Published October 31, 2024 at 10:00 PM

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As believers, it is important that we read the Bible every day and apply it to our lives. We should strive to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22-25). However, interpreting and applying the Bible to our lives can often be difficult. It is very easy to misinterpret the Bible and to project your own understanding onto it. For example, those who believe in a works-based doctrine can twist isolated scriptures in their favor. Similarly, isolated scriptures can be used to feed the narrative that God in the OT and NT are two different entities (read this article as a rebuttal of that claim)

In other words, how you interpret the Bible is of great significance. Thus, it is important to understand the basics of Bible interpretation. This article will provide a list of tips (with some commentary and scripture to back them up) on how to best interpret the Bible.

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Important Tips

Tip 1 – Let the Bible speak for itself

The most basic tip for interpreting the Bible is to let the Bible speak for itself. If the text says something at face value, do not try to read your interpretation into it. For example, James 2:14-26 states that faith without works is dead. This statement does not teach works-based salvation, but means exactly what it says: faith without works is dead!

Moreover, there is no need to jump through hoops to twist and manipulate scripture to fit your agenda. One example of this is how some twist Numbers 5 and use it to support their pro-abortion agenda. Doctrines like these fall apart when people simply let the Bible speak for itself, and stop using it as a tool for their evil agenda (and when Christians who know the Bible can combat them).

In short, the Bible says what it says; don’t add to it or twist it

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Tip 2 – Don’t whisper where scripture screams, and don’t scream where scripture whispers

This tip comes from Tara-Leigh Cobble of the Bible Recap, and it is key to interpreting the Bible. When the Bible is clear on an issue, there should be no debate. For example, Jesus being the Son of God is an issue where “scripture screams”, as there is ample evidence for it. Similarly, believers being saved by God’s grace, through faith, is another issue where “scripture screams”.

In comparison, many of the prophecies in Daniel 7-12 are areas where “scripture whispers”. Similarly, the 144,000 sealed and Two Witnesses of Revelation are areas where “scripture whispers. We can have theories and opinions on these topics, but it would be irresponsible to build entire doctrines on issues where God has not given us clarity.

That is why this ministry attempts to avoid areas where “scripture whispers”. And if we ever talk about any of those areas, our opinions are held with an “open hand”, meaning we are very open to the possibility of being wrong. For example, I have an opinion concerning the identity of the False Prophet, but that is held with an open hand.

In short, please avoid building doctrines on unclear passages of scripture.

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Tip 3 – Read things in full context

Context matters when reading the Bible. People love to quote Jeremiah 29:11, yet don’t understand the context behind it. Similarly, Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones rattling is popular (Ezekiel 37), yet people don’t have a clue what he’s actually talking about (read about it in the two articles linked here and here).

The Bible is more than just a book full of inspirational quotes and wise sayings. The Bible has a context, which is often overlooked. In other words, don’t just isolate your favorite scriptures; read them in context!

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Tip 4 – Do extra research

Doing extra research will often help you better interpret and understand the Bible. For example, a quick Google search could help you understand who exactly the Pharisees and Sadducees are, and how the religious and political situation of Judea was very complex. Similarly, a Google search could help you understand heresies like Gnosticism, and why many of the later NT writings focused on combatting heresies and dealing with apostates.

The point here is that the Bible has a detailed narrative, but there are also things going on behind the scenes that influence the narrative. For example, I researched the Greek and Roman periods to understand what happened between Malachi and Matthew (i.e. Maccabean Revolt, Hasmonean Kingdom, Conflicts with Rome, Idumea, Samaria, etc). Concurrently, I read Bible commentaries, as they help provide extra details and perspectives I hadn’t considered. They are often written by scholars who know the Bible and the context behind it.

In sum, doing extra research often helps clarify what is going on, and it gives helpful details.

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Tip 5 – Compare translations

Reading multiple translations can often help clarify what the Bible is saying. For example, Ezekiel 23:19-20 can be difficult to understand in the KJV. Switching to a different translation, that puts the verses in different words, clarifies what is being said. It is helpful to see the same thing said in different ways.

So if you find yourself struggling to understand what is going on, try reading the passage in 3-4 different translations, and/or consulting a commentary (as stated in tip 4).

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Tip 6 – Read the Bible in its entirety

The last tip is to simply read the Bible in its entirety. You wouldn’t fully understand a book if you started reading 75% in, yet many Christians start reading their Bible from the back. They often skip large portions of the Old Testament (if not the entire OT), then read from the New Testament onward. The New Testament cannot properly be understood without first going back and reading how we got there. The Law and Prophets point to Jesus, yet you wouldn’t know that if you hadn’t read the Law and Prophets.

Read the Bible in its entirety to get the full picture of what is going it. For example, John 8 would make no sense if you haven’t read the book of Exodus. Similarly, the Book of Hebrews assumes that the reader is familiar with the Law of Moses.

In short, you need to read all 66 books of the Bible, as they are interconnected.

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Conclusion

I pray that is article provided useful tips for interpreting the Bible. Bible interpretation can be difficult at times, but it is doable if you put effort into it. I recommend starting in Genesis, taking notes, and researching things that may be confusing. Repeat this same process for Exodus, and slowly make your way through the entire Bible by reading a few chapters a day. You’ll begin to see your understanding of the text increase, and you’ll get to know God much more. He gave us His word, and it is up to us to read it daily (Joshua 1:8) and study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15). As Amos 5:4 says, we must seek Him and live.

Thank you for reading, and always remember to stay vigilant!