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How to Study the Bible What Bible should one read? We recommend a literal translation first before one uses a paraphrase. 2 Tim 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”(NKJV) 2 Tim 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”(KJV) 2 Tim. 2:15: “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing – rightly handling and skillfully teaching – the Word of Truth” (Amplified Bible) What is the difference? A literal translation is a word for word translation of the Hebrew and Greek while a paraphrase is a thought for thought translation. Many subjective paraphrase interpretations remake the Scripture, unable to speak accurately. This is because the translator has more of his concepts conveyed in the words than the original words themselves. A Bible paraphrase is an individual’s interpretation of what he thinks God is saying,. Its accuracy depends on how much bible knowledge and language skills one has exercised in their translating. Translations can expand ones understanding of the scriptures on certain points, some paraphrases can help clarify a word, but using fifteen different translations/paraphrases can make a verse conform to their interpretation and instead bring confusion. Above all, pray that God will show you what He means in His word, and be willing to spend time to find it. Try to have a set time to read consistently through the week each book. Devotions- start off each morning if possible with prayer and the word so that your day is prioritized by the Lord. Things go better and with far less problems when this is done. There is no given amount of time for everyone to spend in the word, we are all different. But minute microwave devotions are not able to bring growth. You get out what you put in it; little effort; little results. We all should get fed at the church we attend but we become spiritually satisfied by out own study time in the word. this is when we learn the most as we spend our own time in the word. If you find something that goes contrary to your former conclusion or what you have been taught revisit your notes and scriptures to make sure it is correct. Be aware of what is contrary to basic historic Christian teaching. After you have received the answers apply it to your life when it is necessary. God’s Word is to be treated as the truth and final say in all matters of life. To trust Him at what he says is to have faith. The majority of things we need to know from the Bible are often simple and concise but there is a depth to the word as we grow in learning it. We can read devotionally or enter studying the word book by book or by subjects. To study the Bible topically: concentrate on various topics by preparing a list of subjects that relate to each other and gather all you can on a certain subject. 1. Take your time reading the portion of Scripture, if need be read it over several times. Let it sink in, don’t skim over it. Read the passage with the surrounding the verse[s], before and after. We need to first see the overall theme before we can begin to understand the details. 2. Think on what you are reading, compare it to other scriptures that have the same concepts or words. See if they support your interpretation or they do not. 3. Do not read into the Word your personal interpretation or ideas. You want the Bible to say what it actually means. This means we may need to pursue the context of the passage. Be aware of not taking a verse and lifting it our of context to promote your own view - your own ideas (pretext). It is after we have settled the basics, the foundations of Christian doctrine that we can build on it. 4. Word usage and its meaning: look into the Greek or Hebrew words used and
how they differ from the other times they are used, there are different tenses
for the same word that could change its meaning. But most important is to keep
it in context. Cultural and historical context will help shed light on the meaning of a passage. Read up on some of the customs of the Hebrew, Roman and Greek culture. The New Testament is a Jewish document written in the common Greek language; but with the Jewish Religions thinking carried within it; theology, customs, beliefs and practices. It should not be interpreted with the Greek or other culture worldview. Read it carefully. Scripture interprets Scripture, there must be support for the conclusion from other passages. What do the words mean in context is more important than any single word. The Spirit of the text which is the meaning behind the words needs to be determined first. Find the overall theme and context first before going into specific words. Look for consistent usage of words and symbols from the Old Testament to the new. Look up difficult words. Parables are to be interpreted according to their theme or subject, poems or allegories or symbols are to follow basic Christian doctrine. Dividing the books to know what literary category they are in helps our interpreting them. The Law 5 books of Moses. 12 Historical books; 1 History; 5 Poetical; 4 Gospels; 1 Prophetic. Remember the New Testament completes the Old, the Old does not interpret the new. What kind of literature is it. history, biographical narrative, a parable or prophecy. There are rules of interpretation that are called hermeneutics. Always find the main theme of a book or letter first before going into the details of words or tenses. After reading through the letter study it by chapters, (be aware they can overlap) then break it down into the authors thoughts. This become the guideline for accuracy in interpretation. We need to identify who wrote this passage? What is the authors background. When was the letter written and from where. To whom was it written? What is the purpose he wrote the letter. There are recipients of the letters in the New Testament that help us understand the why it was written. How did the recipient react. Did he have to write more than one letter. Did he quote Old Testament Scripture. Is there a historical cultural context that would have been understood by its’ original recipients? Is a certain passage or statement or word is consistently used then we are to see if it has an exception and if this has any bearing on other uses.Our intent is to read the passage from the view of the original author. We cannot determine the meaning by our western or eastern culture, or the century we live in. We can apply it only after we have discovered its original intent. Doctrine, teaching does influence our Lifestyle.The basic rule of interpretation: When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense. Therefore, we should take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths indicate clearly otherwise. We should take the Bible exactly as it says unless there is some indication in the text and in the context that tells us we cannot take it literally. Prophetic symbols are about literal events. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103 Pray for the holy Spirit, the author of the Scripture to help you to understand. It will come alive to you! First Read through the entire New Testament to become familiar with its words and events. If you read by piecemeal that is how you will understand it. You have to read through the whole letter to get the complete picture. If we read the Bible synoptically; when one book says something about Jesus we go to another gospel to see if there are details to be added in, often there is. There are 4 gospels and each have a certain percentage of the same material and a certain percentage of unique material. For example the synoptic gospels: Matthew has 42% difference and 58% in agreement with the other gospels. Mark has 7% difference and 93% agreement. Luke ahs 59% difference 41% agreement. John that was written years later has the majority different. By reading the same portions in each it will give you a completed understanding of what took place. Cross reference Scripture. If necessary read it in a different translation. Make use of a Bible dictionary, consult a commentary if you are not sure or want to double check you have arrived at the right conclusion. Use different study bibles. If you use a study bible or commentary don’t expect it to be right all the time. Sometimes their interpretation is from their personal opinion or they assume the conclusion by their denominational stance (the difference in the church of Christ or Pentecostal).
Allow the word to penetrate your heart first, especially if you are to teach it to others. Hebrews 4:12 “…the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Jesus quoting Deuteronomy 8:3 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'"(Matthew 4:4) Memorize Scripture: “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) Col. 3:16: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Let it be used to reach others, you are a living epistle. Useful tools How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth by Gordon Fee a Harmony of the gospels by A.T. Robertson A Harmony of the words and works of Jesus Christ by J. Dwight Pentecost People and places in the Bible by John Farrar Sketches of Jewish Social life by Edersheim All the books and chapters of the Bible by lockyer Manners and Customs of the Bible by Freeman Where to Find it in the Bible by Ken Anderson Bible commentaries Evangelical commentary of the Bible by Walter Elwell Believers bible Commentary by William MacDonald Word pictures of the New Testament |
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