When reading the bible, it is important that you go about interpreting scriptures correctly. This is the main way you will be able to grow as a Christian. There are several principles of biblical interpretation that will help you when it comes to rightly dividing the word. You do not need to attend a biblical college or have theological training in order to apply these principles.
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 take a passage out of its original context and try to interpret it in isolation. This will probably lead to a misinterpretation of the text. Instead, what you should do is to study the text before the passage and the text after the passage, to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is going on in the passage you are studying. You should also keep in mind what the context of the book you are reading is and what the main message of the whole book is.
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.
Try and understand the language used and its meaning. This may require that you study the original meaning of different words in Hebrew or Greek. This is because English words may translate differently and slightly change the meaning that the original author meant. You can use study guides to help you.
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 take a passage out of its original context and try to interpret it in isolation. This will probably lead to a misinterpretation of the text. Instead, what you should do is to study the text before the passage and the text after the passage, to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is going on in the passage you are studying. You should also keep in mind what the context of the book you are reading is and what the main message of the whole book is.
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.
Try and understand the language used and its meaning. This may require that you study the original meaning of different words in Hebrew or Greek. This is because English words may translate differently and slightly change the meaning that the original author meant. You can use study guides to help you.
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.
About the Author:
Sign up for immediate access to our e-book featuring info on rightly dividing the word. The web page you should refer to appears here http://abraham-did-not-tithe.com.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire