At the beginning of the year, I started a fun new way of studying my Bible – colour-coding. Using a selection of coloured pencils, I underline the passage based on different Biblical themes.
If you’d like to try colour-coding too, I’ve included here the different themes I look for and their corresponding colours. I’ve also included a fun little free download – a bookmark with all the colours and themes to keep in your Bible!
God’s character: Purple
The key purpose of studying the Bible is to know God. Using purple, underline anything that describes God’s character – his holiness, his mercy, his justice, his goodness.
God’s actions: Blue
Alongside his character, God’s actions give us a greater knowledge of who he is. Here, underline things that God does, and how he relates to his people.
Commands: Green
Here, we come to some more practical applications. In green, underline any command or exhortation God gives to his people. Is this command directed to a specific person for a specific context, or is it for all people everywhere?
Promises: Pink
The promises God has made to his people throughout Biblical history. Again, are these promises that apply generally to all believers or have they already been fulfilled in Jesus?
Prayers: Red
The prayers found in the Bible can provide a great model for our own prayers. Using red (I personally use blush pink!), underline examples of people praising God, interceding, confessing or lamenting.
Good examples: Yellow
The Bible is full of faithful (but not perfect) people who show us how to live for God. In yellow, underline examples of people who responded to God in obedience and faith.
Sin/warnings: Orange
Unfortunately, the Bible takes place in a fallen world and has many instances of sin and disobedience. In orange, underline these as a warning and an example of ‘what not to do’.
OT/NT connections: Turquoise
This one might not seem so obvious at first. But some good commentaries can help. In the Old Testament, where do you see the author pointing towards Jesus? In the New Testament, where does the author refer back to the Old?
This is definitely not the only way to study the Bible, but I find it a very effective method for slowing down and focusing on what the text says. It helps me identify patterns and central themes. Plus, my Bible looks beautiful afterwards!
If you’d like to give colour-coding your Bible a try, you can download your free bookmark here! Why not keep it in your Bible to remind you as you go?
Over the Teacups 