The study materials from The Scofield Reference Bible are now available on Blue Letter Bible. This extensive work, published in 1909, was born out of C.I. Scofield’s conviction that printed Bibles were lacking thorough, in-line study resources. He then undertook the task of creating his own with the help of a wide group of conservative Christian scholars.
In the introduction, (which you can read here), the “distinctive features” of this work are clearly outlined. The following is a synthesized list of these features:
- An enhanced, purposeful system of reference seeking to display Christ from Genesis through Revelation in a clear, connected line
- A collection of detailed notes, summaries, and definitions “winnowed and attested” from the works of contemporary theologians of the author’s time
- Explanatory footnotes and helps to provide clarification and context to sections not easily understood by a modern, English reader
- Summaries to topical lines of reference to guard against “hasty generalizations” and to explain Scripture’s total view on a subject
- Definitions for complex theological terms laid out in “simple, non-technical terms” to promote understanding
- Introductions and analysis for each book of the Bible
- Subheadings utilized to divide Scripture into paragraphs while “preserving the chapter and verse division”
- Extensive explanation on the Prophets, which the author felt were grossly misunderstood during his time by the average reader
- Analysis of biblical covenants to connect them together and to Christ
- Distinguishing of the Dispensations to show “the majestic, progressive order of the divine dealings of God with humanity”
The Blue Letter Bible content team has also included significant value to this resource through several additions, such as the following:
- Definition of older terms (examples: Genesis 1:24-25; Proverbs 2:7)
- Clarifying statements that do not make sense outside the author’s context (example: Exodus 25:39)
- Linking to the original Hebrew & Greek words (examples: Job 9:9; Romans 1:8)
- Directly linking to appropriate search results (example: Romans 3:23)
We pray that this comprehensive work is of benefit to you during your time of study. It is truly a blessing to provide a volume so similar to ours in its intent; to reveal the written Word of God so that the reader may better know the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. May God bless your time in His Word!