How to Find the Main Idea of a Bible Passage

Why do we need to look for the main idea in a Bible passage? Can’t we just read it?

God wants to use every passage in the Bible for our spiritual transformation. Whether it’s a narrative passage or the Law in Leviticus God desired both the original audience and us to not just understand His truth but to also apply it.

Before we can apply God’s Word, we need to correctly understand it. We can do this by using proper Bible study techniques. (For more on that see “What is Inductive Bible Study” and “4 R Inductive Bible Study for Everyday Use.“)

We can better understand how God wants us to respond by first understanding the author’s intent for the original audience. The author had a goal in mind, a main idea he wanted to communicate. It’s our goal as students of the Bible to identify and understand the author’s main point.

Don’t let the steps below overwhelm you. If you are already using a solid inductive Bible study method you will already be doing most of them. And many of these steps overlap. For instance, as you observe the passage you will get a big jump on identifying the points and following the author’s train of thought.

Step One: Recognize the literary unit 

When trying to understand the author’s main point keep the passage for study within its literary context. Chapter and verse divisions were not in the original manuscripts but added more than a thousand years later to help us navigate. Although helpful, some of these manmade divisions break in the middle of the biblical author’s thoughts. Therefore, check before and after these divisions to ensure you have the full context. Look for the author’s breaks instead. Words like “finally,” “therefore,” and “now” indicate the author is shifting thoughts, wrapping up, or beginning something new. 

Step Two: Read the passage multiple times 

Use a word-for-word translation like ESV or NASB as your primary study Bible. After you read the passage from that primary translation read it again from a thought-for-thought translation like the NLT. Multiple readings from multiple translations will enhance your understanding. (Also see “Why are there so many Bible Translations?”)

Step Three: Thoroughly observe the passage 

Before we can know what any passage means we must see what it says. Good observation is objective and curious. Set aside any preconceived ideas and look for the details. Key words – words or phrases that the author uses multiple times – reveal what the author believed to be most vital. Important facts and the author’s tone will also point to his main ideas. (Also see “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study” and “Helpful Characteristics of Good Bible Observation.”)

Step Four: Identify his primary and supporting points 

Get to the heart of the author’s thoughts by considering the structure of the passage. First, check the grammar. Look for the independent or main clause of the sentences and identify the subordinate or dependent clauses. The dependent clauses support and clarify the independent clause. The independent clause directly points to the main idea. Also note the illustrations or examples used. Recognize what the author uses them to explain.

Step Five: Trace the author’s train of thought

Based on your study, identify the main problem the author addressed or primary topic he described or explained. If he addressed a problem, note his solutions. If he expounded on a topic, list his subtopics or supporting points.

Step Six: Determine how the author wanted his audience to respond 

God intended the audience to respond to what He inspired the author to write. Did the author want them to do something, stop doing something, believe something? Identifying this will point us to his main point.

Step Seven: Check with the author

Compare your interpretation of the passage to the author’s larger writing. Your understanding of this literary unit should support and complement the author’s themes and purpose found in the larger literary context and the whole book. If your understanding seems to be unrelated or even contradict, step back and rethink it. If you’ve been studying the whole book, this step will be quick. If you aren’t familiar with the whole book refer to a trusted resource that can give you a concise overview of the book’s content. (Also see “Recommended Bible Study Resources” and “First Steps to Study a Bible Book.”)

Step Eight: Write a summary statement of the author’s main idea 

Reduce what you’ve learned about the passage into just one sentence. All of your observations will support it, not contradict it. This one sentence will encapsulate what the author said in this passage.

Now what? When we have accurately identified the author’s main idea it lays the foundation for fuller understanding of all the truths and principles in the passage. And keeping the main idea in mind helps us better apply these truths to our lives. (Also see “How to Find Timeless Biblical Principles” and “Four Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life.“)

What about you? Have you ever worked through a passage to find the main idea?