Using Cross-references to Understand the Bible

In 2013, Terry Herbert made an incredible discovery while using a metal detector in a field in Staffordshire, England. As he scanned the ground, his device started beeping wildly, signaling the presence of something valuable. Excited by the prospect of finding buried treasure, Terry began to dig.

To his astonishment, Terry unearthed a vast collection of intricately crafted Anglo-Saxon gold artifacts dating back over 1,300 years. This discovery, later known as the Staffordshire Hoard, was the most extensive collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found, consisting of over 3,500 items, including sword fittings, helmets, and decorative objects.

The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard shed new light on the history of the Anglo-Saxon era in England, providing valuable insights into craftsmanship, trade, and warfare during that time. Terry Herbert’s extraordinary find made headlines worldwide, and he was recognized as a treasure hunter who had stumbled upon a rare and valuable piece of history buried beneath the soil.

Cross-references can be similar to metal detectors when digging for treasure in the Bible. The heart goes beep, beep, beep as Scripture unearths the meaning of Scripture and sheds light on God and His riches. Cross-references lead to gold.

What is a biblical cross-reference?

A cross-reference is a note or notation that directs the reader to another part of the Bible where a related or similar topic, theme, event, or idea is discussed. In our Simply Bible studies, cross references provide a critical tool to help readers connect different passages and better understand the text, similar to how a crossword puzzle works.

For example, suppose you read a verse or passage in the Book of Matthew that mentions a prophecy from the Old Testament. In that case, a cross-reference may point you to the specific verse in the Old Testament where that prophecy was initially spoken. By following these cross-references, readers can explore how different parts of the Bible are linked together, providing a broader context and enhancing comprehension of the Scriptures.

I use cross-references in my daily Bible study. Here is a more specific example of how this tool helped me this morning.

In Romans 4:1-8, Paul quotes a passage from the Old Testament about the righteousness of Abraham:

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:2-3

After careful observation, I asked, “Who is Abraham?” and defined a few keywords. I wanted to know what Paul means by justified, works, believed, and righteousness. Then, I identified some cross-references associated with this passage.  The first for “Abraham believed God” directed readers to the original citation from the Old Testament book of Genesis, when narrating the story of Abraham, Moses wrote:

And he [Abraham] believed the Lord, and he [God] counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

Following this cross-reference, readers can see the connection between the theme of righteousness by faith in the Old and New Testaments. Cross-references will help deepen the understanding of how the Bible links thematically and theologically.

Beep, beep, beep! Heart connections begin. I learn:

            Good works ≠ Good with God

Our good works are good works but don’t equate to God’s good work, to His righteousness. Instead, according to both Paul and Moses, the formula looks like this:

            Faith = Good with God

Cross-references are golden for interpreting Scripture! Terry Herbert didn’t stop looking after just one piece of gold. Sometimes, like eating a chip, we look for more.

Another cross-reference for today’s passage lands me at James 2:23:

And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

Following this cross-reference, readers can see the connection between the two apostles’ teachings about righteousness. Paul and James agree. Abraham’s belief was counted as righteousness, not his work or effort. Yet James tags on a helpful tidbit: “And Abraham was called a friend of God.” This dazzling cross-reference shows me that Abraham’s belief in God connects to being right with God and being God’s friend.

With a beep, beep, beep, my brain computes something like this:

Faith = Right with God = God’s friend.

Here is a treasure, indeed. I whisper a prayer, “Lord, thank You for showing me how to be Your friend! Help me in my unbelief.”

These two cross-references are so valuable that I can’t stop! I follow yet another cross-reference:

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6:29

Ah! Jesus answers! Here is a window into God’s own heart! Our good work can equal being right with God, but it must be a particular work. What work? Jesus says: To believe in him.

We don’t have to toil anxiously, hoping we’ll be good enough. God keeps it simple for us. We only need to believe. Such grace!

What do I learn about God?

Our trust in Him is more important than good work. In His eyes, belief is our work. Belief restores a right relationship with Him.

Later that day, I read this quote from Skye Jethani:

In our striving, we forget that our Heavenly Father desires us, not our sacrifices. He is focused on his children and longs for us to discover the joy that is found in a life with him not merely a life for him.

With God Daily: Focus on the Father by Skye Jethani

Such grace. Such treasure.

Why use a cross-reference in Bible study?

Cross-references are connections within the Bible that allow different passages to shed light on each other, enabling Scripture to interpret Scripture. Tracing these connections allows us to gain deeper insights into the meaning of specific Bible verses, themes, and teachings. This approach helps us better understand individual passages and paves the way to knowing and enjoying God.

Do you know how to use cross-references?

Many Bibles have cross-reference notations at the bottom or margins of their pages. Yet, the quickest and easiest way is to use a free Bible app, such as Step Bible or Blue Letter Bible. With a click of a button, the reader is whisked away to view the reference. It’s magical.

Using a metal detector, Terry Herbert stumbled upon a rare and valuable treasure hoard buried beneath the soil. The next time you engage in Bible study, don’t forget to explore the power of cross-references—it may open up a whole new world of meaning and insight. Luke tells us, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19). The more we use cross-references, the more treasure for our hearts to ponder.

Let’s pray:

Lord God, thank You for the gift of Your Word so that we might know and experience You—to be friends with You! Thank You for simple tools like cross-references to help us find the treasure You have to share. Help our faith to grow as we learn to ponder You through Your Word.