bible-study

name	bible-study
description	Structured multi-step workflow with planning, execution, and quality control for comprehensive bible study. Use when users ask bible questions requiring in-depth study, theological analysis, or multi-faceted exploration.

Bible Study Skill

Overview

This skill provides a structured, agentic approach to bible study that mirrors professional biblical scholarship. When a user asks a bible question, you will create a preliminary action plan, define measurable outcomes, execute the plan using appropriate tools, and synthesize findings into a comprehensive report.

When to Use This Skill

Trigger this skill when:

• User asks in-depth bible questions requiring theological analysis
• User requests study of specific verses, passages, or biblical themes
• User wants to understand context, meaning, or application of scripture
• User asks comparative questions (e.g., "What does the Bible say about...")
• User requests exegetical or hermeneutical analysis
• User wants cross-references, word studies, or thematic exploration

DO NOT use for simple verse retrieval requests (e.g., "What is John 3:16?"). For those, directly use the appropriate biblemate tool.

Workflow Structure

Phase 1: Analysis & Planning

When a user asks a bible study question:

1. Analyze the Request: Identify what the user is asking for

   • What scripture(s) are involved?
   • What type of study is needed? (exegetical, thematic, applicational, comparative, etc.)
   • What depth of analysis is appropriate?
   • What specific questions need answering?

2. Refine and Engineer the Prompt: Improve the user's original request to ensure optimal results.

   • Identify and address ambiguities: Clarify unclear assumptions, missing information, or vague terms.
   • Rephrase for comprehension: Apply knowledge of language structures, syntax, and semantics to rephrase the prompt for better comprehension.
   • Contextualize: Consider the context, goals, and potential constraints of the task or request.
   • Optimize: Ensure the revised prompt is concise, yet comprehensive, and accurately reflects the user's needs.
   • Apply Best Practices: Specify output formats, provide examples, or define key terms as needed.

3. Create Preliminary Action Plan: Document your plan in a structured format

   # Preliminary Action Plan
   
   ## Study Objective
   [Clear statement of what you're studying and why]
   
   ## Study Steps
   1. **[Step Name]** - [Brief description]
      - Tool: `[appropriate biblemate tool]`
      - Purpose: [Why this step is needed]
   
   2. **[Step Name]** - [Brief description]
      - Tool: `[appropriate biblemate tool]`
      - Purpose: [Why this step is needed]
   
   [Continue for all steps...]
   
   # Measurable Outcomes
   
   ## Quality Control Criteria
   - [ ] [Specific criterion to verify]
   - [ ] [Specific criterion to verify]
   - [ ] [Specific criterion to verify]
   
   ## Expected Deliverables
   - [What the final report should contain]
   - [What insights should be provided]
   

4. Use task_boundary tool: Set mode to PLANNING with TaskName like "Bible Study: [Topic/Passage]"

Phase 2: Execution

Execute each step in your action plan:

1. Switch to EXECUTION mode using task_boundary
2. Call appropriate biblemate tools for each step in sequence
3. Document findings as you go - keep notes on key insights from each step
4. Adapt if needed - if you discover new relevant areas during execution, add them to your plan

Phase 3: Quality Control

Review your findings against measurable outcomes:

1. Switch to VERIFICATION mode using task_boundary
2. Check each quality criterion: Have you addressed all aspects?
3. Identify gaps: Are there questions left unanswered?
4. Fill gaps if needed: Return to EXECUTION to gather missing information

Phase 4: Synthesis & Reporting

Create a comprehensive final report:

1. Integrate all findings into a cohesive study document
2. Structure the report clearly:
   • Introduction: Recap the study objective
   • Key Findings: Organized by theme or study step
   • Theological Insights: Deeper meaning and interpretations
   • Practical Application: How this applies to life/ministry
   • Cross-References: Related passages and connections
   • Conclusion: Summary of main points
3. Create walkthrough artifact documenting the study process and results
4. Use notify_user to present findings

Available Biblemate Tools

Core Retrieval

• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_bible_verses - Get English verse text
• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_chinese_bible_verses - Get Chinese verse text
• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_bible_chapter - Get full chapter
• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_bible_cross_references - Get related verses
• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_hebrew_or_greek_bible_verses - Get original language text
• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_interlinear_hebrew_or_greek_bible_verses - Get word-by-word translation
• mcp_biblemate_retrieve_verse_morphology - Get grammatical analysis

Analysis & Commentary

• mcp_biblemate_read_bible_commentary - Get scholarly commentary
• mcp_biblemate_interpret_old_testament_verse - OT exegesis with Hebrew insights
• mcp_biblemate_interpret_new_testament_verse - NT exegesis with Greek insights
• mcp_biblemate_compare_bible_translations - Compare how translations render a verse

Thematic Study

• mcp_biblemate_study_bible_themes - Study themes in relation to content
• mcp_biblemate_study_old_testament_themes - OT thematic analysis
• mcp_biblemate_study_new_testament_themes - NT thematic analysis
• mcp_biblemate_expound_bible_topic - Detailed exposition on a topic
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_perspectives - Biblical perspectives and principles
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_theology - Theological messages and themes

Context & Background

• mcp_biblemate_write_old_testament_historical_context - Historical background for OT
• mcp_biblemate_write_new_testament_historical_context - Historical background for NT
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_canonical_context - Where passage fits in biblical narrative
• mcp_biblemate_anyalyze_psalms - Context and background of Psalms
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_book_introduction - Overview of a biblical book

Specialized Analysis

• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_chapter_summary - Detailed chapter interpretation
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_insights - Exegetical insights
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_thought_progression - Trace argument flow
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_outline - Structural outline
• mcp_biblemate_identify_bible_keywords - Extract key terms
• mcp_biblemate_explain_bible_meaning - Explain meaning of content
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_related_summary - Summary in reference to Bible
• mcp_biblemate_write_new_testament_highlights - Highlights in NT passage
• mcp_biblemate_write_old_testament_highlights - Highlights in OT passage

Translation & Language

• mcp_biblemate_translate_hebrew_bible_verse - Translate from Hebrew
• mcp_biblemate_translate_greek_bible_verse - Translate from Greek
• mcp_biblemate_refine_bible_translation - Improve translation accuracy

Application & Ministry

• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_sermon - Create sermon based on passage
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_devotion - Write devotional content
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_applications - Practical applications
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_questions - Discussion questions for groups
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_prayer - Prayer based on scripture
• mcp_biblemate_write_short_bible_prayer - Brief prayer (one paragraph)
• mcp_biblemate_write_pastor_prayer - Prayer from a pastor's heart

Expert Consultation

• mcp_biblemate_ask_bible_scholar - Ask academic biblical scholar
• mcp_biblemate_ask_theologian - Ask systematic theologian
• mcp_biblemate_ask_pastor - Ask church pastor

Reference & Study Aids

• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_character_study - Study biblical characters
• mcp_biblemate_write_bible_location_study - Study biblical places
• mcp_biblemate_quote_bible_promises - Find relevant promises
• mcp_biblemate_quote_bible_verses - Quote multiple relevant verses
• mcp_biblemate_search_the_whole_bible - Search for keywords/phrases

Tool Selection Guidelines

For Verse Analysis

Basic level: retrieve_bible_verses → read_bible_commentary Intermediate: Add cross_references + compare_translations Advanced: Add morphology + interlinear + interpret_verse + historical_context

For Topical Study

Basic: quote_bible_verses → expound_bible_topic Intermediate: Add study_bible_themes + cross_references Advanced: Add expert consultation (scholar/theologian/pastor)

For Sermon/Teaching Preparation

Flow: retrieve_chapter → write_outline → write_insights → write_applications → write_questions → write_sermon

For Word Study

Flow: retrieve_interlinear → retrieve_morphology → interpret_verse → compare_translations → identify_keywords

Example Study Plans

Example 1: Single Verse Deep Dive

Request: "Help me study Romans 8:28 in depth"

Preliminary Action Plan:

1. Retrieve Verse Context - Get Romans 8:26-30 for surrounding context

   • Tool: retrieve_bible_verses
   • Purpose: Understand the argument flow

2. Get Greek Analysis - Examine original language

   • Tool: retrieve_interlinear_hebrew_or_greek_bible_verses
   • Purpose: Understand key Greek terms like "synergei" (works together)

3. Translation Comparison - See how different translations render key phrases

   • Tool: compare_bible_translations
   • Purpose: Identify translation nuances

4. Read Commentary - Get scholarly insights

   • Tool: read_bible_commentary
   • Purpose: Learn from biblical scholars

5. Theological Interpretation - Get detailed exegesis

   • Tool: interpret_new_testament_verse
   • Purpose: Understand theological meaning

6. Cross-References - Find related passages

   • Tool: retrieve_bible_cross_references
   • Purpose: See biblical connections

Measurable Outcomes:

• Explained the meaning of "all things work together for good"
• Clarified who this promise applies to ("those who love God")
• Connected to surrounding verses (28-30)
• Identified key Greek terms and their significance
• Provided practical application

Example 2: Thematic Study

Request: "What does the Bible teach about prayer?"

Preliminary Action Plan:

1. Search for Prayer Passages - Find key verses about prayer

   • Tool: search_the_whole_bible
   • Purpose: Identify main biblical teaching on prayer

2. Quote Key Promises - Get specific prayer promises

   • Tool: quote_bible_promises
   • Purpose: Gather encouraging promises about prayer

3. Thematic Analysis - Study prayer themes across scripture

   • Tool: study_bible_themes
   • Purpose: Understand prayer theologically

4. Expert Consultation - Ask theologian for systematic perspective

   • Tool: ask_theologian
   • Purpose: Get comprehensive theological framework

5. Practical Application - Develop applications

   • Tool: write_bible_applications
   • Purpose: Make findings practical

Measurable Outcomes:

• Identified major biblical teachings on prayer
• Organized findings by theme (e.g., prayer models, conditions, promises)
• Provided both OT and NT perspectives
• Included practical guidance for prayer life
• Listed key verses for reference

Example 3: Passage Preparation for Teaching

Request: "Help me prepare to teach Ephesians 2:1-10"

Preliminary Action Plan:

1. Retrieve Full Passage - Get Ephesians 2:1-10

   • Tool: retrieve_bible_verses
   • Purpose: Have base text to work from

2. Get Chapter Context - Understand Ephesians 2

   • Tool: retrieve_bible_chapter
   • Purpose: See how passage fits in chapter

3. Create Outline - Structure the passage

   • Tool: write_bible_outline
   • Purpose: Identify main points and flow

4. Historical Context - Understand background

   • Tool: write_new_testament_historical_context
   • Purpose: Know Paul's situation and audience

5. Exegetical Insights - Deep dive into meaning

   • Tool: write_bible_insights
   • Purpose: Understand theological richness

6. Cross-References - Find related passages

   • Tool: retrieve_bible_cross_references
   • Purpose: Connect to broader biblical narrative

7. Practical Applications - Develop applications

   • Tool: write_bible_applications
   • Purpose: Make passage relevant to listeners

8. Discussion Questions - Create engagement questions

   • Tool: write_bible_questions
   • Purpose: Facilitate group discussion

Measurable Outcomes:

• Clear outline of passage structure
• Explained "dead in trespasses" (v1-3)
• Explained "made alive in Christ" (v4-7)
• Explained "salvation by grace through faith" (v8-9)
• Explained "created for good works" (v10)
• Connected to broader Ephesians themes
• Provided both theological depth and practical application

Best Practices

1. Match Depth to Question

• Simple questions → 2-3 steps
• Moderate questions → 4-6 steps
• Complex questions → 7-10 steps
• Don't over-engineer simple requests

2. Layer Your Analysis

• Always start with scripture retrieval
• Build from text → context → interpretation → application
• Use original languages for word studies
• Consult experts for complex theological questions

3. Quality Control

• Always verify you've answered the user's actual question
• Check that findings are biblically grounded
• Ensure balance between depth and accessibility
• Confirm practical relevance

4. Artifact Creation

• Create task.md during PLANNING phase
• Create implementation_plan.md for complex studies
• Create walkthrough.md to document findings
• Keep artifacts concise but comprehensive

5. Tool Efficiency

• Use parallel tool calls when steps are independent
• Wait for results before dependent steps
• Don't duplicate information gathering
• Choose the most direct tool for each purpose

Common Patterns

Pattern: Compare & Contrast

For questions like "What's the difference between X and Y in the Bible?"

1. Search for passages on X
2. Search for passages on Y
3. Study themes for both
4. Ask theologian for systematic comparison
5. Synthesize differences and similarities

Pattern: Character Study

For questions like "Tell me about [Biblical Character]"

1. Write character study (automated)
2. Get cross-references for key moments
3. Study themes associated with character
4. Theological insights on character's significance
5. Applications from character's life

Pattern: Verse-by-Verse Exposition

For teaching prep on passages

1. Retrieve passage
2. Get outline
3. Get historical context
4. Get interlinear/morphology for key verses
5. Read commentary
6. Write insights
7. Write applications
8. Create discussion questions

Response Format Template

After completing your study, present findings in this structure:

# Bible Study: [Topic/Passage]

## Study Objective
[What was studied and why]

## Key Findings

### [Finding Category 1]
[Content with scripture references]

### [Finding Category 2]
[Content with scripture references]

[Continue as needed...]

## Theological Insights
[Deeper meaning, doctrinal significance, biblical connections]

## Practical Application
[How this applies to life, ministry, spiritual growth]

## Key Verses
- [Reference]: "[Text]"
- [Reference]: "[Text]"

## For Further Study
- Cross-references: [List key related passages]
- Themes to explore: [Suggested follow-up topics]

## Conclusion
[Summary of main points and takeaways]

Notes

• Always cite scripture references clearly
• Maintain reverence for Scripture throughout
• Balance scholarly depth with accessibility
• Consider your audience (pastor, teacher, personal study, etc.)
• When in doubt, default to letting Scripture interpret Scripture