paul wrote it about being content "regardless of my circumstances," whether "being filled and being hungry." Philippians 4:11-13 It is a verse about trusting Christ when you have little.

"For I know the plans I have for you" was spoken to exiles in Babylon, right after God said, "When Babylon's seventy years are complete, I will attend to you." Jeremiah 29:10-11 It is a real promise from a faithful God. It was first a promise to wait seventy years.

How to Read a Verse

Read the verses around it. Ask who is speaking, to whom, and why. The lesson A Passage in Its Place walks through it, and Misused Verses gathers the verses that are pulled out of place most often.