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Parse

Use parsing when you want to analyze a smaller section of scripture, such as a limited number of verses or paragraphs. Through parsing, we create a diagram of the specific passage, and see how the parts relate to each other. It is similar to outlining, except it is much more low-level, as we break out specific parts of sentences rather than high-level sections of a sermon or story.

When you parse a sentence, start by determining the subject(s) and verb(s). Then copy the sentence to your notes and align it to the left margin. Add dividing vertical lines between each of the verbal clauses you can find in the sentence (and potentially other significant sections you might find).

Next, break out each division to a new line below the previous one. Continue this process until you have broken the entire sentence or paragraph down into a stacked list of sequential clauses, with each verb generally on its own line.

Once the phrases are separated, you can begin to show relations between the phrases by either 1) keeping them at an equivalent level of indentation to the previous phrase to show that they are parallel to each other, or 2) adding an extra layer of indentation (nesting) to a phrase to show that it is subordinate to (or controlled by) the previous phrase.

Once the structure is set up, you can draw lines between the phrases to clearly show the connections, and highlight the notable verbs (or other words you want to focus on). Additionally, it can be helpful to add phrases that you consider to be parenthetical in brackets.

Examples
For the natural man *is* an enemy to God, 
├── and *has been* [from the fall of Adam], 
└── and *will be*, [forever and ever], 
    └── unless he *yields* to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, 
        ├── and *putteth off* the natural man 
        ├── and *becometh* a saint [through the atonement of Christ the Lord], 
        └── and *becometh* as a child, 
            ├── submissive, 
            ├── meek, 
            ├── humble, 
            ├── patient, 
            ├── full of love, 
            └── willing to *submit* to all things 
                ├── which the Lord *seeth fit* 
                │   └── to *inflict* upon him, 
                └── even as a child doth submit to his father.

Mosiah 3:19

By completing this exercise, we have a visible hierarchy in the passage, which can lend valuable insights to further help us interpret the message, and which will draw out additional questions from the text.

We can extract even more of the author's message by examining the grammar they use. Consider closely the subject(s) of each phrase including any pronouns used; these help us know who is speaking, who is being spoken to, and what their relationship is. Ask why particular verbs were chosen, and think about the use and meaning of different types of punctuation and connections between phrases and sentences. All these will help you to better comprehend the text.

tip

Remember that if we are studying an English Bible, we are viewing a translation of an original text, so it could be helpful to compare to the original Greek or Hebrew when thinking about the grammar.