Arcing The Word of God

presents
Arcing the Word of God

An introductory seminar on using the tool of
arcing to discover the meaning of Scriptural Texts
Prayer for this seminar
That God would increase your ambition to
rightly handle the Word of truth and give you
greater understanding of this Word, so that you
may grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
(Your worship via right understanding and right affections for God’s glory.)
What is arcing?
(1st pass)
What is arcing?
Arcing is a graphical tool used to discern,
display, and discuss the flow of thought in
the Biblical text.
What is arcing?
the Biblical text.
Why did Jesus say that after he said that?

Why did Paul use a “for” between these two verses?
What is the author’s main point in this text?
What is arcing?
the Biblical text.
What is arcing?
the Biblical text.
What is arcing?
Meditate Meditate
Meditate
Meditate Meditate
Meditate Split + Ask + Label
Meditate Meditate
Meditate
Meditate Meditate
Meditate
Why arcing?
(1st pass)
Why arcing?
Scriptural Warrant: the situation
2 Peter 3:14-18
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be
found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the
patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul
also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in
all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are
some things in them that are hard to understand, which the
ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the
other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand,
take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless
people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory
both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Why arcing?
Scriptural Warrant: our calling
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved, a worker who has no need to be
ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Why arcing?
Scriptural Warrant: how to obey, in part
2 Timothy 2:7
Think over what I say, for the Lord will

give you understanding in everything.
Why arcing?
We read the Bible cross-culturally
“The Bible was not written to you,

but it was written for you.”
Why arcing?
Slowing down
John Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals, p. 75

“But several strong forces oppose our relentless and
systematic interrogating of Biblical texts. One is that it
consumes a great deal of time and energy on one small
portion of Scripture. We have been schooled (quite
erroneously) that there is a direct correlation between
reading a lot and gaining insight.
Why arcing?
Slowing down
John Piper, cont.

“But, in fact, there is no positive correlation at all
between the quantity of pages read and the quality of
insight gained. Just the reverse for most of us. Insight
diminishes as we try to read more and more. Insight or
understanding is the product of intensive, headache
producing meditation on two or three propositions and
how they fit together. This kind of reflection and
rumination is provoked by asking questions of the text.
And you cannot do it if you hurry.”
Why arcing?
Slowing down
John Piper, cont.

“Therefore, we must resist the deceptive urge to carve
notches in our bibliographic gun. Take two hours to
ask ten questions of Galatians 2:20, and you will gain
one hundred times the insight you would have attained
by quickly reading thirty pages of the New Testament
or any other book. Slow down. Query. Ponder.
Chew.”
Why arcing?
Particulars
1. Paul makes arguments in scripture.

(Words like “for” & “so that” have
significance)
2.
3.
Why arcing?
Particulars
John Piper, Biblical Exegesis, p. 10
“The point of seeing propositions in relationship is not

merely to elucidate the meaning of each proposition,
but also to help us grasp the flow of an author’s
argument. It was a life-changing revelation to me
when I discovered that Paul, for example, did not
merely make a collection of divine pronouncements,
but that he argued. This meant, for me, a whole new
approach to Bible reading.”
Why arcing?
Particulars

significance)
2. Meaning is found in context. But not just

topical contextit is found in the flow of
thought.
3.
Why arcing?
Particulars

significance)
2. Meaning is found in context. But not just

topical contextit is found in the flow of
thought.
3. You can visually represent your wrestlings

and therefore think better.
What is arcing?
(2nd pass)
What is arcing?
1. Split
2. Ask
3. Label
What is arcing?
1. Split the passage into propositions.

2. Ask
3. Label
What is arcing?

2. Ask questions of how the propositions relate.
3. Label
What is arcing?

3. Label the relationships with arcs & abbreviations.

What is arcing?
Pray and ask God’s help to understand his Word.

What is arcing?

Meditate! (“So-what, soul?!”)
What is arcing?

Meditate! (“So-what, soul?!”)
Why arcing?
(2nd pass)
Why arcing?
Final Motivation
John Piper, Biblical Exegesis, p. 5
“An evangelical believes that God humbled himself not

only in the incarnation of the Son, but also in the
inspiration of the Scriptures. The manger and the
cross were not sensational. Neither are grammar and
syntax. But that is how God chose to reveal himself. A
poor Jewish peasant and a prepositional phrase have
this in common, they are both human and both
ordinary. That the poor peasant was God and the
prepositional phrase is the Word of God does not
change this fact.
Why arcing?
Final Motivation
John Piper, cont.
“Therefore, if God humbled himself to take on human

flesh and to speak human language, woe to us if we
arrogantly presume to ignore the humanity of Christ
and the grammar of Scripture.”
Breaking Down the
Steps

Split the passage
into propositions.
Splitting propositions
This is a preparatory step.
We first split-up the passage into

propositions so that we have the pieces.
After this preparation, we can ask how
the pieces fit together.
Basic grammar
Propositions are verbal (i.e. verb-like, not audible) ideas.
The type of verb within the proposition can vary...
• Indicative - “Bill ate the sandwich.”

• Imperative - “Eat the sandwich!”
• Infinitive - “[Bill went to the store] to buy a
sandwich.”
• Subjunctive - “Bill may have eaten the sandwich.”
• Participles - “[Bill found a sandwich] by going to the
store.”
• Implied - “[Bill ate the sandwich,] and afterward the
cookie.”
Basic grammar
There are exceptions, of course.
Two instances that the presence of a verb does not

establish a separate proposition:
1. When the verbal idea is used as the subject or object

(a)John 5:10 “So the Jews said to the man who had been
healed,”
(b)Rom 8:6 “To set the mind on the flesh is death,”
2.Helper-type verb + infinitive
(when the verbal ideas are difficult to separate)
(a)Gen 4:26 “At that time people began to call upon the
name of the LORD.”
Example: John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life. For God did not
send his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but in order that the world might be saved
through him.
through him.
through him.
through him.
through him.
through him.
through him.
through him.
Practice together: Romans 8:1-8

Practice in groups:
Choose a 3-5 verse paragraph.
Ask questions of how
the propositions relate.
&
Label the
relationships with arcs
& abbreviations.
Logical Relationships
Series (S)
Classification: Coordinate
Definition: Each proposition makes its own
independent contribution to a whole.
Conjunctions: and, moreover, furthermore,
likewise, neither, nor, etc.
Series (S)
Example: Matthew 24:29
Series (S)
Example: Psalm 108:8-9
Series (S)
Example: Mark 6:1
Progression (P)
Definition: Like series, but each proposition is a
further step toward a climax.
Conjunctions: then, and, moreover,
furthermore, etc.
Progression (P)
Distinction: Series vs. Progression
Progression is different from Series in that Progression moves in
a direction, whereas Series takes the form of a cluster of ideas.
One helpful way to make this distinction is to try re-ordering the
given propositions. If you can re-order them and the meaning is
not significantly changed, it is a Series. If you find, rather, that
the order does matters, it is a Progression.
Some of the best things to do in Philadelphia are seeing the
liberty bell, going to an Eagle's game and eating a cheesesteak.
(Series)
To tie your shoes, tighten the laces, make a knot, and confirm it
is secure. (Progression)
Progression (P)
Example: Romans 8:30
Progression (P)
Example: Mark 4:28
Progression (P)
Example: Genesis 37:7
Alternate (A)
Definition: Each proposition expresses a
different possibility arising from a situation.
Conjunctions: or, but, while, on the other hand,
etc.
Alternate (A)
Alternate (A)
Action-Manner (Ac/Mn)
Classification: Subordinate > Restatement
Definition: An action and a more precise
statement indicating the way or manner in
which this action is carried out.
Conjunctions: in that, by, etc. Also adverbial
participles.
Example: Philippians 2:7
Example: Colossians 1:9
Comparison (Cf)
Definition: An action and a statement that
clarifies that action by showing what it is like.
Conjunctions: even as, as…so, like, just as, etc.
Comparison (Cf)
Distinction: Action-Manner vs. Comparison
Comparison is more specific than Action-Manner. Thus, when
you find a proposition that is telling you the manner in which an
action happened through the use of comparison, it is better to
use the Comparison label as the "deeper" relationship.
He quickly finished his dinner, stuffing the food into his mouth.
(Action-Manner)
You eat like a man trying to win a hot dog eating contest!
(Comparison)
Comparison (Cf)
Example: John 20:21
Comparison (Cf)
Example: 1 Corinthians 11:1
Comparison (Cf)
Example: 1 Thessalonians 2:7
Negative-Positive (-/+)
Definition: Two statements, one of which is
denied so that the other is enforced. This is also
the relationship implicit in contrasting
statements.
Conjunctions: not…but, etc.
Distinction: Alternative vs. Negative-Positive
Alternative is different from Negative-Positive in that with
Alternative, there are two options in the author/speaker's mind.
Conversely, Negative-Positive acts like two sides of the same
coin.
Also, Alternative is a Coordinate relationship (neither
proposition is supporting the other) whereas Negative-Positive is
Subordinate, the negative proposition supporting the positive.
Hmm... Should I study for the exam this morning or sleep in?
(Alternative)
I did not lie, but told him the whole story. (Negative-Positive)
Example: Ephesians 5:17
Example: Hebrews 2:16
Example: Ephesians 5:18
Idea-Explanation (Id/Exp)
Definition: The relationship between an original
statement and one clarifying its meaning. The
clarifying proposition may expound on only one
word of the associated arc or its entirety.
Conjunctions: that is, etc.
Distinction: Action-Manner vs. Idea-Explanation
Action-Manner can be thought of as the Idea-Explanation of
verbs.
Whereas with Idea-Explanation we find the explanation
describing a single noun or an entire concept, Action-Manner
tells us more about the action happening. You should be able to
paraphrase an Action-Manner with the word "by."
Bill drove to New Jersey, speeding the entire way. (Action-
Manner)
Bill drove to New Jersey, going home to where he grew up.
(Idea-Explanation)
Distinction: Comparison vs. Idea-Explanation
Comparison is more specific than Idea-Explanation. Thus, when
you find a proposition that is explaining another more through
the use of comparison, it is better to use the Comparison label as
the "deeper" relationship.
That restaurant serves amazing pizza, like the kind they make
in Italy. (Comparison)
That restaurant serves amazing pizza; its deep dish crust is
second to none. (Idea-Explanation)
Example: Psalm 2:7
Example: Romans 4:7-8
Question-Answer (Q/A)
Definition: The statement of a question and the
answer to that question.
Conjunctions: (question mark)
Example: Romans 4:3
Example: Psalms 24:3-4
Ground (G)
Classification: Subordinate > Distinct Statement
Definition: A statement and the argument or
reason for the statement (supporting proposition
follows).
Conjunctions: for, because, since, etc.
Ground (G)
Distinction: Idea-Explanation vs. Ground
"For" and "because" are common connecting words which
indicate a Ground relationship. However, sometimes we find
these words presenting a further explanation of what preceded,
not a logical basis.
The easiest way of determining which relationship is more
appropriate for a given text is to ask whether the author/speaker
is restating what was said before with further explanation (Idea-
Explanation) or making a distinct statement which supports
what preceded (Ground).
Jesus is glorious, for he shines forth perfection. (Idea-Expl)
Jesus is glorious, for he is just like the Father. (Ground)
Ground (G)
Ground (G)
Ground (G)
Example: Philippians 2:25-26
Inference (∴)
Definition: A statement and the argument or
reason for the statement (supporting proposition
precedes).
Conjunctions: therefore, consequently,
accordingly, etc.
Inference (∴)
Distinction: Ground vs. Inference
When the supporting statement precedes, it is an Inference
relationship. When the supporting statment follows, it is a
Ground relationship.
Thus, in both cases the label will always be in the second of the
two arcs.
Bill ate the donut because he was hungry. (Ground)
Bill was hungry and so ate the donut. (Inference)
Inference (∴)
Example: 1 Peter 4:7
Inference (∴)
Inference (∴)
Example: Matthew 23:2-3
Bilateral (BL)
Definition: A proposition that supports two other
propositions, one proceeding and one following.
Conjunctions: for, because, therefore, so, etc.
Bilateral (BL)
Distinction: Ground & Inference vs. Bilateral
Use Bilateral when you have three propositions that you want to
relate, the grounding one sandwiched between two inferences.
Conversely, Gound and Inference will only relate two
propositions (or groups of propositions).
I need to do my taxes because it is already April. (Ground)
It is already April. I really need to do my taxes! (Inference)
I need to do my taxes because it is April 14th. I really need to do
my taxes! (Bilateral)
Bilateral (BL)
Example: Psalm 67:4-5
Bilateral (BL)
Example: Genesis 29:3-4
Bilateral (BL)
Example: 2 Kings 15:16
Action-Result (Ac/Res)
Definition: An action and a consequence or result
which accompanies that action.
Conjunctions: so that, that, with the result that,
etc.
Distinction: Action-Manner vs. Action-Result
Action-Manner is support by restatement, whereas Action-Result
and Action-Purpose are support by distinct statement. Therefore
the manner is not telling you something entirely distinct from
the action, but telling you more information about the action.
Bill threw the ball by swinging his arm around in a circle.
(Action-Manner)
Bill threw the ball and it broke his grandmother's vase.
(Action-Result)
Distinction: Inference vs. Action-Result
Inference focusses more on the logical outcome of a truth or
reality. Action-Result connotes a cause-effect relationship.
Jesus commanded that the sea be still. Therefore we need not be
afraid. (Inference)
Jesus commanded that the sea be still and it was still. (Action-
Result)
Example: James 1:11
Example: Mark 4:29
Action-Purpose (Ac/Pur)
Definition: An action and the one that is intended to
come as a result.
Conjunctions: in order that, so that, that, with a
view to, to the end that, lest, etc.
Distinction: Ground vs. Action-Purpose
Both Ground and Action-Purpose answer the question "Why?".
The difference is that with Ground, the supported action or
reality looks back (chronologically or logically) to the truth of the
grounding idea. Conversely, with Action-Purpose, the action
looks forward with the intention to bring about the purposed
result.
Bill kicked the football because he was the field goal kicker.
(Ground)
Bill kicked the football in order to attempt a field goal. (Action-
Purpose)
Distinction: Action-Result vs. Action-Purpose
The difference between Action-Result and Action-Purpose lies in
the question of intention. Was it a purpose intended by the
actor? Or was it a result, not particularly sought by the one doing
the action? (Note: Actions with non-personal actors will be
Action-Result.)
The line between these two can be thin, however, when God is
the actor. (Could we not say that God has purpose in every
action?) In this case, ask the question of whether purpose is
being emphasized.
Bill threw the ball and it broke his mother's vase. (Ac-Res)
Bill threw the ball in order to knock over the cans. (Ac-Pur)
Example: Romans 1:11
Example: Mark 7:9
Conditional (If/Th)
Definition: Like Action-Result, except that the
existence of the action is only potential.
Conjunctions: if…then, provided that, except, etc.
Conditional (If/Th)
Distinction: Action-Result vs. Conditional
Both Action-Result and Conditional contain the idea of an
outcome that results from an action or truth. The difference lies
in Conditional stressing the contingent nature of the action or
truth (and therefore the contingent nature of the outcome).
Bill parked in front of the fire hydrant and received a ticket.
(Action-Result)
If you park in front of a fire hidrant, you will receive a ticket.
(Conditional)
Conditional (If/Th)
Example: Galatians 5:18
Conditional (If/Th)
Example: Galatians 6:1
Conditional (If/Th)
Example: John 15:14
Temporal (T)
Definition: A statement and the occasion when it is
true or can occur.
Conjunctions: when, whenever, after, before, etc.
Temporal (T)
Example: James 1:2
Temporal (T)
Example: Luke 6:22
Locative (L)
Definition: A statement and the place where it is
true or can occur.
Conjunctions: where, wherever, etc.
Locative (L)
Locative (L)
Locative (L)
Example: Ruth 1:16
Concessive (Csv)
Classification: Subordinate > Contrary Statement
Definition: A statement and a seemingly contrary
statement that the author/speaker acknowledges.
Conjunctions: although…yet, although, yet,
nevertheless, but, however, etc.
Concessive (Csv)
Distinction: Negative-Positive vs. Concessive
With Negative-Positive, we find the author/speaker asserting one
thing in two ways: with negation and affirmation. With
Concessive, we also find the author/speaker asserting a single
thing, but in a different manner; the author/speaker makes a
concession of a seemingly contrary truth whose
acknowledgement turns to strengthen his/her declaration.
Bill does not like black coffee, but really enjoys his cream and
sugar. (Negative-Positive)
Bill is a picky eater, but he does like fish. (Concessive)
Concessive (Csv)
Example: Hebrews 5:8
Concessive (Csv)
Situation-Response (Sit/R)
Classification: Subordinate > Contrary Statement
Definition: A situation and its surprising or
counter-intuitive response.
Conjunctions: and, etc.
Distinction: Progression vs. Situation-Response
Often times it is difficult to know how to relate the elements of a
dialog.
The first thing you want to do is decide whether you are going to
arc it with focus on the author's intent or with focus on the
motives of the dialoging individuals. (Both can be helpful.)
Where you land on this decision will likely determine your use of
Progression (the author progressing his purpose along via the
elements of the dialog) or Situation-Response (those in the
dialog responding to one another).
Distinction: Action-Result vs. Situation-Response
Additionally, these two logical relationships differ in where they
emphasize volition. With Action-Result, the action is most often
that of a person, with the result being the natural consequence.
With Situation-Response, the emphasis of choice falls more upon
the response.
Bill went sailing when it was not windy and got stuck on the
lake. (Action-Result)
Even though it was not windy out, Bill still went sailing.
(Situation-Response)
Distinction: Concessive vs. Situation-Response
The primary difference between these two relationship is one of
emphasis. With Concessive, the stress is that something is true
despite the fact of a reality that seems to contradict at first
glance. With Situation-Response, on the other hand, we find an
emphasis placed on someone's surprising response to a situation.
I am not hungry, but I do still want to eat. (Concessive)
It was an all-you-can-eat buffet, but I did not each much.
(Situation-Response)
Example: James 2:19
Nuggets
+
Digging beneath “and”
+
Finding the main point
Nuggets
Nuggets
Start with the Low-Hanging Fruit
Nuggets
Remember that Arcing as a Process

Nuggets
Choose the “Deeper” Logical Relationship

Nuggets
Choose the “Deeper” Logical Relationship
You do not understand it (enough)

if you cannot paraphrase it.
Nuggets
Arcing is a tool...like a hammer. True,
you cannot use a hammer for
everything, but in most projects it will
prove useful.
Nuggets
Arcing is a tool...like a hammer. True,
you cannot use a hammer for
everything, but in most projects it will
prove useful.
Arcing is not a science, but it also is not

arbitrary; you must prove your
conclusions.
Nuggets
Biblical authors did not have arcs in
mind while writing, but arcing helps us
discern what they did have in mind.
Nuggets
Biblical authors did not have arcs in
mind while writing, but arcing helps us
discern what they did have in mind.
The goal of any tool is to get to a place

where you are no longer thinking about
how to use the tool, but rather the object
you are using it on. The goal of arcing is
meditation on the Bible.
“What did you do in Philadelphia?”
We did family research and explored the city. (S)

We walked around the city and got sun burns. (Ac/Res)
We drove to the city center and went to Franklin Square. (P)
We toured around and saw the Liberty Bell. (Ac/Mn)
We ate philly cheesesteaks and we enjoyed every minute of
it. (Id/Exp)
We kept getting lost and never consulted a map. (Csv)
Our car rental reservation company turned out to be a flop
and we vowed never to use “Rent-a-Wreck” again! (∴)
Biblical practice...
1. 1John 3:12 For this is the gospel message that you have heard
from the beginning: that we should love one another, not like
Cain who was of the evil one and brutally murdered his
brother.
2.James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have
works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show
you faith by my works.
3.1John 4:10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but
that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice
for our sins.
4.John 5:43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not
accept me.
The main point is the bottom-line message of the
author/speaker in a given passage.
It is not necessarily:
• the most glorious truth in the passage
• your favorite part of the passage
• the most surprising part of the passage
The main point is the proposition(s) of the passage

that the rest of the propositions are there to support
or explain.
1. Complete your arc.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2. Start with the largest arcs.
3.
4.
5.
3. Ask of each relationship, “Which is the main piece
and which is the supporting piece?” (This assumes
it is a Sub-ordinate relationship; if Coordinate,
then they both are the main piece.)
4.
5.
4. Look at the next largest arcs underneath the
“main piece.”
5.
4. Look at the next largest arcs underneath the
“main piece.”
5. Repeat steps 3-4 until you are down to a single
proposition (or a single group of Coordinate propositions.)
Logical relationships that are “a given” when it comes to determining which
is the main piece and which is the supporting piece (“main piece” is bold
blue):
Ac/Mn Cf/ −/+ Id/Exp /G

/∴ /BL/ T/ L/ Csv/ Sit/R
Logical relationships which are not “a given”; content and context must
guide you to determining which is the main piece:
Q/A Ac/Res Ac/Pur If/Th
(Remember, Coordinate relationships [S, P, A] are both the “main point.”)

(If you follow these steps and discover that the main point
which your relationships indicate is clearly not the main
point of the passage, you need to re-evaluate your arc.)
If you have found the correct main point, knowing this will
help you understand better how the passage fits together as
a whole.

Arcing The Word of God

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presents

Arcing the Word of God

Why did Jesus say that after he said that?

Think over what I say, for the Lord will

“The Bible was not written to you,

John Piper, Brothers, We Are Not Professionals, p. 75

John Piper, cont.

John Piper, cont.

1. Paul makes arguments in scripture.

John Piper, Biblical Exegesis, p. 10

“The point of seeing propositions in relationship is not

1. Paul makes arguments in scripture.

2. Meaning is found in context. But not just

1. Paul makes arguments in scripture.

2. Meaning is found in context. But not just

3. You can visually represent your wrestlings

1. Split the passage into propositions.

1. Split the passage into propositions.

1. Split the passage into propositions.

3. Label the relationships with arcs & abbreviations.

3. Label the relationships with arcs & abbreviations.

3. Label the relationships with arcs & abbreviations.

3. Label the relationships with arcs & abbreviations.

John Piper, Biblical Exegesis, p. 5

“An evangelical believes that God humbled himself not

John Piper, cont.

“Therefore, if God humbled himself to take on human

3. Label the relationships with arcs & abbreviations.

We first split-up the passage into

Propositions are verbal (i.e. verb-like, not audible) ideas.

The type of verb within the proposition can vary...

• Indicative - “Bill ate the sandwich.”

There are exceptions, of course.

Two instances that the presence of a verb does not

1. When the verbal idea is used as the subject or object

Practice together: Romans 8:1-8

Remember that Arcing as a Process

Remember that Arcing as a Process

Choose the “Deeper” Logical Relationship

Remember that Arcing as a Process

Choose the “Deeper” Logical Relationship

You do not understand it (enough)

Arcing is not a science, but it also is not

The goal of any tool is to get to a place

We did family research and explored the city. (S)

The main point is the proposition(s) of the passage

Ac/Mn Cf/ −/+ Id/Exp /G

Q/A Ac/Res Ac/Pur If/Th

(Remember, Coordinate relationships [S, P, A] are both the “main point.”)

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