Keys to interpretation

The following keys are given here to help you develop a more successful personal study of the Bible. These are general principles which are to serve as tools for you to discover the truths of the Scriptures on your own, as well as enabling you to search the Scriptures to see whether things you've read or heard somewhere are indeed so.

All Scripture is to be interpreted:

The verse (where it is written):: (a) right where and how it is written &ndsh; the words, expressions, sentences are clear in themselves; (b) according to correct usage of words – words must be interpreted and understood as used in the Scriptures (not as used in secular literature); and words must be interpreted and understood in light of their usage at the time the particular Bible was translated or revised (not as used today in our vernacular); (c) observing figures of speech – if words are not literally true, or an unusual way of expression is found, any figures of speech involved must be noted and understood; (d) recognizing references to oriental customs and manners – the Scriptures were not written in our day and time or culture, various expressions may only be understood when noting the customs and manners in the times and lands of the Bible.; (e) definition of terms at other places in Scripture – at times a word or expression may be defined in more detail either in a verse where it has been used before, or else also in a later place.

In the context:: (a) noting the immediate context – often the meaning becomes clear from the immediate context, the surrounding verses; (b) noting the remote or expanded context – all places dealing with the same subject or topic add to the overall picture and understanding

Further principles to be observed

(a) all scriptures on a topic must be in harmony – as seen from the remote context, different scriptures may address an identical topic, and they must be in harmony with one another; different details may be mentioned, but all will add up to a harmonious overall picture

(b) note difference between similar and identical situations – records about an identical situation will harmoniously complement each other without contradictions; if there is even one detail which would cause a contradiction, they are speaking not of an identical situation but of several similar situations.

(c) the few difficult verses are to be understood in light of the many clear verses – the basis of a correct understanding are the many clear verses on a subject, any odd verses are to be understood in light of the clear verses

(d) noting "to whom" or "of whom" it is speaking – the interpretation must always note, to whom something is addressed, or of whom something is true, especially in reference to:

biblical ages or times (past, present, future ages)
persons (individuals or a group [class] of people)
Israel, Gentiles, Church of God

(e) interpretation and application – one must note the difference between the interpretation (to whom and of whom is this speaking and true) and a possible application now (is the truth generally applicable, still valid, or only to be applied for the one it is speaking of)

None of the writings of the Bible was just written in our day and time and is addressed to us directly! Even the NT scriptures cannot be read and understood as if they had been written just yeterday and had been addressed to us. People, places, situations and time references that are mentioned must be understood from the writer's view and from the perspective of the circumstances at the time of writing.

A correct application to today's situations and people liv ing now can only be made after a correct interpretation has been gained first.

Questions for better reading and understanding

Many times a reader can greatly benefit in his reading from asking some simple questions while reading a passage or verse, such as these:

What is the verse actually saying?
What is that verse not saying?
What is the opposite of what it is saying?
What is unusual about the way it is said?
What did it mean to first-century believers?
What does it mean to believers today?