What are cross-references?
You are studying inductively, and keep hearing about cross-references! But what are they, and how do you find them?
A cross-reference is another verse in the Bible which speaks of the same person, topic or word as the verse or passage you are studying.
This is another part of the inductive Bible study method which helps us in our interpretation of the text. They will help you compare Scripture with Scripture so you can understand God’s Word more clearly. By looking at cross-references, you can see how the Bible often explains and interprets itself, and can show how different parts connect together.
Here’s an example.
Imagine you are studying Genesis 1:1 and you read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. A helpful cross reference might be John 1:3, which says, “All things were made through Him [Jesus], and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
Both verses are talking about creation. Genesis shows that God created the world in the beginning, and John then explains that Jesus (the Word) was also active in creation. This connection helps us to understand that creation was the work of the entire Godhead — Father, Son, and Spirit — and that Jesus is God.
How can I find cross-references?
So cross-references are important for helping us to understand Scripture, but how can I find them?
In Your Bible Margins or Footnotes
Have you ever noticed small letters or numbers next to a word or verse in your Bible? These often direct you to the margins or footnotes and will direct you to related verses in the Bible.
Using a Concordance or Study Tool
A concordance (either in print or available online) can help you find where certain words or themes appear throughout Scripture.
With a Bible App or Website
Tools like Blue Letter Bible, BibleGateway, or Logos can show cross references instantly when you click on a verse.
Reading God’s Word today? Why not take some time to see if there are any cross-references related to the passage you are reading, look them up and see if they help your understanding of God’s Word. You may be amazed at what you discover!