Understanding scripture is usually not an easy task, particularly if you do not know how to go about it. Lack of proper interpretation skills may lead to a misinterpretation of the Bible and wrongful application of the word of God. However, this does not have to be the case. You can take time to study the basic principles of biblical interpretation. You do not have to be a theological student to know how to go about rightly dividing the word of God.
The original intent of the author is a huge consideration when considering what a particular passage means. Ask yourself what the author meant to communicate to his original audience. Keep in mind the historical and cultural background of those times. Use Bible commentaries and study guides to help you gain a better understanding.
Do not interpret a text out of context. If you do this, you will invariably misinterpret it and cause it to mean whatever you want it to mean. Read what the verses before and after the text say. Also, consider what the whole chapter and also the whole book says. Knowing who the author of the text is and his style of writing will help you understand the text further.
Use other parts of scripture to help you understand what a particular text means. Ask yourself what other verses in the Bible say about the particular issue addressed in the text. Find out if there are other places in the Bible where the same passage is referred to. Study the other passages and see what they have to say.
Consider the genre of the scripture you are reading. Different genres are interpreted differently, as they have different features and are written using different styles. For instance, how you interpret poetry books is different from how you will interpret narratives or parables. This may require a more trained mind to do this, as some differences may be quite subtle for an ordinary reader to notice.
Some passages are quite direct and straightforward. They have no hidden meaning. Don't try and find a hidden meaning when none exists. Just accept the scripture at face value. There are some cases where metaphors are used, so you have to know how to distinguish metaphors from direct language.
Having an understanding of Hebrew and Greek will come in quite handy. If you do not understand the languages, then use Bible study guides to uncover the original meaning of various words used in the passages. This is because some words tend to lose their original meaning when they are translated from the original language they were written in.
Apart from the logical analysis of scripture, you need illumination from the Spirit to understand the word. Take time to pray before you begin the study of the word. Depending on the Holy Spirit doesn't mean not studying at all but prayerfully doing so.
The original intent of the author is a huge consideration when considering what a particular passage means. Ask yourself what the author meant to communicate to his original audience. Keep in mind the historical and cultural background of those times. Use Bible commentaries and study guides to help you gain a better understanding.
Do not interpret a text out of context. If you do this, you will invariably misinterpret it and cause it to mean whatever you want it to mean. Read what the verses before and after the text say. Also, consider what the whole chapter and also the whole book says. Knowing who the author of the text is and his style of writing will help you understand the text further.
Use other parts of scripture to help you understand what a particular text means. Ask yourself what other verses in the Bible say about the particular issue addressed in the text. Find out if there are other places in the Bible where the same passage is referred to. Study the other passages and see what they have to say.
Consider the genre of the scripture you are reading. Different genres are interpreted differently, as they have different features and are written using different styles. For instance, how you interpret poetry books is different from how you will interpret narratives or parables. This may require a more trained mind to do this, as some differences may be quite subtle for an ordinary reader to notice.
Some passages are quite direct and straightforward. They have no hidden meaning. Don't try and find a hidden meaning when none exists. Just accept the scripture at face value. There are some cases where metaphors are used, so you have to know how to distinguish metaphors from direct language.
Having an understanding of Hebrew and Greek will come in quite handy. If you do not understand the languages, then use Bible study guides to uncover the original meaning of various words used in the passages. This is because some words tend to lose their original meaning when they are translated from the original language they were written in.
Apart from the logical analysis of scripture, you need illumination from the Spirit to understand the word. Take time to pray before you begin the study of the word. Depending on the Holy Spirit doesn't mean not studying at all but prayerfully doing so.
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