Scripture Chains -- Connect Verses Across All Volumes for Topical Study

A scripture chain is a sequence of verses linked by a common theme, each one leading to the next. The technique is simple: you start with a verse on a topic, note a cross-reference in the margin that addresses the same topic, follow it to the next verse, and continue until you have a chain that spans multiple books or volumes. The result is a topical tour through the entire canon that no single chapter study can replicate.

Consider a chain on faith. You might begin with Hebrews 11:1, where Paul defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." From there, follow the reference to Alma 32:21, where Alma gives a nearly identical definition -- "faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Next, move to Ether 12:6, where Moroni teaches that "faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Then to Doctrine and Covenants 63:9-11, where the Lord clarifies that signs follow those who believe rather than preceding belief. In four verses across four volumes, you have a comprehensive doctrine of faith that no single author stated completely.

The power of chains is that they let scripture interpret scripture. Instead of relying on a commentary or a manual to explain what faith means, you let the prophets explain it themselves, each one adding a facet that the others did not cover. Paul emphasizes substance and evidence. Alma emphasizes truth. Moroni emphasizes trial. The Doctrine and Covenants emphasizes the relationship between faith and signs. Together, they form a picture far richer than any one passage alone.

The Scripture Chains tool lets you browse pre-built chains on dozens of gospel topics or create your own. As you follow a chain, each verse is displayed with its context so you can read the surrounding passage without losing your place. You can also save chains for future reference, making them a permanent part of your personal study library.

Building your own chains is one of the most rewarding forms of scripture study. It trains you to read with connections in mind, always asking: where else in scripture does this idea appear? Over time, that habit transforms casual reading into deep, interconnected understanding.