Students often ask why do we need to learn how to block diagram Scripture? Block diagramming is a visual aid that helps you see the patterns of thought in a Scripture passage and how they relate to each other.
This article will explain and demonstrate: 1) What is block diagramming? 2) How to block diagram Scripture? 3) Why is it necessary to learn how to block diagram Scripture? and 4) provides some examples of block diagramming.
How To Block Diagram Scripture
It is said that block diagramming is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, it is an advantage to those who want to teach and preach the Scriptures.
The Bible can be confusing at times. A visual diagram of the verse or verses of Scripture will clarify the relationships between patterns of thought and it will separate the main points from the subordinate points.
The great advantage of Block diagramming Scripture is that you will be able to sketch the flow of ideas into an outline. Sometimes, this is also referred to as the mechanical layout of the Scriptures.
1. What is Block Diagraming?
In its simplest terms, block diagramming is a visual aid that sketches the layout of the thought patterns and their relationships to each other as you study the Scriptures.
In other words, it is a method of studying the Scriptures visually as you sketch the thought patterns from left to right on your notebook (see image below!)
The most important aspect of block diagramming is that it is a visual aid to developing your teaching and preaching of the Scriptures.
By quickly looking at the block diagram of Hebrews 4:12, we see straight away that there are five characteristics of the Word of God.
God’s word is living. God’s word is powerful. God’s word is sharper than a two-edged sword. God’s word is piercing even to division of soul and spirit and joint and marrow. God’s word is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
When we look at the block diagram of Hebrews 4:13 (see below), we see very clearly that there are two main ideas. There is no creature hidden from his sight and all things are exposed and open to God to whom we must give an account.
2. How to Block Diagram Scripture?
Keep in mind block diagramming presents Scripture in blocks of thought! It helps you see those blocks of thought and how they relate to each other. Blocks of thought are conveyed through sentences, which are made up of words, phrases and clauses.
With this in mind, block diagramming will require a rudimentary understanding of grammar (parts of speech) and syntax (the function of words, phrases and clauses).
In the example of Hebrews 4:12, you will notice that the words – living, powerful, sharper and discerning – are predicate nominatives and we all know that predicate nominatives rename the subject.
Therefore, God’s word equals living, powerful, sharper and discerning. In the original language, the word “piercing” adds meaning to the sharpness of the two-edged sword. Therefore, grammar and syntax is required to block diagram. Below is a quick overview of grammar and syntax!
A. Grammar – Parts of Speech
- noun – names a person, place or thing
- pronoun – replaces the noun
- verb – shows action or state-of-being
- adjective – modifies a noun
- adverb – modifies a verb, adjective and another adverb
- preposition – shows how things go together
- conjunction – joining words
- interjection – shows strong and sudden feeling
B. Syntax – Parts of Speech Function
- subject – is the one doing or being something
- verb – is what the subject does or is
- object – is the entity acted upon by the subject
- complement – completes a given expression
- modifier – provides additional information in adverbial and adjectival form
It is necessary to highlight that block diagramming is like all skill based work – it takes time to learn the skills for block diagramming but over time you will get better at it and eventually you will master it.
I have block diagrammed the Scriptures for many years and I can now do it in my head. In other word, I can see the blocks of thought in my head without sketching them on paper. Don’t give up!
3. Why Learn Block Diagramming?
There are two wonderful benefits associated with learning block diagramming. There is a personal benefit and a professional benefit.
A. The Personal Benefit of Block Diagramming
On a personal level, it will help you study the Scriptures for a richer time with God. You will discover and experience the beauty and depth of God’s word.
After all, God’s word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
We also know that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). When you understand God’s word, it will guide and direct you through life. It will help you to discern what is true and what is error and what is good and what is bad.
B. The Professional Benefit of Block Diagramming
On a professional level, it will help you to teach and preach the Word of God in a powerful and practical way.
I have been writing two or three sermons a week over nearly thirty years of ministry and I have found diagramming the Scriptures as one of the main tools for teaching and preaching.
Once you begin the process of block diagramming the Scriptures, you will discover very quickly that you have the foundations to create the sermon outline.
After block diagramming Hebrews 4:12-13, I created a sermon outline around the topic of how to shed the mask of pretense because of the ministry of God’s word (4:12) and the ministry of God himself (4:13). See image below!
4. Example of How To Block Diagram Scripture
I have provided examples from Hebrews 4:12 and Hebrews 4:13.
In addition I will provide an example from Hebrews 4:14-16. In this example, we will see the flow of the pattern of thought surrounding the reason we need to stand strong for Jesus Christ.
We stand strong for Jesus Christ because he is our great High-Priest, our sympathetic High-Priest and our merciful High Priest (see images below of block diagramming).
Once you have sketched the block diagram of Hebrews 4:14-16, you will see how easy it is to transition the blocks of thought to a sermon outline.
I main idea in this passage is that we must hold fast our confession because of Jesus’ status as High-Priest. From this I developed the sermon topic: Three Reasons for Coming to Jesus for Counsel! He is our great High-Priest (4:14). He is our sympathetic High-Priest (4:15) and He is our merciful and gracious High-Priest (4:16).
There are three REASONS why we can come to Jesus for counsel. They are:
1. He is our great high-priest (4:14)
- He purged our sins (1:3)
- He is the exalted one (4:14a)
- He is our perfect mediator (4:14b)
- He is the object of our confession (4:14c)
2. He is our sympathetic high-priest (4:15)
- He endure many trials and testings(4:15a)
- He triumphantly endured these trials and testings(4:15b)
3. He is our merciful and gracious high-priest (4:16)
- we can come to Jesus with confidence (4:16a)
- We can come to Jesus for help in all situations (4:16b)
Finally, block diagramming is one important tool to study the Scriptures personally and professionally. It is worth your time to learn how to block diagram Scripture because the benefits are lasting!