You’ve probably heard the old line that the worst thing you can say about a Bible lesson is that it’s both original and good. Why does that land? Because, more often than not, the part that’s original isn’t good, and the part that’s good isn’t original.
The aim of Bible study isn’t novelty. It’s accuracy.
Paul put it this way:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15
God’s people have been studying Scripture for thousands of years. At this point in history, a truly “new” interpretation is more likely to be mistaken than groundbreaking.
It’s pride to assume that, after centuries of faithful study, no one has understood a passage correctly—until I came along. It’s also foolish to ignore the good work of those who went before us.
Ideally, we receive the truth like a baton passed down the line from Jesus to the apostles, through the Scriptures, and on through faithful teachers who keep handing on the same message. Chasing originality for its own sake can drop that baton.
Our calling is simpler and richer: learn well, handle the text carefully, and pass along what is true.
What Crosses the Line?
As a Bible teacher, I’m always standing on someone else’s shoulders. When I learn something true and pass it on, how much should I change to avoid plagiarism? And how much should I preserve so I don’t muddle the truth? Isn’t it better to communicate well than to invent a weaker, “original” way of saying it? How much borrowing is too much?
Two questions sit side by side: Are we “rightly handling the word of truth,” and are we also respecting copyright?
I don’t pretend to have all the answers (or a flawless footnote trail). But as someone constantly learning from others, I’ve adopted a few simple guardrails:
- Credit direct quotes and long lifts. If you use someone’s exact words or a substantial portion of their work, name them clearly. If you’re publishing, copyrighting, or earning money from the material, be even more meticulous with citations.
- Share ideas freely—in your own words.
An idea isn’t copyrighted; a particular wording is. So read widely, digest what’s true, and then teach it in language that’s genuinely yours.
Instead of quoting long stretches from a reference work, summarize: “as one scholar explains…” or “a commentator notes…,” and then give the substance in your own words. In free and open settings (small groups, Sunday classes, any place you’re simply sharing the Word) footnotes can derail the flow and long verbatim quotes are hard to follow. Brief, clear attribution plus a faithful summary usually serves your listeners better. If people want the source, you can name it afterward or provide a handout.
For example, Ray Stedman was my first pastor. As a brand-new believer, I sat under his teaching and devoured his books. Over time his thinking soaked into mine so deeply that I’m not always sure whether I’m quoting Ray or simply teaching what I now believe to be true.
Whenever I teach Ephesians 4, I use Ray’s analogy from his book Body Life. I name the source, explain the picture in my own words, and point folks to the book for the fuller treatment.
But other times I’m unpacking a passage I once heard Ray teach. Am I quoting him? Probably. Do I realize it in the moment? Not usually. After years in his church, I absorbed his insights like a sponge and now echo them because I’m convinced they’re biblical.
But sometimes I’m explaining a passage that I heard Ray teach at some point. Am I quoting him? Probably. Do I realize it? No. I am echoing his thought, because I absorbed it like a sponge in the years I attended his church.
And Ray isn’t my only mentor. I’m deeply grateful for many teachers, some I knew in person, others I only know through recordings and thick reference books.
I love learning. I happily wade into research. When I find a faithful, Scripture-saturated teacher, I latch on and drink deeply from the nourishment he or she offers. Though I haven’t seen my college pastors or the McKenzie Study Center folks in decades, they still shape me through sermons, blogs, books, and articles. I never met R. C. Sproul, but his scholarship tutored me just the same.
Original Thinking? No.
I gave up chasing “original” a long time ago. The more I learn, the less I try to study a passage in isolation. I still start with the text, wrestling, praying, tracing the flow, naming the puzzles. But once I can see the lay of the land, I invite my trusted teachers to the table: the commentators, reference works, and scholars I trust.
Over time I’ve tuned my theological ear to recognize careful method. I know who reliably brings the cultural background, who hears the nuances of the Greek and Hebrew, who has worked deeply in poetry or prophecy, and so on.
So I go to the right expert for the right question. Then I learn, synthesize, and weave it in. If I tried to tag every input out loud, nearly every sentence would carry a citation, sometimes fifty or a hundred different sources in a single talk. My aim isn’t to be novel; it’s to be faithful and clear.
Understanding, not Phrases? Yes.
Here’s the key distinction: I’m not hunting for clever lines to repeat. I’m seeking to understand the passage so I can “rightly handle the word of truth.”
Early on, I tried to credit every book and every teacher by name in a single talk. Afterward, my mentor pulled me aside, not upset, but kind, and said he never wanted me to cite him again. He meant it as encouragement.
Then he told me something I’ve never forgotten:
“Truth is truth. Learn it, make it your own and teach it to others.”
Consciously or not, he was echoing Paul’s charge to Timothy:
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. – 2 Timothy 2:2
In one sense, I’m a product of “plagiarism.” I’ve received, absorbed, and passed along what others taught me. But I pray I’m also a faithful link in the chain, entrusted with the truth and handing it on intact.
Not long ago, a woman I serve alongside taught a passage I’d helped her understand. To my joy, she used some of my phrases and even a few lines from my notes—then sharpened and improved them through her own study.
Some might call that plagiarism. I call it beautiful. That’s how the chain continues.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.- Psalm 19:14
Part of the Series: Bible Study 201: Learn to teach
Photo by Janayara Machado on Unsplash
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