Principles of Biblical Interpretation

Are you struggling to interpret the Bible? Understanding these principles of biblical interpretation can help you make sense of God’s Word. In this article, we will learn five fundamental principles that can guide you in uncovering the true meaning of Scripture. Whether you’re a seasoned theologian or a curious seeker, these principles will equip you to engage with the Bible in a meaningful way. From understanding historical context to discerning a book’s purpose, each principle offers valuable insights into the message God intends for us. So, if you’re ready to delve deeper into the Word of God and deepen your spiritual understanding, let’s embark on this journey together.

Biblical Interpretation Principle 1: The Bible is God-inspired.

God inspired the Bible. Through the Holy Spirit, He guided the many authors of the books in what to write. God wrote Scripture through His people for humankind to learn of His love for them. The Bible is called “God-breathed,” because God inspired them to document His word. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NASB)

Read the Bible, knowing it is perfect with no mistakes. God put everything in the Bible we need for how to live and receive salvation. You can trust the Scripture. The Bible does not contradict itself. God fulfilled hundreds of prophecies of nations, cities, and Jesus in the Bible. So, the first principle of biblical interpretation is always remembering that God Inspired the  Inerrant and Infallible Bible.

Principle 2: Get the Historical and Cultural Context.

The books in the Bible had nearly 40 different authors. Authors on three continents wrote passages over about 1,500 years. That covers a lot of history. It is also essential to put Biblical events in the context of secular history. 

Here are three areas to consider.

• Look at who the author is and their situation at the time. In studying the books of Ephesians and Colossians, it is helpful to note that Paul is in prison. He wrote letters to churches to encourage the new believers.
• Take into consideration the country’s culture and the people’s traditions. While studying the book of Ruth, it is crucial to learn the people’s practices for caring for widows and people experiencing poverty. 
• The secular history of the time a story is unfolding in the Bible can give a distinct context to what is happening. During the time of the Gospel stories, the Roman Empire governed and oppressed the Jews. 

Knowing what is happening in the lives of the authors and the people of that time can add context to your study. Jesus often used stories to teach a lesson or tell the audience an important message. These stories help the audience understand teachings because they can relate. The historical and cultural context of the Scripture is an important element of the principles of Biblical interpretation to help you understand its meaning.

Principle 3: What is the purpose of the Book?

As you are reading, ask yourself some questions. Who was this written to: Jews, Gentiles, or Christians? Who is talking or writing? Is there any instruction, command to obey, or promise to hold on to? How does this book or passage teach me about redemption and God’s love for me? 

The big picture story of the Bible is about creation, the fall into sin, our redemption, and restoration to the family of God. Passages point to salvation and restoration of God’s people throughout the Bible. There are stories of forgiveness, prophecies, answered prayers, and the account of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection for us to learn from.

Biblical Interpretation Principle 4: What is the Context of the passage?

The context of a verse is in the scriptures before and after what you are reading. Someone can pull a verse or parts of a verse from the Bible to support anything, but it doesn’t mean it is correct. The simplest way to get an incorrect meaning to a passage is to take it out of its context. To prevent misinterpretation, always read before and after the verse to frame the message the way God intended. Keeping the verse framed in the intended context is a critical principle of Biblical interpretation.

Principle 5: Look up the correct meaning of terms.

The Old Testament was in Hebrew. The New Testament was in Greek originally. The Bible was translated carefully into English, using words that are the same in meaning or very close. You can look up the root of a word in the dictionary and find its definition. Today, you can also use online resources to see the original Hebrew or Greek terms used in verses and their meanings. 

The Blue Letter Bible includes Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, providing the word’s meaning and other locations in the Bible. Another way to understand the interpretation of a word is to read how the word is used in other parts of the Bible.

You can study the Bible for years and never be exhausted. Each book is different, depending on where it’s written and what message it conveys. It is essential to be careful and interpret Scripture passages in the correct context. Studying the authorship and historical and cultural context will bring new life to the text. Using these principles of Biblical interpretation, you can gain a deeper meaning to the Scripture. How to Study the Bible for Yourself has tips for biblical study to use in tandem with these principles.