For a wordie like me, a precise definition of a word can bring a deeper meaning to a passage in the Bible. This week, the word zeal really stuck out when I read Titus 2 for our Bible study. But if you aren't searching for words, you won't find them. Here are three easy steps to take if you have a zeal for words and want to apply them to your scripture reading time.

Step one: Have a dictionary or Merriam-Webster a click away.

Step two: Read multiple translations of the Bible. Different translations use different words to get a point across. Easily do this by going to Bible Gateway. By selecting a different option from the drop-down bar, you have access to 30 English translations and tons of other languages. My recent find of zeal wouldn't of happened if I wouldn't have bookmarked my paper NIV Bible for an electronic ESV version.

Step three: Have a zeal for words. Sure, you know what words mean, but do you know what they really mean. A simple word like teach can shape how you read a passage such as Titus 2.

When I thought teach, I thought of Merriam-Webster's first definition: to cause to know something. But skim down a few lines and you get: to accustom to some action or attitude. When I hear that definition I feel different about teach. I don't view it as just piling information into a person's head. Instead, what I am teaching them becomes a part of them. To me, that bring more meaning to scripture.

Here is the portion of Titus 2 where I was sparked by the word zeal.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

— Titus 2: 11-14

NIV had the word eager in place of zeal. Merriam-Webster's defined it as marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest. But when I read zeal, I was more inspired. Zeal means eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something. So instead of just being excited about good works with the word eager, I am called to zealous. I am called to be excited to pursue good works, not just interested in them. Just a slight difference, but one that made my reading time that much more exciting.

I hope you have are zealous about finding your own words to define. I know I am.