I subscribe to the Knowable Word blog and enjoy the articles by Peter Krol. On October 25, 2019, his blog published a guest post by Angie Stanley about a “journible.” The link is to “Why I Love Journibles” (October 25, 2019) https://www.knowableword.com/2019/10/25/why-i-love-journibles/ . Before reading the post, I had never heard of a “journible.” While a “journible” is available for purchase for different books of the Bible, you can take a notebook or journal with blank pages and write the Scripture on one page and your notes, observations, etc. on the opposing page. Right now, I am studying 1 John. Even though I have spent a lot of time in my studies, after reading the article, I decided to “journible” 1 John. So far, I have discovered benefits from using a “journible.”
Angie Stanley’s post lists five concrete benefits from using a “journible.” First, using a “journible” “slows me down.” It makes sense that writing out the Scripture takes more time than reading the text. More time is necessary when a Bible student proofreads the written text comparing it to the text in their Bible. I am using a 9.75”x7.5” composition notebook (100 sheets) with wide line spacing. The Bible is the ESV translation with super giant print. By using a Bible with super giant print, I believe I reduce my copying errors.
Second, by using a “journible”, “observations come to mind.” She is correct when she writes [italics in the original]:
… the exercise of physically writing out a passage word for word presents a prime opportunity to observe details within the text.
Even though I have studied 1 John in detail, “journibling” reveals some interesting aspects. For example, while not earth-shattering, in the first four verses John uses the word “which” six times. In Greek, six uses of hos or hostis the ESV translates as “which” or “that which.”
Third, using a “journible” helps the “themes jump out.” By writing out the text, it becomes easier to see repetitions of words and phrases and other clues to the author’s intent. I have been “journibling” one paragraph a page or even using two pages for one paragraph. I believe this technique helps me better appreciate the themes. For example, the theme of confession, forgiveness, and cleansing reveals itself in 1 John 1:5-10.
Fourth, using a “journible” helps “answers present themselves.” My experience, even though it is limited, is consistent with what Mrs. Stanley writes:
Because writing out a passage allows my brain time to process what it is reading, this approach lends itself to being attentive to answers to questions that may surface, even as I write.
In addition to answering questions, using a “journible” helps me formulate questions of the text. It is conducive to asking the 5 W’s and H questions.
Finally, the “journible” becomes a reference. While I am still “journibiling,” what she says is true. My notebook will be a permanent record of my study of 1 John, and what I took away at this time in my life.
Angie Stanley’s post is a great post, and a recommend you read it at knowableword.com.
Thanks for your interest in the stevebelsheim.com blog.
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