Interpreting the Bible - Accurately Handling the Word of Truth
Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding it correctly is another. With hundreds of verses, multiple literary styles, and ancient contexts, it’s no surprise people come away with different interpretations. But God has not left us in confusion. Scripture encourages us to be diligent, careful, and faithful students of the Word.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
— 2 Timothy 2:15, NASB
The following seven principles of interpretation (based in classic theological hermeneutics) provide a foundation for understanding and applying Scripture with clarity and confidence.
1. Know the Genre You’re Reading
The Bible includes history, poetry, prophecy, letters, and more. Each has its own style and purpose.
Example:
Psalms is poetic—it uses symbols and emotion. Acts is historical—it records real events. We read them differently.
Why First: Understanding whether you’re reading poetry, history, prophecy, or instruction changes how you interpret every other aspect. You don’t approach poetry like you do a legal document. For exmple: Psalm 23 is poetic, not literal — so we don’t look for an actual valley of death or expect literal shepherding.
Tip: Ask, Is this passage literal, poetic, symbolic, or a story with a lesson?
2. Literal Content — Orginial Author & Audience
Start with what the passage plainly says. The Bible should first be read in its natural, historical context—what the author meant and how the original audience would have understood it.
That doesn’t mean we ignore metaphors or parables. It means we don’t jump to personal interpretations without first understanding the actual message.
Example:
When Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), He used a metaphor. But the meaning is clear: we’re called to shine God’s truth in a dark world.
Why Second: Once you know the genre, the next priority is what the passage originally meant to the first readers. This guards against misinterpretation or imposing modern ideas on the text. For example: Jesus telling His disciples “You are the light of the world” only makes sense once we know He was speaking metaphorically to people He was commissioning.
3. Nearby Context - Use Nearby Verses & Chapters
Don’t read verses in isolation. Every verse sits inside a paragraph, a chapter, and a bigger story. Always look at what comes before and after nearby verses and chapters.
Example:
Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”—is often used for motivation. But in context, Paul is talking about enduring hardship and being content in every situation.
Why Third: We now narrow in from the big-picture genre and audience to the immediate textual context. Verses don’t exist in a vacuum. This helps prevent cherry-picking or misapplying phrases. For example: Reading Philippians 4:13 in the context of Paul discussing contentment changes its application completely.
Tip: Ask, What is the full conversation happening here?
4. Far Context – Let Scripture Interpret Scripture
The Bible is a unified whole. When a passage seems symbolic, complex, or unclear, other parts of Scripture can help interpret it. The Bible doesn’t contradict itself—it explains itself.
Example: Jesus as the Lamb
In John 1:29, John the Baptist says:
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
At first glance, this could be confusing— it isn't literally speaking about a lamb coming up. But when we look at other Scriptures, the metaphor becomes clear:
Exodus 12 – The Passover lamb’s blood protected Israel from judgment.
Isaiah 53:7 – The coming Messiah is described as “a lamb led to the slaughter.”
Revelation 5:6 – Jesus is seen as “a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain.”
1 Corinthians 5:7 – “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
By letting these verses interpret one another, we understand that “Lamb of God” is a deeply layered picture: Jesus is the innocent, sacrificial substitute whose death brings forgiveness and protection from judgment.
Why fourth: Once you understand a passage locally, you can then see how broader biblical themes or other books inform or clarify it. This also reinforces doctrinal consistency across Scripture. For example: The Jesus being the lamb is better understood when cross-referenced with teachings about the who the lamb is.
5. Lexical-Syntactical - Study Key Words and Their Meaning
The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek. Word studies can show us deeper meaning that might not be obvious in English. Study these meaning of each work in the verse:
Etymology = The study of origin of words
Lexical = The Relationship / Definition of the words
Syntactical = The study of how words are phrased and used to create to create sentences
Example:
In John 21, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him using two different Greek words—agape (unconditional love) and phileo (friendship). Knowing this gives us a deeper understanding of their conversation.
Tip: Use a Bible dictionary or Strongs Concordance to explore key words.
Why fifth: Word studies can deepen understanding, especially once you’ve already grasped the broader and contextual meaning. This is where you drill down into key phrases. For example:
The distinction between agape and phileo in John 21 is subtle but significant.
6. Understand the Cultural and Historical Setting
The Bible was written long ago in different cultures. Knowing the customs and context of that time helps us understand the meaning better.
Example:
When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13), He was doing the job of a servant. Understanding that culture shows just how humble and loving His act really was.
Tip: Use Bible handbooks or commentaries to explore the background.
Why sixth: At this point, you're layering on cultural insights that clarify certain customs, rituals, or phrases. These can reshape or intensify the meaning after the groundwork has been laid. For example:
Foot washing in John 13 becomes much more radical when you realize it was the lowest servant’s task.
7. Apply the Word Carefully and Honestly
The Bible is meant to be lived, not just studied. But we must apply it the right way—only after we understand what it meant to the original audience.
Example:
Jeremiah 29:11 is often used as a personal promise. But it was originally written to exiles in Babylon. Knowing the context doesn’t take away its encouragement—it gives it deeper meaning rooted in God’s faithfulness.
Why last: Application is the end goal, but it must come after proper interpretation. Only once you've respected the original meaning, context, and culture can you apply the passage faithfully today. For example: Jeremiah 29:11 gives deeper hope when you understand its origin as a promise to exiles, not a personal success mantra.
Tip: Don’t rush to apply a verse. First ask,
What did it mean back then?
Then how does it apply to my life today?
Final Recommended Order:
Know the Genre
Literal Content — Original Author & Audience
Nearby Context
Far Context
Lexical-Syntactical
Cultural & Historical Setting
Careful, Honest Application
Final Encouragement
These seven principles are not rules—they’re tools. They help us handle God’s Word with care, respect, and hunger for truth.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
As you study the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. When you read with clarity and humility, you’ll find yourself not just learning the Word—but living it.
