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Key Words and Phrases

The next beneficial study technique is to look for key words and phrases that are valuable for understanding the passage. Ask what these words and phrases mean, where they come from, and why the author chose them.

Sometimes, scriptural authors use certain words and phrases to connect their words to a previous sermon, event, or scripture. After identifying key words and phrases, we can glance back and glance forward to look for additional places in scripture where they have been used.

note

Glancing back and forward is separate from general cross-referencing. When glancing back and glancing forward, you are looking for intentional connections the author themselves made between passages, whereas in general cross-referencing, you are making connections yourself between passages based on concepts or doctrines as you understand them, but which may not have been intended by the author.

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Example

Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

D&C 4:1

When glancing back on the phrase "a marvelous work", we see that it calls back to Isaiah:

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Isaiah 29:14

This scripture has frequently been interpreted by modern prophets as referring to the restoration of the gospel, and more specifically to the gathering of Israel. So when we see this phrase in D&C 4, and in many other sections, it is meant to call our minds to this subject.