How to Effectively Study and Interpret of the Bible
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I am reluctant to say this, but I am currently experiencing medical conditions that is making it difficult to continue most of my activities, I started this thread and I intend to complete it, and over the next few days (a week or two?) my contributions on this thread will be somewhat sporadic. I apologize for this disruption.
This is my first day back. I hope to post something by this afternoon. Actually I am doing much better, thank you. Age is finally catching up with me. 
But still, I have been blessed with a rather long and healthy life.
But still, I have been blessed with a rather long and healthy life.
This is my first day back. I hope to post something by this afternoon. Actually I am doing much better, thank you. Age is finally catching up with me.
But still, I have been blessed with a rather long and healthy life.
Picking up with Question # 2, (post 400, pg 20) What did the original author mean?
To answer this question, one must put forth some real effort, i.e. when you pick up the Bible to read, do so in a prayerful attitude. Remember the scripture that says, “pray always” (Luke 21:34-36; Eph 6:18), and again, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15,16).
As you are reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will most likely open up passages for your instruction, edification, knowledge or perhaps even just for general information. Which brings me back to “your highest priorities should be the word, the Holy Spirit, and you”. You have the word before you, hopefully in a prayerful attitude, and now the only question left is you. How are you approaching the Scripture you are reading? At this point you must review and consider all of the filters that you are carrying around concerning your attitude, presuppositions, and your biases that stands between you and the word of God, and the message that he is communicating. See the previous posts on Filters.
Please note, the Holy Spirit may illuminate a particular scripture(s) for your personal edification. The question remains, how are you receiving that communication and what are you going to do with it and the rest of the book? And then there’s the question, how did the illuminated passage fit with the rest of the material that the original author wrote? Which brings us finally to the question of what did the original author mean (what was his purpose) in writing this book? What subjects did he cover? What was the implication for the original hearers, what implication for today’s church and for me as an individual?
To answer this question, one must put forth some real effort, i.e. when you pick up the Bible to read, do so in a prayerful attitude. Remember the scripture that says, “pray always” (Luke 21:34-36; Eph 6:18), and again, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15,16).
As you are reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will most likely open up passages for your instruction, edification, knowledge or perhaps even just for general information. Which brings me back to “your highest priorities should be the word, the Holy Spirit, and you”. You have the word before you, hopefully in a prayerful attitude, and now the only question left is you. How are you approaching the Scripture you are reading? At this point you must review and consider all of the filters that you are carrying around concerning your attitude, presuppositions, and your biases that stands between you and the word of God, and the message that he is communicating. See the previous posts on Filters.
Please note, the Holy Spirit may illuminate a particular scripture(s) for your personal edification. The question remains, how are you receiving that communication and what are you going to do with it and the rest of the book? And then there’s the question, how did the illuminated passage fit with the rest of the material that the original author wrote? Which brings us finally to the question of what did the original author mean (what was his purpose) in writing this book? What subjects did he cover? What was the implication for the original hearers, what implication for today’s church and for me as an individual?
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The first thing I recommend is to skim the book to get a sense of it, especially if it’s a book that you have not read in a long time, or perhaps not at all. Start by skimming the book to identify the overall subject(s) and genre(s), then go back by chapter (one at a time), then each chapter by paragraph, and finally each verse in a paragraph. That is, having to read the book at least four times! While reading/studying the book, I recommend making an outline form, start with chapter one, verse one, using your favorite translation. Outline what is being said, to whom, why, on what occasion, what instructions/corrections are given, if any. Add your own list.
After outlining the entire book focus on the subject(s) you are the most interested in and search for what this author may have said concerning your subjects of interest elsewhere. Next search what other authors may have said concerning the same subject. Followed by outlining the biblical time line, noting how many biblical authors that were ministering when your book of interest was written, and what were they teaching, to whom, and why?
After outlining the entire book focus on the subject(s) you are the most interested in and search for what this author may have said concerning your subjects of interest elsewhere. Next search what other authors may have said concerning the same subject. Followed by outlining the biblical time line, noting how many biblical authors that were ministering when your book of interest was written, and what were they teaching, to whom, and why?
A Reminder:
This is a Bible study, not a daily reading exercise, which I both encourage and fully support, rather it is to provide a system, a methodology for delving into the deeper things of God and transforming our minds to share more fully in the “mind of Christ” (1Cor 2), and that each individual should do this on their own, as well as with others. The goal is spiritual growth. God has made available everything one needs to secure their salvation, through His word, His Spirit and godly counsel.
What then is man’s responsibility in the salvation process? Believe the gospel, place your faith, trust, and hope in Jesus Christ, and then live one’s life in obedience to God’s expressed will.
This is a Bible study, not a daily reading exercise, which I both encourage and fully support, rather it is to provide a system, a methodology for delving into the deeper things of God and transforming our minds to share more fully in the “mind of Christ” (1Cor 2), and that each individual should do this on their own, as well as with others. The goal is spiritual growth. God has made available everything one needs to secure their salvation, through His word, His Spirit and godly counsel.
What then is man’s responsibility in the salvation process? Believe the gospel, place your faith, trust, and hope in Jesus Christ, and then live one’s life in obedience to God’s expressed will.
- Believe the gospel (John 6:44): Not everyone who hears the gospel will believe (accept) it or even maintain in it.
- Place one’s full faith/belief (Matt 8:5-13), trust/confidence (1Tim 4:10) and hope (Someone, or something) on which expectations are centered) in Christ. (Acts 24:15)
- To live one’s life in obedience to the will of God (in the light one has). (Matt 7:21): This is a condition of one’s heart. Am I just trying to make it into heaven, or am I doing the best that I can to present Christ to others in the life that I live? What does Jesus require of me – am I doing it? How consistent am I?
Thank AW! One day (Idk how you believe) but we’ll get new mansion a new habitat, a new spiritual body and see Abraham and feast with those you love! When we leave here! I feel you on your anger and I hope to reach your age like many other elders! Thank you for your encouragement.
Just as an FYI....
Now that most search engines are providing everyone with an AI type answer about various topics....
The AIs out there are absolutely worthless for hermeneutics. My wife and I used it deliberately to test AI about a specific parable Jesus taught. The answer was convoluted and confusing at best. Nothing made sense or really related to the scripture. Kinda like that Russel Crow movie Noah. The only thing that the movie had in common with the bible was the flood and the boat and the guy named Noah....it was not a biblical representation of what happened.
The A.I. scripture interpretation is just as bad as that Noah movie.
Meaning....
We have to do it ourselves.
Now that most search engines are providing everyone with an AI type answer about various topics....
The AIs out there are absolutely worthless for hermeneutics. My wife and I used it deliberately to test AI about a specific parable Jesus taught. The answer was convoluted and confusing at best. Nothing made sense or really related to the scripture. Kinda like that Russel Crow movie Noah. The only thing that the movie had in common with the bible was the flood and the boat and the guy named Noah....it was not a biblical representation of what happened.
The A.I. scripture interpretation is just as bad as that Noah movie.
Meaning....
We have to do it ourselves.
My life as a student of scripture was not fruitful until I learned to do a few things you pointed out:
"you must review and consider all of the filters that you are carrying around concerning your attitude, presuppositions, and your biases that stands between you and the word of God,"
"What was the implication for the original hearers, what implication for today’s church and for me as an individual?"
"search for what this author may have said concerning your subjects of interest elsewhere. Next search what other authors may have said concerning the same subject."
"noting how many biblical authors that were ministering when your book of interest was written, and what were they teaching, to whom, and why?"
These things were difficult to do back when I did not understand the Hebrew culture at that time. I added to my library some books that reveal the information I needed in order to see the scriptures through the lens of that culture. I found out that I did have filters that blocked my ability to understand.
I realize now that seminary did not necessarily teach truth - they teach doctrines. The best course I ever took was hermeneutics with the points you made as listed above.
"you must review and consider all of the filters that you are carrying around concerning your attitude, presuppositions, and your biases that stands between you and the word of God,"
"What was the implication for the original hearers, what implication for today’s church and for me as an individual?"
"search for what this author may have said concerning your subjects of interest elsewhere. Next search what other authors may have said concerning the same subject."
"noting how many biblical authors that were ministering when your book of interest was written, and what were they teaching, to whom, and why?"
These things were difficult to do back when I did not understand the Hebrew culture at that time. I added to my library some books that reveal the information I needed in order to see the scriptures through the lens of that culture. I found out that I did have filters that blocked my ability to understand.
I realize now that seminary did not necessarily teach truth - they teach doctrines. The best course I ever took was hermeneutics with the points you made as listed above.
While he was known for the Coverdale Bible, searching his history reveals his notoriety as well.
Excellent and love his quotes.
We may know all the doctrines in Scripture but without a personal relationship with Christ Jesus those doctrines won't save us.
Isn’t the saying something like, "Eat the chicken and spit out the bones," right?
Are you looking for all his "bad points" not aligning with your perfect doctrines?
Talk about biases and presuppositions!
Hermeneutics – A Recap
Scattered throughout this thread one will find the basic information necessary for conducting a creditable Bible study. There remains a lot more that could, and most likely should, be included in the Bible study material, which I hope much will be included in the following translation material. Therefore, I will move on the hard part: Scriptural Interpretation (also referred to as hermeneutics).
Please note that the process of performing a good Bible study, as previously outlined, is the important first step in the process of the interpretation of scripture. It is part of the entire process. It’s what every reader of scripture does – at least at some level.
There are a few things about the Bible we must first be aware of, and I think it would be appropriate to start off with some observations made by a few learned men. First a quote from Daniel Webster.
“I believe that the Bible is to be understood and received in the plain, obvious meaning
of its passages, since I cannot persuade myself that a book intended for the salvation and conversion of the whole world should cover its meaning in any such mystery and doubt that none but critics and philosophers discover it.” (Mayhue 1986, 60)
then,
“The challenge to the church is to stress individual study of the Bible among those believe the Bible” (Osborne and Woodward 1979, 13)
If one believes the Bible, then it is imperative that they also study it. How one studies the scriptures becomes of paramount importance. They must also be capable of explaining their belief system to others in a veritable manner – without doing damage to any Scripture.
In this thread I have presented a “bear-bones” outline of what it takes to do a credible Bible study and the steps necessary to more accurately interpret Scripture. Yes, there is a tremendous amount of additional material that could – and should – be covered. Even so, it was not my intent to write a compressive textbook on this subject, for a very good reason: I am not qualified! Rather, to offer some “hooks” to entice individuals to delve in to these subjects further – on their own.
No, I am not abandoning this thread. Yet, the subject will change a little, e.g. I will next be exploring some common errors many Bible students make in their effort to interpret Scripture. These errors are most prevalent when attempting to make the Bible support (justify) doctrines that the Bible does not teach.
-----------------------------
Added a list of cited (plus a large number of references) sources on this thread
If missed, please see Pg 20, Post 392 to download the attachment on Context, and
Pg. 12, Post 232 attachment on the Instructions of Jesus.
Scattered throughout this thread one will find the basic information necessary for conducting a creditable Bible study. There remains a lot more that could, and most likely should, be included in the Bible study material, which I hope much will be included in the following translation material. Therefore, I will move on the hard part: Scriptural Interpretation (also referred to as hermeneutics).
Please note that the process of performing a good Bible study, as previously outlined, is the important first step in the process of the interpretation of scripture. It is part of the entire process. It’s what every reader of scripture does – at least at some level.
There are a few things about the Bible we must first be aware of, and I think it would be appropriate to start off with some observations made by a few learned men. First a quote from Daniel Webster.
“I believe that the Bible is to be understood and received in the plain, obvious meaning
of its passages, since I cannot persuade myself that a book intended for the salvation and conversion of the whole world should cover its meaning in any such mystery and doubt that none but critics and philosophers discover it.” (Mayhue 1986, 60)
then,
“The challenge to the church is to stress individual study of the Bible among those believe the Bible” (Osborne and Woodward 1979, 13)
If one believes the Bible, then it is imperative that they also study it. How one studies the scriptures becomes of paramount importance. They must also be capable of explaining their belief system to others in a veritable manner – without doing damage to any Scripture.
In this thread I have presented a “bear-bones” outline of what it takes to do a credible Bible study and the steps necessary to more accurately interpret Scripture. Yes, there is a tremendous amount of additional material that could – and should – be covered. Even so, it was not my intent to write a compressive textbook on this subject, for a very good reason: I am not qualified! Rather, to offer some “hooks” to entice individuals to delve in to these subjects further – on their own.
No, I am not abandoning this thread. Yet, the subject will change a little, e.g. I will next be exploring some common errors many Bible students make in their effort to interpret Scripture. These errors are most prevalent when attempting to make the Bible support (justify) doctrines that the Bible does not teach.
-----------------------------
Added a list of cited (plus a large number of references) sources on this thread
If missed, please see Pg 20, Post 392 to download the attachment on Context, and
Pg. 12, Post 232 attachment on the Instructions of Jesus.
Attachments
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More traps we might fall into.1
In coming up with a list of possible pitfalls that we might fall into in our attempt to study and interpret Scriptures, the list became overwhelming. Then, this message popped up.
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Whether if we hold one translation over all others, or use multiple translations and/or even original language texts, our Bible studies and interpretation efforts are all subject to the same problems, pit falls, and errors. Unfortunately, it is all part and parcel of the human condition. There is no such thing as a perfect translator or interpreter of Scripture, even though we are all individually responsible for our own salvation and knowledge about our God and Savior. On the other hand, our God has provided us, as believers in Jesus Christ, an abundance of spiritual support. That support consists of the word of God, the Holy Spirit, and our relationship with other believers, and especially with spirit filled elders who have demonstrated in their lifetime that they in truth, walk with God. Now you will notice that in this list of support I have skipped over the crucial element in growing in our understanding and maturing in the spirit and in our relationship with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. That crucial element without which there is no understanding or lifestyle changes is, “You”.
No matter the source of our spiritual assistance, there is always one thing that stands in the way of achieving spiritual growth, and that is “us”, individually. Some folks are happy being exactly where they are and see no necessity in attempting to improve in their relationship with God. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who seek a mountaintop on which they can spend their life alone, in 24/7/365 hours and days in prayer. The rest of us, or at least a great many of us, fall somewhere in between these two extremes, and our lives reflect it.
It is our responsibility to evaluate all the information we receive, from every source, and to judge what is of God and what is of man. We judge what we will accept and what we will reject, by interjecting our own knowledge, understanding and wisdom into the mix. It is no wonder that we have so little unity in the worldwide body of Christ, or even in many local congregations.
So, what is the solution to this global deficiency? Well, I don’t know! I do have a starting suggestion, that we work diligently to set aside our pride and our egos, i.e. our need to be “right and self-justified” and remain teachable. That requires setting side those positions we have outgrown and stepping responsibly into the additional light that we had been shown – it is a lifelong process.
One additional thought. What if we stopped looking for what we can get out of God and start looking for what God can get out of us. Now that can be a scary encounter.
In coming up with a list of possible pitfalls that we might fall into in our attempt to study and interpret Scriptures, the list became overwhelming. Then, this message popped up.
---------------------------------------------------
Whether if we hold one translation over all others, or use multiple translations and/or even original language texts, our Bible studies and interpretation efforts are all subject to the same problems, pit falls, and errors. Unfortunately, it is all part and parcel of the human condition. There is no such thing as a perfect translator or interpreter of Scripture, even though we are all individually responsible for our own salvation and knowledge about our God and Savior. On the other hand, our God has provided us, as believers in Jesus Christ, an abundance of spiritual support. That support consists of the word of God, the Holy Spirit, and our relationship with other believers, and especially with spirit filled elders who have demonstrated in their lifetime that they in truth, walk with God. Now you will notice that in this list of support I have skipped over the crucial element in growing in our understanding and maturing in the spirit and in our relationship with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. That crucial element without which there is no understanding or lifestyle changes is, “You”.
No matter the source of our spiritual assistance, there is always one thing that stands in the way of achieving spiritual growth, and that is “us”, individually. Some folks are happy being exactly where they are and see no necessity in attempting to improve in their relationship with God. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who seek a mountaintop on which they can spend their life alone, in 24/7/365 hours and days in prayer. The rest of us, or at least a great many of us, fall somewhere in between these two extremes, and our lives reflect it.
It is our responsibility to evaluate all the information we receive, from every source, and to judge what is of God and what is of man. We judge what we will accept and what we will reject, by interjecting our own knowledge, understanding and wisdom into the mix. It is no wonder that we have so little unity in the worldwide body of Christ, or even in many local congregations.
So, what is the solution to this global deficiency? Well, I don’t know! I do have a starting suggestion, that we work diligently to set aside our pride and our egos, i.e. our need to be “right and self-justified” and remain teachable. That requires setting side those positions we have outgrown and stepping responsibly into the additional light that we had been shown – it is a lifelong process.
One additional thought. What if we stopped looking for what we can get out of God and start looking for what God can get out of us. Now that can be a scary encounter.
Just a thought, you might want to review Bob Utley's- You can understand the Bible seminar, I am hungry and need to self feed.
J.
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