Learning how to read the Bible.

The Bible was not written to us. It was written for us. The Bible was meant to help us understand God.

 

The Bible is complex. It was written across centuries, in different languages, with different cultural contexts.

• Example:
  • Money is the root of all evil.
    • The actual quote is, "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil". We all need money. If money is more important than everything else, then you should be able to realize your goals are ... askew.
    • Check out this page on the Got Questions website.
• Misquotes and misunderstandings often arise when readers skip over those facts. Learn the basics so you can understand the Bible better. Whether it is here or somewhere else, take the time to understand the Bible better.

Misquotes, verses taken out of context, or just misunderstood. If for no other reason, learn more so you don't sound ignorant. The Bible is too significant not to put in the effort to understand its contents. This site doesn't have all the answers by any means. It's still true, we should learn how to read the Bible. Reading and understanding what has been read are two different things.

Literal, metaphorical, poetry, proverbs/statements of wisdom, parables, and more. How to understand what the Bible meant in context. Use scripture to interpret scripture.

 

When reading the Bible, you must think of who it was being written to at the time. The historical understanding of the people in their time. The politics of the people in their day are all factors.

 

Some things are to be understood as a metaphor. John 10:9-16, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.". Jesus is not saying, He is the door. Jesus is sharing He is the way to God.

• “The elephant in the room” - This phrase is trying to share that there is something big not being discussed, not that there is an actual elephant in the room.
• “Barking up the wrong tree” – This is about a course of action going the wrong direction, not something or someone is barking up any tree.

These phrases aren't meant to be taken literally. The phrases aren't meant to be parables. They convey a concept that means something to us today. A few generations later, these may mean something different.

• "I'm going to tape a show". We used to have video tape recorders. The phrase taping a show can still be used.
• "What time will the sunrise?" We all know the Earth orbits the Sun. Isn't it silly to think we mean the Sun is rising over the horizon when what we actually mean is when will we see the Sun in the morning?

From Microsoft's Copilot:

The principle of "using Scripture to interpret Scripture" is a foundational approach in biblical hermeneutics (the study of interpretation). It emphasizes that the Bible, as God's inspired Word, is internally consistent and self-explanatory. This method ensures that interpretations align with the broader context of Scripture, avoiding contradictions or misapplications.

Key Guidelines for Using Scripture to Interpret Scripture:

1. 1. Immediate Context:
      • Examine the verses surrounding the passage. The meaning of a verse is often clarified by its immediate context.
   2. Cross-Referencing:
      • Look for other passages that address the same topic or use similar language. For example, compare the Gospels for parallel accounts or Paul's letters for consistent theology.
   3. Unity of Scripture:
      • Interpret individual passages in light of the overarching themes of the Bible, such as God's redemptive plan, grace, and justice.
   4. Historical and Cultural Context:
      • Consider the historical and cultural background of the text. Use other parts of Scripture to understand customs, laws, or events.
   5. Clear Passages Explain Difficult Ones:
      • Use clear, straightforward passages to interpret more complex or ambiguous ones. For example, use John 3:16 to understand God's love and salvation.
   6. Avoid Isolated Interpretation:
      • Avoid building theology on a single verse without considering the broader biblical narrative.

Example:

• • Faith and Works: James 2:17 says, "Faith without works is dead," while Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, not works. Using Scripture to interpret Scripture reveals that works are the evidence of genuine faith, not the means of salvation.

Benefits:

• • Ensures consistency in interpretation.
  • Prevents personal biases from distorting the meaning.
  • Deepens understanding of God's Word.

This approach requires prayer, humility, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, as Scripture itself teaches in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."