Contrast and comparison are common teaching tools used by the biblical authors. Learning to spot and understand these literary devices during your observation will greatly enhance your Bible study.

Observation is the first step of inductive Bible study. Before we can know what a passage means we must see what it says. Observation includes looking for content, structure, and literary features like contrast and comparison. (Also see “What is Inductive Bible Study,” “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study,” and “Biblical Interpretation: How to Understand the Bible.”)

Contrasts and Comparisons as a Teaching Tool

Presenting two things, people, or concepts side-by-side broadens understanding of spiritual truth. Comparison helps us gain understanding of something unfamiliar or less known by showing how it is like something better known or understood. Contrast builds understanding by showing us how two things are different from each other.

Biblical authors often used word pictures like similes or metaphors as comparison tools. Something familiar and tangible provides a great starting place to explore a concept or truth that is unfamiliar and intangible. For instance, in Matthew 13 we find a series of similes Jesus gave to help His listeners understand the nature of the Kingdom of God. They knew physical, earthly kingdoms, but God’s kingdom is spiritual in nature and eternal in scope. (Also see “How to Understand the Metaphors and Similes in the Bible.”)

Contrasts and comparisons may be brief and contained within one sentence. For instance, in the book of Proverbs, Solomon quickly but powerfully contrasts wisdom and foolishness:

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. Proverbs 10:1 ESV

However, other contrasts or comparisons can span a short paragraph, a longer passage, or even a whole book. An example of a short paragraph contrast is found in John 3:16-21 where Jesus contrasts belief with unbelief. For an example of a longer passage, see Ephesians 2:1-21 where Paul contrasts our “before salvation” condition with our “after.” Paul used the entire letter to the Galatians to contrast the Law with grace. 

Sometimes the Author Combines Contrast and Comparison

There are also many instances in Scripture where the biblical author uses both contrast and comparison in the same passage. My favorite psalm – Psalm 1 – is a prime example. The psalmist uses all six verses to contrast the “righteous” with the “wicked.” But the heart of the psalm also compares the person who delights in and meditates on God’s Word to a tree planted by streams of water. The person who grounds her life on God’s Word will be spiritually vital and useful to God’s kingdom. 

We find another example in Matthew 7:13-14. Jesus compares eternal destruction to a wide, easy road/gate and contrasts it with the “narrow gate” and “difficult road” that leads to eternal life.

Five Steps to Understand Contrasts and Comparisons

So, what should we do when we think we’ve spotted a contrast or comparison in Scripture? The following steps will help you think through what the biblical author intended. 

Pinpoint the contrast or comparison – Spot the two things, concepts, or people the author is holding forth. Sometimes repeated words or phrases make this easy, but not always. Also look for synonyms. Based on the content, recognize which of these two the author wants to primarily teach about.Determine the scope – As in all our Bible study, we must make sure we keep the comparison or contrast in its full literary context. Pull back to see where the author begins and ends his discussion. (Also see “How Biblical Literary Context Aids our Understanding.”)Look for the relationship/Identify whether it’s a contrast or comparison – Notice how each side of the contrast or comparison is described. If both are primarily positive, then the author is making a comparison. If one is positive and one negative, it’s a contrast. Briefly summarize how the author describes each side.Name the points of differences and/or similarities – I typically draw a two-column table to list the differences and/or similarities. For instance, for Ephesians 2:1-22 I’d label one “Before” and the other “After.” I’d list the characteristics of each, keeping any directly contrasting characteristics across from each other in the two columns. Under “Before” I’d list “dead in trespasses (vs 5)” and “separated from Christ (vs 12).” Under “After, I’d list “alive with Christ (vs 5)” and “brought near to Christ (vs 13).” Summarize the main idea – To understand what the author wants us to learn identify his primary line of argument. For instance, in Hebrews 3, the author compared Jesus with Moses. Yes, Moses was great. And although Jesus is somewhat like Moses, He is far greater. Therefore, if we honor Moses, we should worship Jesus.A Few More Examples to Check Out

If you’d like to see more examples of contrast and comparison in Scripture, here are a few more of my favorites.

John 8:12-12-30 (comparison and contrast) – Jesus compared Himself with “light.” Then, contrasted Himself with the Pharisees. The comparison teaches us about the nature of Jesus.John 15:1-11 (comparison) – This extended metaphor compares Jesus to a grape vine, helping us to understand what it means to abide in and follow Him.Romans 5:12-21 (contrast) – Paul contrasted the spiritual death that came to all through Adam’s sin with the eternal, spiritual life that comes through Jesus.Colossians 3:1-17 (comparison and contrast) – Paul compares turning away from sin to “death” and living as God’s people as “putting on” or clothing ourselves in His righteousness. He also contrasted these two ways of life.Hebrews 12:18-24 (comparison and contrast) – The author compared the Old Covenant and New Covenant to two mountains, Sinai and Zion, and contrasted them. 

What is your favorite comparison or contrast in the Bible?

How to Understand Contrasts and Comparisons in the Bible by Kathy Howard.