When reading the bible, it is important that you go about interpreting scriptures correctly. This is the main way you will be able to grow as a Christian. There are several principles of biblical interpretation that will help you when it comes to rightly dividing the word. You do not need to attend a biblical college or have theological training in order to apply these principles.
Consider what the writer of the book intended to say. This is just like when you are reading a novel and you follow the storyline based on what the writer is saying and not on what you think they intended to say. When reading the Bible, keep in mind that it was written many years ago, so to understand what the writer originally meant, you have to have a good understanding of the culture and the times they lived in.
Avoid interpreting isolated texts of the bible. This will most likely lead to misinterpretation. Always read passages in context. This means finding out what the scriptures before and after the text you are studying say. You also need to consider the context of the whole chapter and book of the bible. You also need to know who wrote the scripture and compare it to their other writings in the bible.
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.
Try and understand the language used and its meaning. This may require that you study the original meaning of different words in Hebrew or Greek. This is because English words may translate differently and slightly change the meaning that the original author meant. You can use study guides to help you.
Prayerfully seek the help of the Holy Spirit when reading your Bible. The Holy Spirit will open your understanding and help you see biblical truths. This does not mean that you neglect study of the word in the guise of waiting spiritual guidance of the Spirit, but that you diligently continue in it as the Holy Spirit will use that to guide you.
Consider what the writer of the book intended to say. This is just like when you are reading a novel and you follow the storyline based on what the writer is saying and not on what you think they intended to say. When reading the Bible, keep in mind that it was written many years ago, so to understand what the writer originally meant, you have to have a good understanding of the culture and the times they lived in.
Avoid interpreting isolated texts of the bible. This will most likely lead to misinterpretation. Always read passages in context. This means finding out what the scriptures before and after the text you are studying say. You also need to consider the context of the whole chapter and book of the bible. You also need to know who wrote the scripture and compare it to their other writings in the bible.
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.
Try and understand the language used and its meaning. This may require that you study the original meaning of different words in Hebrew or Greek. This is because English words may translate differently and slightly change the meaning that the original author meant. You can use study guides to help you.
Prayerfully seek the help of the Holy Spirit when reading your Bible. The Holy Spirit will open your understanding and help you see biblical truths. This does not mean that you neglect study of the word in the guise of waiting spiritual guidance of the Spirit, but that you diligently continue in it as the Holy Spirit will use that to guide you.
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