How to Interpret the Bible
Understanding and applying the original meaning of the Scriptures as the God-ordained writers intended is the goal of interpretation (referred to as the art and science of hermeneutics).
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:15
There are five (5) questions that must be asked and answered in order to understand, apply and communicate God’s Word.
#1 – Your approach: How should I prepare to receive God’s Word?
Remember the Bible is God’s special revelation of Himself (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21); inspired (God-given truth through imperfect authors-2 Pet. 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:16); inerrant (wholly true in what it teaches-John 17:17); infallible (unable to fail; will accomplish its purpose-Isa 55:11; Matt 5:18); insistent (authoritative because God speaks-Mark 7:8-9); insightful (able to illuminate truth and the heart-Heb. 4:12); indestructible (eternal and can’t be destroyed-Matt. 24:35, 1 Pet 1:23, 25); immutable (unchanging and sufficient to live God-pleasing life-Ps. 119:89, Matt 5:18, Jn 10:35) and indispensable (necessary for growth-Matt. 4:4, 1 Pet. 2:2)
Prepare to receive it with prayer (Ps. 119:5, 18; Eph. 1:16-18; Col. 1:9-12; James 1:5), high respect (Is. 66:1-2; 1 Thess. 2:13) and a readiness to be exposed and transformed (Heb. 4:12; John 17:17)
#2 – Your observation: What does the Bible say?
Remember that Scripture is only understood through the eyes of faith (1 Cor. 2:10-15; Col. 2:3) and the illumination of the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; Ps. 119:130)
Read the Scripture slowly and repeatedly. Ask questions (who, what, when, where, why, how) and look for connecting words (“and”, “but”, “if”, “for, because, therefore”, “in, into, with”, “in order that”), verbs, repeated words, related concepts, comparisons (things similar), contrasts (things different), cause and effect, warnings, lists, commands, promise, questions, answers, problems, solutions, missing things, main points, cultural clues, statements about God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Record your observations for further study
#3 – Your interpretation: What does the Bible mean?
Remember the goal is to understand the author’s intent which has only one meaning in each text (with multiple possible applications)
Recognize the rules of interpretation: Use the literal (take the text as face value unless there is sufficient cause otherwise), grammatical (look at words, syntax, context and genre for keys in understanding the meaning), historical (the time, place, language and culture provide helpful insight) and correlated (Scripture agrees with itself, so interpret Scripture with other Scripture. The unclear passages are understood in light of the clear passages. The golden rule of interpretation states: “When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studies in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise” (David L. Cooper)
Research within God’s Word using cross-references and concordances. Research outside God’s Word using dictionaries, encyclopedias, and commentaries. Request help as needed from others (Pastors, trusted and mature Christian family/friends, etc.)
#4 – Your application: How does the Bible apply to my life?
Remember that God’s Word is written to change your life personally and situationally in how you think, believe, emote, speak, and do (James 1:22; 2 Tim. 3:15-17).
Respond to God’s Word by memorizing Scripture (Deut. 11:18; Psalm 119:11, 16; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10), meditating on precepts and principles (Josh. 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Luke 2:19; 1 Tim. 2:7), and obeying in faith, by the power of the Spirit, and all for His glory (Mt. 7:21; 2 Cor. 5:5-10; Jms. 1:22)
#5 – Your communication: Who should I share this truth with?
Remember that God’s Word comes with a privilege and obligation (2 Cor. 1:3-4) to understand, believe and proclaim it to one’s self before others (Matt. 7:1-5)
Reveal the truth of God’s Word to others by proclaiming it (Deut. 6:1-9; Ezra 7:10; Matt. 28:19-20; Phil. 2:16; 2 Tim. 2:2) and warning others not to ignore it (Gen. 3:1-6; 1 Sam. 15:23; John 12:48-49)