Things to Consider in Bible Interpretation

 CONTEXT – How does this verse fit with the verses before and after, and the whole chapter?

LITERARY STYLE – What kind of writing is this? Is it poetry, history, a letter, law, prophecy, etc.?

GRAMMAR – What does the subject and verb of the sentence indicate is the writer’s main point? Note figures of speech, etc.

PARALLEL PASSAGES – The Bible is its own best interpreter, so compare what the rest of scripture says on the subject.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND – When, where and why was this written? What was going on at the time in history? What was the writer saying to people in his day and time?

TRANSLATION – Compare translations, to discern the best English word or phrase.

SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT – What has the Holy Spirit told you here, as you read and prayed over it?

CHURCH TRADITION – How have Christians around the world and throughout history interpreted this?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elijah and His Accomplishments

Image
His name means “The LORD is my God.” The message of his life matched his name. It still does today. Not only do we see evidence of this man threaded throughout portions of the Old Testament, but we also find mention of him sprinkled in the New Testament as well. His name? Elijah. So who was Elijah? What did he accomplish? As a person, what was he like? How did his faith intertwine with his everyday living? And how does he impact us?  Let’s take a look at fifteen attributes of Elijah and see how this man of faith encourages us in our own faith today. 1. Elijah was a Prophet Elijah’s message and the meaning of his name go together like a fresh glass of milk and warm cookies. He walked, talked, and encouraged others to believe that truly the Lord was God—just as his name purported. As a prophet he adamantly shared God’s message and warnings. Often, both came under fire. Sometimes, however, people turned from following false gods and found themselves deep in worsh...
Read more

Pentatonix

Image
Pentatonix 'What Christmas Means to Me' Yule Log (Music Video)  - Inspirational Videos djbeats   11515 views   about a month ago   source:  PTXofficial Oh! We are getting in the Christmas spirit! A capella group Pentatonix has released another great single “What Christmas Means To Me” from their holiday album “Christmas Is Here!”. If it’s anything like their previous holiday albums, this one will quickly rise to the top of the Billboard.  “Candles burning low  Lots of mistletoe  Lots of snow and ice  Everywhere we go  Choirs singing carols  Right outside my door”  With tight harmonies and amazing overlapping rhythms, Pentatonix really has our toes tappin’ with this upbeat version of “What Christmas Means To Me”. The upbeat song captures the joy of Christmas so perfectly. Add in a yule log video with flickering candles and Christmas trees and we admit to having the Christmas itch! It’s almost time to trade out the p...
Read more

Psalm 24: 1-6

Image
The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart who has not lifted up his sould to an idol nor sworn deceitfully, He shall receive blessing from the Lord. And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. It is believed that these verses are a song that was written as David was bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. Later in the New Testament, Paul quotes these same words. This passage states that everything is under the control of God. It takes it back to creation onward. There are only the righteous who will be allowed to go into Holy Places with the Lord. These are those with clean hands and a pure heart; those with ethics and integrity. Living a good life has its rewards,...
Read more