bible-study - SKILL.md Agent Skill

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:

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?
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.

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]

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:

Switch to EXECUTION mode using task_boundary
Call appropriate biblemate tools for each step in sequence
Document findings as you go - keep notes on key insights from each step
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:

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

Phase 4: Synthesis & Reporting

Create a comprehensive final report:

Integrate all findings into a cohesive study document
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
Create walkthrough artifact documenting the study process and results
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:

Retrieve Verse Context - Get Romans 8:26-30 for surrounding context
- Tool: retrieve_bible_verses
- Purpose: Understand the argument flow
Get Greek Analysis - Examine original language
- Tool: retrieve_interlinear_hebrew_or_greek_bible_verses
- Purpose: Understand key Greek terms like "synergei" (works together)
Translation Comparison - See how different translations render key phrases
- Tool: compare_bible_translations
- Purpose: Identify translation nuances
Read Commentary - Get scholarly insights
- Tool: read_bible_commentary
- Purpose: Learn from biblical scholars
Theological Interpretation - Get detailed exegesis
- Tool: interpret_new_testament_verse
- Purpose: Understand theological meaning
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:

Search for Prayer Passages - Find key verses about prayer
- Tool: search_the_whole_bible
- Purpose: Identify main biblical teaching on prayer
Quote Key Promises - Get specific prayer promises
- Tool: quote_bible_promises
- Purpose: Gather encouraging promises about prayer
Thematic Analysis - Study prayer themes across scripture
- Tool: study_bible_themes
- Purpose: Understand prayer theologically
Expert Consultation - Ask theologian for systematic perspective
- Tool: ask_theologian
- Purpose: Get comprehensive theological framework
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:

Retrieve Full Passage - Get Ephesians 2:1-10
- Tool: retrieve_bible_verses
- Purpose: Have base text to work from
Get Chapter Context - Understand Ephesians 2
- Tool: retrieve_bible_chapter
- Purpose: See how passage fits in chapter
Create Outline - Structure the passage
- Tool: write_bible_outline
- Purpose: Identify main points and flow
Historical Context - Understand background
- Tool: write_new_testament_historical_context
- Purpose: Know Paul's situation and audience
Exegetical Insights - Deep dive into meaning
- Tool: write_bible_insights
- Purpose: Understand theological richness
Cross-References - Find related passages
- Tool: retrieve_bible_cross_references
- Purpose: Connect to broader biblical narrative
Practical Applications - Develop applications
- Tool: write_bible_applications
- Purpose: Make passage relevant to listeners
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?"

Search for passages on X
Search for passages on Y
Study themes for both
Ask theologian for systematic comparison
Synthesize differences and similarities

Pattern: Character Study

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

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

Pattern: Verse-by-Verse Exposition

For teaching prep on passages

Retrieve passage
Get outline
Get historical context
Get interlinear/morphology for key verses
Read commentary
Write insights
Write applications
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