I pray you are enjoying learning about the inductive method of Bible study. We are at the second step interpretation.
Interpretation asks the question, “What does it mean?”
I have to say that interpretation is one of the most exciting parts of the inductive method, but the step that can get us into trouble if we are not careful.
I have often heard that there can be many applications of a text, but there can only be one interpretation. So we have to do our best to try to interpret scripture most accurately as we can. We may not know until we get to heaven if you got it right.
So here are some key reminders when we start this step.
1.Pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to provide understanding
2.Do not be in a hurry. Take your time.
3.Remain humble and teachable
Interpretation is digging deeper into the observation that you made to draw what the text means.
I love the way Dr. Howard Hendricks outlined the process of interpreting scripture. Listed below are the key points from his book Living by the Book (from chapters 37-34) summarized.
You will need to utilize all of these to help you interpret a text of scripture.
1. Literary form or Genre is going to make a difference in how you will read and understand the scripture. Poetry (Psalms) will read differently than a narrative (Genesis, the gospels) or a book of prophecy. (Isaiah, Jeremiah or Revelations)
2. Content is what’s going on in the text. You had already gathered this information when you did the first step of observation.
3. Context can depend on what you are studying. Are you studying a book, chapter, or verse? You will need to note where the text is located in scripture, what is before and after, and how it is related to other scripture. Also, within the context, you will be looking at the historical context (what was happening socially or politically) and the geographic context (setting or location)
4. Comparison would be cross-referencing. Using scripture to interpret scripture. Sometimes our Bibles have numbers to denote a cross-reference, and you don’t have to try to find it yourself, which is very helpful. Cross-referencing is comparing relevant passages to ensure that we understand the text correctly. The Bible never contradicts itself.
5. Culture is very important to look examine. Culture entails traditions, religious norms, and customs of the time. The Bible takes place in an eastern culture. Something we (westerners) know very little about eastern culture. Often, we look at scripture from our western eyes and interpret the meaning of what the scripture says from that perspective and get it all wrong.
6. Consultation should be the very last step. It is when we use secondary resources to compare our interpretation. I have to confess that I am not a Bible scholar, so I need some help from time to time. When choosing which commentary to read, you should make sure that that scholar believes in the inerrant and authoritative Word of God. You do not want to draw insights from someone who does not believe that the Bible is without error or that it is not God’s Word.
Each of these steps in interpretation is going to take some time. Like in observation, it is crucial to take your time to get it right. This is the Word of God. His Word for us.
“Lord, help me to understand your Word for me. You have been gracious to give it to us. These are your Words. Help me not to misinterpret them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Don’t forget to check these books on the inductive method.
Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks
How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur
Searching the Scriptures by Charles Swindoll
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkins
