Verse mapping in my everyday journal is pretty messy but it really helped increase my understanding of the meaning of Hebrews 4:12.
Here is the basic process:
Write the verse from the NASB version of the Bible in my journal leaving space for definitions of words. The definitions were found on biblehub.com/interlinear/Hebrews/4-12.htm. I should have left more room to write definitions, which I wrote in green under the words.
Circle the words defined in the same color as the definitions. Because it was hard to read, I listed the words defined on the opposite page.
Look at other versions of the verse to gain more insight. Choose at least one other translation to write out. I chose The Passion Translation (see image directly below)
What is the context of the verse. Read before and after the verse and write down a summary of what is going on, and/or the main idea.
Write any information found that gives insight.
Summarize personal learning or gained from the text.
Apply or take action. (This was done on another page.)
After doing the verse-mapping in my everyday journal, I decided to put what I learned in my new Interleaved Journaling Bible. I Underlined the words in the verse that were defined in the list to the right of the verse, in the same color the words were written in.
I got a picture in my mind of the individual human as a circle, symbolizing a whole person, with three parts: the spirit as the center, surrounded by the soul, encircled by the physical presence. I saw the Word of God penetrating through the physical realm, into the psyche/soul which includes the mind, will and emotions, and into the core/spirit.
An interesting fact I found is the Greek word for 'dividing/division' is only used one other time in the Bible, also in the book of Hebrews. In that verse it means to distribute. Hebrews 2:4 ESV says, "while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."
I put my conclusion of what I've learned so far in blue pen: God's word penetrates to permeate my spirit, soul, and body with the presence, peace and power of the Living God to renew, heal, and transform m entire being.My prayer is, "open the eyes of my heart Lord. I will not harden my heart toward you."Here is the Bible journal page:
The Bible journal spread below highlights the verses my Bible journaling focuses on. I will likely color the scrolls and diagram with colored pencils, but it could be finished now.
ESV Journaling Bible, Interleaved Edition, Cloth over Board, Tan
The interleaved blank pages between each text page gives a whole page for journaling and illustrating.