How Scripture Are Quoted / Used
Last Update: 2024, September 13
In a heated debate or discussion, you will often hear this question being thrown around, “Where in the Bible does it say that?” This is a good question, and if asked in the spirit of humility it can open a door for a great discussion that will benefit us all. However, a lot of times we ask that question in the spirit of pride hoping to put an end to the discussion right there on the spot, as if to say, “You’re wrong and what you’re saying is unbiblical,” simply because we’re not willing to listen to a fuller explanation—one that takes in the whole counsel of God and requires the use of our sanctified reasoning.
Muslims taunt us Christians by asking, “Where in the Bible does Jesus say, ‘I am God, worship me!’?” Sadly, Christians do the same to one another: “Where does it say that in the Bible? Where does it say I can’t drink? Where does it say I can’t dress that way? Where does it say we’re born with a sin nature?” The list goes on and on. The truth is, Scripture can answer all that, if we’re willing to listen. And if we just humble ourselves, perhaps God will open our eyes to see His word. The proud He resists but the humble He gives grace, not only to see but to change and be conformed to His image. As we grow in Christ, we also grow in our sanctified reasoning. What I once denied, I now embrace. What I was once blinded to, I now see. By all means, ask, for it is His word that is truth, but let us ask in humility with open ears to hear the fuller explanation.
Some of you will say that’s a cop-out or an excuse. So allow me to show the various ways Scripture are quoted or used in the Bible.
Direct Quote
In John 6:45
We see a direct quotation from Isaiah 54:13, while others are referenced > Jeremiah 31:34, Micah 4:2.
In 1 Corinthians 9:8-9
We see a direct quotation from Deuteronomy 25:4.
In Ephesians 5:14
Quoting Isaiah 60:1-2.
In 2 Peter 2:22
A loose rendering of Proverbs 26:11.
Overall Teaching
In Matthew 4:10
Jesus isn’t giving a direct quote but an overall teaching found in Deuteronomy 6:13,10:20 and Joshua 24:14.
In 1 Corinthians 14:34
Paul says “as the law also says…” but there is no direct quote or teaching found in the Old Testament on this. Similarly to what Jesus says to Nicodemus about being “born again.” There isn’t a verse anywhere in the OT mentioning “born again.” Yet in both cases, the teachings are there in the Old Testament! Paul wasn’t referring to a specific verse, but an overall teaching: Genesis 3:16, Numbers 30:3-13 and Esther 1:17-20, for example. When taken together prayerfully, God will give understanding (cf. 2 Timothy 2:7)
In 1 John 1:5
John did the best he could to sum up the essence of Christ’s message that they all heard. There isn’t a direct quote or saying of that anywhere.
Composite / General Teaching
In Romans 11:7-8
Paul is referencing both Isaiah 29:10 and Deuteronomy 29:4 making it one quote.
In 1 Corinthians 7:10,12
Paul says, “I, not the Lord, says…” To the unmarried, Christ didn’t give any direct command. Are we to ignore what Paul said then? Certainly not. Paul had the Spirit of God (v.40) and under the inspiration of the Spirit, he gave us the composite/general teaching of the whole Bible, even though there isn’t a single Old Testament passage that teach what he’s teaching.
In James 4:5
We read, “Do ye think the scripture saith in vain…” but there is no direct quotation of it anywhere in the entire Bible.
In 2 Peter 2:22
“a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” This is nowhere to be found in the entire Bible. Either it’s a composite / general teaching of Scriptures or a source outside the Bible, like what Paul did in his speeches and writings.
Pearl-Stringing
A great example of this is found in Romans 3:10-18 that I came across while looking through the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible:
“Paul uses five quotations from different parts of the OT to underline that sin is universal. It is possible, though by no means certain, that early Christians gathered together this series of references before Paul’s ministry began. It echoes a Jewish practice called “pearl-stringing,” citing OT texts on a particular theme. The series is framed by quotations using the opening words “there is no” to show that all people, without exception, are caught in sin’s power (vv. 10, 11, 12, 18). In between, quotations focus on the evidence of sin in human speaking (vv. 13–14) and general lifestyle (vv. 15–17).”
Unbelief is the Problem
When you ask, “Where in the Bible does it say that?” What do you have in mind specifically?
A direct quotation?
If so, are we to deny the doctrine of “born again” since that is nowhere to be found in Scriptures?
Overall teaching or Composite / General teaching?
If so, then we must be willing to listen and search the Scripture. We must humble ourselves and search the Scripture prayerfully and reason together.
But the human heart is full of pride and unbelief is the problem. Even if there is a direct quotation of it, in pride the heart is still able to twist and deny its plain meaning and teaching. In reality, the question, “Where in the Bible does it say that?” is very often not asked in the spirit of humility but pride.
The thoughts and teachings of God are exceedingly broad (Psalms 119:96), and not everything can be found in a single passage. It’s not for the lazy, but for the diligent (cf. Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15). This is why it’s not always easy to answer, “Where in the Bible does it say that?” For the deep truth of the Gospel requires much searching and a mind that is daily renewed to see it. The spirit of anti-christ knows this and will seize the opportunity when cornered.
Before I was reformed, I was obsessed with “Where in the Bible does it say that?” This can lead to an argumentative spirit. But after I became reformed, I see things in a different light. I realized that knowing God and walking in His truth is really the key to knowing and seeing more of His truth. What good is a direct quotation if the heart is not ready? And if the heart is ready, it can see beyond a direct quotation and need not ask for it. A heart that is ready can hear His voice.
See Also
Where in the Bible does it say that?