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We can’t have a “sure word” about the meaning of Scripture (or anything else) unless we have a sure method to interpret the words. The following eight rules are the center of all grammatical interpretation. They have been accepted and used by scholars from Socrates to the present.
- Identify the kind of literature your text is for insight into its meaning. Bible scholars call this the genre of the text. That means the general form the text takes—narrative, prophecy, poetry, history, gospel, epistle.
- Consider the context of the passage for a better understanding of its meaning. This is often considered the first and most important principle for accurate interpretation.
- Read the text for its plain and obvious meaning. A common and persistent myth about the Bible is that its real meaning is hidden behind the surface message.
- Try to discern the writer’s intentions when he wrote the text. This principle of intentionality is critical for the expository preacher. You study the text not to find a sermon in it but to discover the writer’s intended message.
- Remember that context rules. As you seek to know what something in Scripture means, ask yourself a few questions: Is my interpretation of this particular section of Scripture consistent with the theme, purpose, and structure of the book in which it’s found?
- Always seek the full counsel of the Word of God. You should never build a doctrine off one or two isolated verses. For example, Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
- Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture. What do you do when you come across a passage of Scripture that seems to contradict another?
- Do not base your doctrine on an obscure passage of Scripture. An important principle of biblical interpretation is that Scripture is clear in matters pertaining to salvation, yet some teachings of Scripture are not as easy to understand.
6 days ago · God gave us the Bible so we can know Him, understand His plan of salvation, and learn to live in obedience to His will. For these things to happen, three key elements are necessary: illumination, interpretation, and application. The approach we take when interpreting Scripture is key to understanding its true meaning.
Nov 5, 2021 · As a hermeneutic approach, "Scripture interprets Scripture" is the idea that we should read a passage in the light of the entire Bible. It also states that we should interpret confusing passages based on clear passages.
Interpreting Scripture is the process of personally discovering what God through his human authors intended the biblical text to mean and effect. Through exegesis and theology one assesses, synthesizes, and applies God’s inerrant Word.
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Interpret Scripture literally. God spoke to us that we might know truth. Therefore, take the Word of God at face value–in its natural, normal sense. Look first for the clear teaching of Scripture, not a hidden meaning. Understand and recognize figures of speech and interpret them accordingly.
