In the world of academia, we call the science of biblical interpretation, hermeneutics. This word may sound foreign and intimidating to some, but I will break down the fundamentals of this science within this blog post so you will be ready to engage with Scripture and unlock a new way to read, interpret, and apply what you are reading.
The Bible, admittedly, can be confusing for many. After all, if you are not used to reading old English literature, you may find the wording of the King James Version confusing. First, I would suggest choosing a version that you are comfortable with. In a world of many versions to choose from I would stick with a version that is a word-for-word interpretation. I prefer the English Standard Version for my study, but there are other great options. I tend to stay clear of paraphrased versions like the Message Bible, simply because I feel that there is too much liberty taken in the interpretation.
Once you have selected your preferred version, you are ready to dive in. It is important to realize that when handling the Bible, you are reading the words of the Almighty God. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Bible is not just another story. It is the story of God, his creation, his redemptive plan, and his coming kingdom. Within its pages, you will find historical narratives, poems, wisdom writings, prophecy, letters, and laws. It is important to identify which genre you are reading when you begin a book. You will read a letter through a different lens than you would read a poem.
Five basic principles of biblical interpretation and application are as follows:
1) Each text must be interpreted in its context, 2) Each text has only one interpretation, but many applications, 3) Identify the author’s intent and audience, 4) Consider the literary style of the text, 5) Develop a theological principle/application based upon the whole of Scripture.
Context is king when it comes to biblical interpretation. When identifying the context of a passage we are speaking about the before and after of a passage. Ask yourself, “What happened before and after this passage?” Also, the social/cultural/geographical influences of the passage must be identified and taken into consideration. A final good rule of thumb is that Scripture interprets Scripture. If you arrive at a conclusion that is not supported biblically then the fault lies in your interpretation, not in the recorded words of Scripture.
Each text has only one interpretation, but many applications. This means that Scripture can never mean what it was never intended to mean. Many times, you will hear people say, “Every time I read the Bible, I interpret a different meaning.” The truth is that you may discover a different application based upon the text, but the meaning and interpretation never change. The authors of the Bible were inspired to write to a specific audience, at a specific time, for a specific purpose.
This is why it is important to identify who the author is and who their intended audience is. For instance, when Jesus says in Revelation 3:16, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” the knee-jerk reaction is to say, “Ah, I must be hot or on fire for Jesus.” While it is commendable to be on fire for Christ, this is not the intent of the verse. To uncover the interpretation, you must understand who John is addressing. John is writing to the church in Laodicea. Through historical research, we understand that in this province there were hot and cold springs which were beneficial in their way. However, lukewarm water had no benefit.
When approaching a text, it is also important to identify the literary style or genre. For example, you will not read a personal correspondence of Paul like Ephesians like you would read a poem or song in Psalms. This will help you determine if you are reading through the lens of allegory, literal communication, or a historical narrative.
Finally, when you have a handle on what you are reading, you are ready to identify a practical application. When Paul states in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” he is not referring to scoring a touchdown and winning the game. What he is saying, is that through the hardships, the times of plenty, and the times of little, it is Christ who strengthened him to carry out his mission and purpose. The principle here would be that as a servant of Christ, he will sustain and strengthen you to what he has called you to.
If you follow these basic principles, you will be well on your way to proper biblical interpretation and application. Stay tuned for more biblical literacy tips!