Bible Quote by Michael S. Heiser
“We think "reading the Bible in context" means thinking about the handful of verses before and after the verses we're looking at on the page. That isn't the case. While that's important, context is so much wider than a handful of verses.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Unseen Realm by Michael S. Heiser, 2015
Understanding biblical passages requires broader historical, cultural, and literary context, not just adjacent verses.
In simple terms: Bible meaning needs wide context.
Key Takeaway
Study the whole book and its background.
Themes
biblical studies
interpretation
history
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
educational
analytical
When to use this quote
- preaching
- academic research
- personal study
- teaching
Key Concepts
theology
ancient Near East
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does broader context change your reading?
- What sources help expand context?
A Different Perspective
Context can be ambiguous and contested, leading to differing conclusions.
