It is quite easy for someone to misinterpret the bible and come up with their own understanding of what scripture says. This may lead to misguided beliefs and doctrines. To prevent this from happening, you can learn the basic principles of rightly dividing the word. This will help you know how to interpret the Bible correctly and apply it to your life. You can do this by attending a theological college or by self-study.
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 interpret a text out of context. If you do this, you will invariably misinterpret it and cause it to mean whatever you want it to mean. Read what the verses before and after the text say. Also, consider what the whole chapter and also the whole book says. Knowing who the author of the text is and his style of writing will help you understand the text further.
Use scripture to interpret scripture. If a particular text is not clear, consider other scriptures where the same text may have been referred to elsewhere in the bible. This will give you a clearer understanding of what is going on in the text. Also, keep in mind that the bible does not contradict itself. If it appears to be doing so, then it probably means that you are not interpreting that particular scripture appropriately.
Consider the genre of the scripture you are reading. Different genres are interpreted differently, as they have different features and are written using different styles. For instance, how you interpret poetry books is different from how you will interpret narratives or parables. This may require a more trained mind to do this, as some differences may be quite subtle for an ordinary reader to notice.
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.
Knowing the original languages the bible was written in is important. It will help you have a better understanding of what different words mean, as the English translations may not accurately portray some original meanings. You can use study guides to know what the original translation of some words into Greek and Hebrew are.
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 interpret a text out of context. If you do this, you will invariably misinterpret it and cause it to mean whatever you want it to mean. Read what the verses before and after the text say. Also, consider what the whole chapter and also the whole book says. Knowing who the author of the text is and his style of writing will help you understand the text further.
Use scripture to interpret scripture. If a particular text is not clear, consider other scriptures where the same text may have been referred to elsewhere in the bible. This will give you a clearer understanding of what is going on in the text. Also, keep in mind that the bible does not contradict itself. If it appears to be doing so, then it probably means that you are not interpreting that particular scripture appropriately.
Consider the genre of the scripture you are reading. Different genres are interpreted differently, as they have different features and are written using different styles. For instance, how you interpret poetry books is different from how you will interpret narratives or parables. This may require a more trained mind to do this, as some differences may be quite subtle for an ordinary reader to notice.
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.
Knowing the original languages the bible was written in is important. It will help you have a better understanding of what different words mean, as the English translations may not accurately portray some original meanings. You can use study guides to know what the original translation of some words into Greek and Hebrew are.
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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