Interpreting the Bible

1. Literal Interpretation (Historical-Grammatical Method)

This method seeks to understand the plain or straightforward meaning of the text as the author intended for the original audience. It takes into account the historical and cultural contexts, grammar, and literary forms.

• Key Principle: The Bible means what it says unless there are clear indications of symbolism or figurative language.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – The Bible is a guide that must be understood in its natural meaning.
  • Jesus often referred to Scriptures literally, such as in His reference to Jonah (Matthew 12:40).
• Example: When interpreting laws or historical accounts (e.g., the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20), the literal meaning of words and their historical context are prioritized.

 

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2. Allegorical Interpretation

In this method, the Scriptures are interpreted beyond their literal meaning to uncover deeper spiritual meanings or theological truths. This approach has been historically used by early Church Fathers like Augustine.

• Key Principle: Many biblical stories, events, and characters can symbolize greater spiritual realities or truths.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants;” (Galatians 4:24) – Paul uses an allegorical interpretation of Hagar and Sarah.
  • Jesus’ parables (e.g., Matthew 13:1–23) often convey deeper spiritual lessons through storytelling.
• Example: The crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) has been interpreted allegorically as a picture of salvation—leaving the bondage of sin and entering freedom in Christ.

 

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3. Typological Interpretation

This closely aligns with allegory but focuses on interpreting events, persons, or symbols in the Old Testament as “types” or foreshadowings of Christ or New Testament realities.

• Key Principle: The Old Testament contains “types” (shadows) that are fulfilled in Christ or His work.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “ which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:17)
  • Jesus explains how the Scriptures point to Him: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39).
• Example: The Passover lamb (Exodus 12) is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29).

 

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4. Contextual Interpretation

This approach focuses on studying Scripture within its immediate and broader context (historical, cultural, and literary). Misunderstandings often result from taking verses out of context.

• Key Principle: A verse or passage must be understood in relation to the verses around it, its book, and the whole Bible.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20-21) – Biblical authors wrote within a divine and contextual framework.
  • The Bereans examined Scriptures in-depth: “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.“ (Acts 17:11).
• Example: Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…”) is often misinterpreted outside its original context, which addresses the Jewish exiles in Babylon.

 

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5. Canonical Interpretation

This method interprets individual Scripture passages in light of the whole canon of Scripture. It emphasizes the unity and consistency of the Bible as the inspired Word of God.

• Key Principle: Scripture interprets Scripture. Passages should be interpreted in harmony with the entirety of biblical revelation.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – All parts of the Bible work together for understanding.
  • Proverbs 30:5 emphasizes the purity and consistency of God’s Word: “Every word of God is pure”
• Example: When studying Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, cross-referencing texts (e.g., Isaiah 53 with Matthew 27) illuminates their interconnectedness.

 

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6. Theological/Doctrinal Interpretation

This method seeks to extract and organize theological teachings based on the entire Bible, recognizing that doctrines must align with God’s revealed truth.

• Key Principle: Biblical interpretation must be consistent with God’s character and truth as revealed in Scripture.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
  • Paul warns against incorrect doctrines: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8).
• Example: Developing a doctrine like salvation (soteriology) involves studying texts such as John 3:16, Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 2:8-9, and others, which together affirm salvation by grace through faith.

 

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7. Literary/Form Analysis

This approach examines the structure and literary forms (history, poetry, prophecy, parables, letters) used in the Bible, as the style can affect interpretation.

• Key Principle: Understanding the genre helps uncover the author’s intent and how the text is meant to be read (e.g., literally or figuratively).
• Biblical Reference:
  • Proverbs are wisdom literature often written in poetic form, e.g., “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
  • Revelation employs symbolic imagery: “the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born“ (Revelation 12:4).
• Example: Psalms use poetic language and imagery, whereas historical books like 1 Kings are written as narrative history.

 

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8. Practical/Devotional Interpretation

This method emphasizes applying the Bible’s teachings personally and practically. It focuses on what the Bible says about daily living, spiritual growth, and obedience to God.

• Key Principle: Scripture is meant to transform, not just inform.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22)
  • “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.“ (Psalm 119:9-11).
• Example: A passage such as Matthew 6:25-34 (about trusting God and not worrying) can be practically applied to reduce anxiety by remembering God’s faithfulness.

 

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9. Prophetic Interpretation

This method focuses on interpreting the prophetic texts of the Bible, often considering their immediate fulfillment and ultimate eschatological (end-times) significance.

• Key Principle: Prophecy can have both a near and far fulfillment in Scripture.
• Biblical Reference:
  • “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy“ (Revelation 19:10) – Prophecy points toward Christ.
  • Prophetic fulfillment is highlighted in Matthew 1:22-23: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet“
• Example: Isaiah 7:14 spoke of a virgin conceiving (fulfilled in Matthew 1:23) but may have also had a near-term fulfillment in Isaiah’s time.

Conclusion

When interpreting the Bible, Christians should approach Scripture prayerfully, relying on the Holy Spirit for understanding (John 14:26). Scripture encourages believers to “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), meaning that faithful interpretation is essential for spiritual growth, guidance, and living out God’s will.

Other Suggested Lessons on Interpreting the Bible:

• The Principles of Biblical Interpretation
• Denominational Approaches to Biblical Interpretation
• Pitfalls to Avoid in Biblical Interpretation