Do you sometimes wonder if your understanding of a Bible passage is correct?
Do you eagerly want to spend time studying God’s Word but get demotivated when certain passages confuse you?
Do you wish you had a guide to help you confidently interpret the Bible?
Biblical hermeneutics, or the study of interpreting the Bible, was the first course I took in seminary. This subject transformed the way I approached the Bible and enriched my personal Bible study. I discovered that the right tools for interpretation are crucial in studying the Bible.
At the heart of interpretation is to determine, as best as we can, the original intent of the biblical authors while also attempting to understand what God is communicating with us.
Using the right tools of interpretation, therefore,
- Prevents us from letting our own views influence the way we read the Bible.
- Narrows our focus to the author’s intended meaning.
- Trains us in applying the Bible to different and new situations.
In the videos below, I share three foundational principles of interpreting the Bible. (I had originally shared these videos on my social media as part of my Monday Musings series).
- Know the genre.
- Know the historical and cultural setting.
- Know the literary context.
I hope these tips make your Bible study more meaningful and enjoyable. I pray you grow in your love for God as you meditate on His Word.
And remember, the Holy Spirt is our best Teacher and Guide. So, ask for His help before you begin reading the Bible.
