How to interpret the Bible?
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21, ESV)
9 "To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, those taken from the breast? 10 For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little." (Isaiah 28:9-10, ESV)
The holy spirit is the ultimate author of the word of God. He is only the one who can illuminate the scripture and give correct interpretation.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13, ESV)
The following steps could be considered when interpreting the scripture:
1. Read the text in its context
* A verse out of context is pretext. Do not read into the text
* Pay attention to repeated words, phrases connectives eg. And, but, for
* Write down your ideas clearly, think, analyze and bring out the meanings
* A verse out of context is pretext. Do not read into the text
* Pay attention to repeated words, phrases connectives eg. And, but, for
* Write down your ideas clearly, think, analyze and bring out the meanings
2. Note the form
* Literary form: Narrative, Poetic, Teaching - allegory, parable, letter, Special Forms - prophetic, apocalyptic, wisdom
* Language features: Metaphor, Mood (emotional), Simile
* Literary form: Narrative, Poetic, Teaching - allegory, parable, letter, Special Forms - prophetic, apocalyptic, wisdom
* Language features: Metaphor, Mood (emotional), Simile
3. Understand the background
* Grasp the purpose of the writing.
Ex. Author's intention:
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4, ESV)
* Consider contemporary extra biblical material: cultural, historical, geographical, archaeological
* Grasp the purpose of the writing.
Ex. Author's intention:
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4, ESV)
* Consider contemporary extra biblical material: cultural, historical, geographical, archaeological
4. Interpret the scripture by scripture
* Interpret each passage in the light of the Bible teaching as a whole
* Read parallel Scriptures
* Scripture cannot contradict itself, God cannot contradict Himself
* Interpret each passage in the light of the Bible teaching as a whole
* Read parallel Scriptures
* Scripture cannot contradict itself, God cannot contradict Himself
I pray for you and myself that from tonight God will enlighten you in his word always.
God bless us all
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