Many Christians lack confidence that they will be able to understand the Bible when they read it. The problem is not with the person or the Bible. It’s simply a lack of the right tools. However, with a little guidance you can interpret the original meaning of what you read. (Also see “Top Two Reasons We Don’t Read the Bible More.”) 

What is Biblical Interpretation?

Biblical interpretation is the process by which we seek to understand the biblical author’s original intent then identify eternal truths and timeless principles. We do this by reflecting on our thorough observations of a text while considering sound interpretive guidelines. Interpretation, the second step in Inductive Bible Study, connects observation and application. 

The first step is “observation.” Before we can know what it means, we must see what it says. Thorough observation lays the right foundation for faithful interpretation of God’s original meaning. Proper interpretation is then the launchpad for the third step, effective application. (Also see “What is Inductive Bible Study?,” “The 4 R Inductive Bible Study Method,” and “Ten Observation Tips.”)  

Every passage in the Bible has just one meaning – the one God originally gave it through His human authors. It’s our task as students of Scripture to use proper Bible study tools to understand that one original meaning and identify the eternal, spiritual truths it teaches. The end goal then is applying these truths to our lives. (Also see “4 Ways to Apply Scripture.”)

A Few Guidelines to Help You Properly Understand the Bible

Solid biblical interpretation recognizes certain rules or principles. These guidelines act like guardrails to prevent us from running off the road of understanding. 

As we reflect on what we observed in a passage we must keep these interpretive guidelines in mind. So, what are these guidelines? While the following list of interpretative principles are not exhaustive, they are the most basic. (Also see “7 Principles of Biblical Interpretation” and “Interpreting Scripture: A General Introduction.”)

1. Consider the Literary Genre – Identify the Bible book’s literature type and apply its principles. (See “8 Tips for Handling Different Biblical Genres.”)
2. Keep the passage in its Context – Pull back to make sure you get the full literary context. (See “How Biblical Literary Context Aids Our Understanding.”)
3. Know the Historical and Cultural Contexts – You’ll likely need resources to learn about the historical setting and the culture of the time. (Also see “Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap.”)
4. Look for the Literal Meaning – Unless the context or a literary device clearly indicates otherwise we should look for the plain, literal, and most obvious meaning. (See “How to Understand the Bible: Literally or Figuratively?”)
5. Think about the whole counsel of Scripture – God’s inspired Word will not contradict itself. If we encounter a “contradiction,” we have misunderstood one or both passages. (See video, “What does it mean that the Bible is inspired?”)
6. Contemplate the metanarrative of Scripture – God’s Word tells one “big story” from beginning to end and every piece fits this larger narrative. (See “What is the Metanarrative of the Bible?”)

With awareness of these guidelines we can now make some conclusions about the author’s original intent, which is God’s eternal meaning.

Two Levels of Interpretation

After reading and observing the chosen passage we move to interpretation. First, we recognize what it meant to the first readers. Then, we identify the underlying eternal truths and timeless principles to apply to our lives today.

First readers: 

No passage can ever mean what it never meant. Therefore, we must first answer the question, “What did the author intend to communicate to his original audience in their historical and cultural context?” 

To aid your understanding, briefly summarize or outline the overall content and/or make a short bullet list of his points. Summarize his overall main idea and identify his reason for writing. Look for how he wanted his readers to respond. What did he want them to believe or obey or change? Also identify the reasons/truths he gave as support for this desired response.

Today’s readers:

After we’ve recognized the meaning to the original readers, we can identify the eternal truths and timeless principles that support it. These will be true and applicable no matter our culture or historical setting. They will be relevant to all people of all time. They will be not conflict with other Scriptural truths.

God does not change. He is eternally holy. His ways, purposes, and character remain the same forever. The final step of interpretation is to identify these truths and principles. They may pertain to God Himself, His salvation, His purposes and work, the nature of mankind, the work of Christ’s church, and more.

An Example of Identifying Timeless Principles for Application

Sometimes a passage may not have direct application for us today, but every passage has implications for God’s people of all time, including us today. 

For instance, near the end of Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome, Paul gave them specific instructions regarding Phoebe, the Christian woman who delivered his letter:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Romans 16:1-2 NLT

Paul’s original intent is that the Roman Christians would follow his instructions to welcome, honor, and help Phoebe because she had served both Paul and them. Does this apply to us? If so, how?

We can’t help Phoebe because she lived and died two millennia ago. However, the principles underlying Paul’s instructions to the Romans are eternal and timeless. Christians today should also welcome, honor, and help those leaders who selflessly minister to us and serve the Lord.

Have you struggled to understand the Bible? In what ways has this post helped? Are there other tips that help you?