The Scofield Reference Bible is one of the most influential study Bibles in modern history. First published in 1909 and later revised in 1917, it was edited by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield (C. I. Scofield), a theologian and Bible teacher known for popularizing Dispensationalism. This Bible included detailed notes, cross-references, and a system of dividing biblical history into “dispensations.”
Many people still use the Scofield Bible today, but should we trust it? The answer depends on how we view its notes and theological framework. While it is a historically significant study Bible, it contains theological biases, unbiblical interpretations, and errors that can mislead believers if they are not careful.
What Does the Scofield Bible Teach?
The Scofield Reference Bible is primarily known for promoting Dispensationalism, a theological system that divides biblical history into different “dispensations” or time periods where God interacts with mankind in different ways.
Scofield’s system includes seven dispensations:
- Innocence – Adam before the Fall
- Conscience – From the Fall to Noah
- Human Government – After the Flood
- Promise – From Abraham to Moses
- Law – From Moses to Christ
- Grace (Church Age) – From Pentecost to the Rapture
- Kingdom – The future 1,000-year reign of Christ
This dispensational structure heavily influences how Scofield interprets Scripture, especially in areas like prophecy, Israel, and the role of the Church.
Key Teachings in the Scofield Bible:
- Pre-Tribulation Rapture: The Church will be raptured before the Tribulation.
- Strict separation between Israel and the Church: Israel and the Church are two completely different groups with different covenants and promises.
- Emphasis on a literal 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom: Christ will return and rule physically on earth for 1,000 years.
- Gap Theory in Genesis 1: He teaches that there was a long gap of time between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, making room for an old earth interpretation.
- Strong Zionist theology: The nation of Israel will fully inherit all land promises in the future kingdom.
While Scofield was correct in his teaching on the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, the acknowledgment of dispensations, and the physical inheritance of Israel, he also introduced other ideas that are not biblical, such as the Gap Theory and an extreme separation between Israel and the Church, which can lead to doctrinal confusion.
Why Should We Be Cautious About the Scofield Bible?
The biggest issue with the Scofield Bible is that it places human interpretation alongside Scripture in a way that can mislead readers. Many people, especially in the early 20th century, viewed Scofield’s notes as nearly equal to the Bible itself, leading to bad theology and doctrinal confusion. Here are some major concerns:
Theological Bias in the Notes
Scofield’s Dispensationalism affects how he interprets key doctrines, leading to wrong conclusions about prophecy, salvation, and the role of Israel.
For example, in Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount), Scofield claims that Jesus’ teachings were for Israel, not the Church. This suggests that Christ’s commands are not directly applicable to believers today, which contradicts 2 Timothy 3:16:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
The Gap Theory in Genesis
Scofield promotes the Gap Theory, which suggests that there was a long, undefined period between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 where the earth became “without form and void.” This makes room for an old earth interpretation, aligning with evolutionary timelines. However, this idea is not supported by Scripture.
Genesis 1:31 states:
“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”
If death, destruction, and an old earth existed before Adam’s sin, then sin did not introduce death, contradicting Romans 5:12.
Wrong View of Israel and the Church
Scofield’s strict separation of Israel and the Church leads to major errors in biblical interpretation. He teaches that Israel is always separate from the Church and that Old Testament prophecies do not apply to the Church at all.
However, Romans 11:17-24 clearly teaches that believing Gentiles are “grafted in” to the promises of Israel through faith in Christ. Paul also states in Galatians 3:28-29:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
While God has future plans for Israel as a nation, Scofield’s rigid separation leads to confusion and weakens the unity of the Body of Christ.
Elevation of Notes to the Level of Scripture
Many who use the Scofield Bible rely more on Scofield’s notes than on the actual text of Scripture. But study Bibles are not inspired—only the Word of God is infallible.
Psalm 119:160 says:
“The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”
Scofield’s teachings have led many into confusion, false doctrines, and theological division that could have been avoided by sticking to Scripture alone.
Should We Use the Scofield Bible Today?
The Scofield Reference Bible was historically influential, but it is not a reliable source for doctrine. While some of its cross-references are useful, the notes are deeply flawed and should not be trusted without careful biblical examination.
If you are studying Scripture, it is always better to rely on the Bible itself rather than a man’s theological system. The best way to interpret the Bible is with the Bible itself—not through a framework imposed on it.
What Are Better Alternatives?
If you want a solid study Bible that is faithful to Scripture, consider these options:
The King James Study Bible (KJV or NKJV) – Based entirely on the Masoretic Text and Textus Receptus, with reliable notes.
The Thomas Nelson NKJV Study Bible – Provides historical and archaeological insights without imposing a theological bias.
The best way to study the Bible is always to read it directly, pray for understanding, and compare Scripture with Scripture.
My Final Thoughts
The Scofield Bible is not reliable because it promotes some incorrect ideas, such as the Gap Theory and an unbiblical separation of Israel and the Church. While it was historically important, it has caused theological confusion and led many away from a proper interpretation of Scripture.
We should always remember that study Bible notes are not inspired. Our final authority must always be the Bible itself.
Psalm 19:7 says:
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
If you want to grow in biblical understanding, rely on God’s Word alone and let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is the safest and most faithful way to study.
