Digging Deeper: How to Start Verse Mapping

If you’ve ever read a verse and thought, “I know this is important… but what does it really mean?”—girl, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I love verse mapping. It is definitely a hot topic in the Bible study world and there are lots of great ideas on how to verse map, so here is my two cents on it!

Verse mapping is like grabbing your spiritual magnifying glass. It’s not about being a Bible scholar—it’s about slowing down, digging deep, and learning more about all the pieces of the verse.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Pick a Verse

Start with a verse that catches your attention—maybe from a devotional, sermon notes, or Bible reading.

2. Write It in a Few Translations

Look it up in different versions (I primarily use ESV, NIV, KJV, and NIV but also sometimes reference the NASB and Amplified versions). Using different versions can help your understanding of the text and online Bibles make it really easy to access different versions.

3. Highlight Keywords

Circle, color code or underline key words. People, places, things, action words, powerful images, anything that describes what is important in that passage—those are the ones to dig into.

4. Study the Original Language

Look up key words in Hebrew or Greek (you can use free tools like Blue Letter Bible or BibleHub). Don’t be intimidated—just write down what you find. What does that word mean in the original language? Then put that back into the verse. l like to write it out.

5. Read the Context

Zoom out. What’s going on in the chapter? Who’s talking, and why? Zoom out again. Who wrote the book and who are they writing too? Understanding the big picture helps the verse make more sense.

6. Make It Visual

If you’re artsy (or just a visual learner), sketch it out. Use arrows, doodles, sticky notes—whatever helps it stick.

7. Make It Personal

Ask yourself: What is God saying to me here? Is there a promise to believe? A change to make? A truth to hold onto when life gets messy?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or create a messy map! Verse mapping isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s an invitation to slow down and really see what God is saying. You don’t need fancy tools—just a Bible, a notebook, and a willing heart.

So grab a pen, pour your favorite drink, and get mapping. God’s Word is rich, and you’re about to uncover treasures you didn’t even know were there.

You’ve got this—and He’s got you!