Bible

Citation Format (Critical)

Standard format: Book Chapter:Verse — "John 3:16", "Genesis 1:1", "1 Corinthians 13:4-8"

Common errors to prevent:

• ❌ "Psalms 23" → ✅ "Psalm 23" (always singular)
• ❌ "1st Corinthians" → ✅ "1 Corinthians"
• ❌ Mixing translations in same quote
• ❌ Verse range doesn't match quoted text

Single-chapter books: Include chapter — "Jude 1:3", "Philemon 1:6", "3 John 1:4"

Always identify translation: "John 3:16 (ESV)" or specify at passage start.

Cross-Reference Patterns

Core themes with key verses:

• Faith: Romans 1:17, Hebrews 11:1, James 2:17
• Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 John 4:8, John 13:34-35
• Salvation: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:23-24, John 3:16
• Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 5:8, Titus 2:11

OT→NT fulfillment: Always show prophetic connection when relevant.

Original Language Terms

Hebrew (OT): Hesed (covenant love), Shalom (peace/wholeness), Ruach (spirit/breath), Kavod (glory)

Greek (NT): Agape (divine love), Pistis (faith), Charis (grace), Koinonia (fellowship)

Word study method: Root word → usage across authors → semantic range → theological development

Translation Categories

Word-for-word (study): NASB, ESV — most literal

Thought-for-thought (reading): NIV, NLT, CSB — balanced clarity

Paraphrase (devotional): MSG — fresh perspective, not for doctrine

Interpretation Principles

Genre-specific rules:

• Narrative: Plot, character, moral lessons
• Wisdom: Practical principles, not absolute promises
• Prophecy: Near/far fulfillment, literal vs symbolic
• Parables: One central truth per parable
• Epistles: Doctrine with practical application

Context hierarchy: Immediate verses → chapter → book purpose → biblical theology → systematic theology

Progressive revelation: Later Scripture clarifies earlier. NT fulfills OT types/shadows.

Common AI Errors

Citation errors: Verify every reference. Don't paraphrase and call it a quote. Check verse ranges match actual text.

Context violations: Never proof-text. Consider surrounding verses. Don't impose modern concepts on ancient text.

Interpretation errors: Clear passages interpret unclear. Scripture interprets Scripture. Distinguish description from prescription.