The Bible is God’s Word, but understanding it correctly requires careful interpretation. A verse taken out of context, a figure of speech treated literally, or a command given to a particular person or nation mistakenly applied to everyone can easily lead to misunderstanding and even false doctrine. That’s why learning sound principles of biblical interpretation—often referred to as hermeneutics—is so important.

So how should we interpret the Bible? How much does context matter? When should a passage be understood literally or figuratively? What role should the original languages, historical setting, and other passages of Scripture play in determining meaning? And how can we avoid reading our own ideas and experiences into the text?

The resources below provide practical rules and guidelines for interpreting the Bible accurately and responsibly. Whether you are studying Scripture for yourself, leading a Bible study, or teaching God’s Word to others, these principles will help you better understand what the biblical authors intended to communicate and faithfully apply God’s Word to your life.

FEATURED ARTICLE:

“HERMENEUTICS 101: Some Rules and Guidelines for Interpreting the Bible” by Charlie Campbell

CONTENT:
1.  Let Scripture interpret Scripture.
2.  The meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or paragraph must be derived from the context.   
3.  Interpret the Scriptures knowing that the goal in interpretation is not to discover hidden, secret truths or to be unique in your interpretation.
4. Interpret the Scriptures literally unless you have good reason to believe that they are figurative.
5. Do not interpret Scripture in light of personal experience but interpret experience in the light of Scripture.
6. When interpreting the Scriptures, investigate the meanings of key words in their original languages.
7. Interpret the Scriptures bearing in mind that many commands, directives, and duties were made to an individual and not all people.
8. Interpret the Scriptures bearing in mind that Biblical examples are authoritative only when supported by a command.
9. Interpret the Scriptures keeping in mind that Christians are living under the New Covenant instituted by Jesus, not the Old Covenant that God gave to Israel.

MORE ARTICLES:

“Historical Implications of Allegorical Interpretation” by Thomas Ice

“Rightly Interpreting the Bible” by Ron Rhodes

VIDEO:

“How to Interpret the Bible and Bible Prophecy” by Norman Geisler

AUDIO:

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