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.
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.
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.
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.
Some passages are quite direct and straightforward. They have no hidden meaning. Don't try and find a hidden meaning when none exists. Just accept the scripture at face value. There are some cases where metaphors are used, so you have to know how to distinguish metaphors from direct language.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some passages are quite direct and straightforward. They have no hidden meaning. Don't try and find a hidden meaning when none exists. Just accept the scripture at face value. There are some cases where metaphors are used, so you have to know how to distinguish metaphors from direct language.
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.
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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