Rules for Biblical Interpretation

q   Begin with prayer: The Holy Spirit promises to lead us into all truth.

q   If God is really worthy of worship, then it is his job to tell us about Himself and His will for us, NOT for us to tell Him about Himself and His will for us (or our will for us/Him)

q   Let Scripture interpret Scripture.  That is, let other passage clue you in on what a particular passage means.  Remember that the understanding of one passage cannot contradict the understanding of another passage.  Also:

q   Let easy passages shed light on difficult passages, and not vice versa (concentrate on the Gospels first, then the Epistles, then the Prophecies).

q   Let the Scriptures say what they say.

q   No passage can mean two contradictory things.

q   The Scriptures are written in human language, they use all the figures of speech that human language uses e.g. alliteration, double-entendre, and hyperbole. 

q   Parables are figures of speech used to explain doctrine; they do not establish doctrine.

q   Context, context, context!

q   Pay careful attention to whether the passage is merely telling what someone did (describing), or giving direction on how something is to be (prescribing).

q   Remember that the end purpose of all of the Scriptures is to present Christ.

q   Ask yourself, “What does this passage NOT say?”

q   Do not “buy into” any one translation—all translations have errors (consult several translations).

q   Throw away your commentaries.  Struggle with the Scriptures; you’ll be better for it.  Understanding comes over time and with effort.

q   Read a chapter of the Bible every day.  You must know the Scriptures in order to interpret the Scriptures.  There is no good substitute for this.