Quoting scripture

[ronnieb2003]

I think this is something that should be discussed. Whenever Jesus quoted scripture, he didn't say
"..."- Deuteronomy ?:??

apart from the fact that the seperate verse numbers were added at some point in the 1500's, not only did Jesus not directly reference the book from which he spoke, he didn't even speak the entire "verse" as it were....

my point is, i dont think it is an important part of memorizing scripture to try to tack on the chapter or verse. of course internally identifying the book and the chapter are a direct result of memorization sometimes, but i think it is not something to get caught up on.

any comments? additions?

[TomUK]

I agree with the sentiment, but it is far easier to memorise a few numbers than an entire verse or series of verses. I remember when i was younger and slowly memorising verses, i could always remember John 3:16 and what it was generally about, but couldn't remember exactly what the verse said. If you find it easier to remember the verses without the number then i am impressed as i find it much harder :).

You also have to remember that some people won't be as familar with the bible as you might be so giving the book, chapter and verse will help them too.

Finally, there's so many different translations available that it sometimes easier just to give the verse and let whoever look it up in their favourite translation. Especially in an age when the message is becoming more and more popular, many of the verses in that are nothing like some of the more traditional translations and it is impossible to know which translation people favour.

[Jay2004]

Also, you have to be careful when quoting. I notice alot of people quoting the bible out of context, especially from the epistles. i.g.Read the entire epistle before quoting and see what message St. Paul is trying to convey.

ig. Romans 3:28
For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Alot of people use this quote to justify sola fide. Did they forget to read the epistle entirely? They would have seen this if they did.

Romans 3:31
Are we then annulling the law by this faith? Of course not! On the contrary, we are supporting the law.

Not trying to start a debate, merely setting an example..

[ronnieb2003]

no no no no no...
im not trying to explain that i want to start quoting scripture out of its original context.
all i am saying is that sometimes, when the Holy Spirit is leading, i dont remember the whole verse, NECESSARILY. just the part that means something at the time.

[PaladinValer]

Are you trying to make a point about literalism?

[Polycarp1]

The ultimate in ridiculous use of prooftexting was given to me by an atheist friend with a taste for irony:

"The Bible says, 'There is no god.'"

That's a true statement -- Psalms 14:1b. In point of fact, of course, it's a description of what "the fool says in his heart."

But it very thoroughly demonstrates the danger of taking a verse out of context to prove a point. And Anglicanism has historically been very careful to look at what a given passage says, not in isolation, but in the context of what surrounds it in Scripture, who said it and to whom, for what purpose, what cultural custom might have been referenced in it, what the rest of Scripture, and particularly our Lord's own words, may have to say about it, and so on.

[rogsr]

I think the most important part of studying scripture is not memorizing them, but rather knowing their meaning. Then, in my opinion, comes be able to quote the words, followed by being able to site to numbers.