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 take a passage out of its original context and try to interpret it in isolation. This will probably lead to a misinterpretation of the text. Instead, what you should do is to study the text before the passage and the text after the passage, to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is going on in the passage you are studying. You should also keep in mind what the context of the book you are reading is and what the main message of the whole book is.
There are several scripture passages which are referred to in other places in the Bible. To understand such scriptures better, go to the places where the passage have been mentioned and study them. This will increase your understanding of that particular passage. Also, if you think that a particular passage seems to be contradicting another passage, it could be that you are interpreting one or both scriptures incorrectly, so you may want to study both scriptures further.
The style of writing used is important. Passages written in different styles are interpreted differently. By having a good understanding of the various stylistic devices applied, you will have a better understanding of the text. For example, prophetic books are interpreted differently from poetic books and narratives. You have to be quite keen and patient to observe the various structures applied in various books and use your observations for correct biblical interpretation.
When reading the text, try and understand what its plain meaning is. Even though the Bible uses figurative language at some points, some passages are quite direct and do not have any hidden meaning. Figurative language may be used to enhance the plain meaning of the text, but sometimes the main point of the text is quite clear.
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 take a passage out of its original context and try to interpret it in isolation. This will probably lead to a misinterpretation of the text. Instead, what you should do is to study the text before the passage and the text after the passage, to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is going on in the passage you are studying. You should also keep in mind what the context of the book you are reading is and what the main message of the whole book is.
There are several scripture passages which are referred to in other places in the Bible. To understand such scriptures better, go to the places where the passage have been mentioned and study them. This will increase your understanding of that particular passage. Also, if you think that a particular passage seems to be contradicting another passage, it could be that you are interpreting one or both scriptures incorrectly, so you may want to study both scriptures further.
The style of writing used is important. Passages written in different styles are interpreted differently. By having a good understanding of the various stylistic devices applied, you will have a better understanding of the text. For example, prophetic books are interpreted differently from poetic books and narratives. You have to be quite keen and patient to observe the various structures applied in various books and use your observations for correct biblical interpretation.
When reading the text, try and understand what its plain meaning is. Even though the Bible uses figurative language at some points, some passages are quite direct and do not have any hidden meaning. Figurative language may be used to enhance the plain meaning of the text, but sometimes the main point of the text is quite clear.
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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