10 Ways On How To Interpret the Bible

Proper Hermeneutics- Nehemiah 8:8; I Timothy 4:13

1. Don’t make the Bible say what you want it to say.
a. This is making a point at the price of losing the right interpretation.
b. Don’t force the Bible to fit your message.

2. Don’t seek to support your own views.
a. Be ready to always have your own views challenged.
b. Be unbiased and impartial; listen to the Word. Let it strip down your walls.

3. Don’t be guilty of the superficial approach.
a. “What does this verse mean to you?”
b. Be careful of non-structured Bible studies and group get-togethers (“little pools of ignorance”).
c. II Timothy 2:15

4. Don’t spiritualize the text.

5. Diligently study the passage, meditate and pray.
a. Acts 17:11…The Bereans “searched the Scriptures daily.”
b. Psalm 1… “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
c. Example: Like the cow chewing its cud
d. Real Bible study is hard work; it is treasuring God’s Word- Psalm 119:103; Proverbs 2:4.
e. Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate you.

6. Define key words.
a. Dictionary, Bible dictionary, concordance, commentary…Bible software (i.e.- E-sword)
b. Dig deep and use cross-reference verses.

7. Ask yourself questions.
a. Who is speaking here? To whom and why? What’s the context?
b. Are there any words repeated for emphasis (i.e. “verily, verily”).
c. Are the problems here similar to mine? What do I need to do or change?
d. What are the verbs?

8. Look for comparisons, commands, warnings, promises, etc.
a. Personalize God’s truth; don’t generalize.
b. Be careful not to substitute emotion for action.
c. Use the Scriptures as the benchmark, not other Christians.

9. Draw conclusions with personal application.
a. Here is a promise I need to cling to.
b. Here is an action I need to perform.
c. Here is a sin habit I must forsake.
d. Here is an attitude I must remove.
e. Here is an imperative I must obey.

10. Teach what you learn to others.