The art of biblical study and interpretation is a seemingly intimidating task, or at least it should be, as it is
necessary and holds incredible implications regarding its rightness or
wrongness. Said another way, one who holds the duty of interpretation,
especially in teaching, is given a serious job and will be held accountable for
what he or she presents to the body of Christ. I contend that the role of
teaching is a noble but solemn one and have, therefore, adapted my own process
of study and interpretation for anyone seeking to employ a tested-and-tried
progression in the art of biblical interpretation. The steps I will examine
have been utilized by myself and largely by many others who have endeavored to
interpret Scripture. I will highlight an eight-step sequence of events that
will confidently aid in one’s study of Scripture. While humanity is fallen and,
thus, imperfect, the process offered here will help in ensuring that one who
interprets Scripture holds a precise and accurate understanding of Scripture
with little room for error.[1]
[1]
It should be noted that human understanding always holds the danger of
misinterpretation. No teacher is perfect, but in trusting the one who is
perfect (the Holy Spirit), he or she may eliminate the proclivity to mistakes.
Even so, one who studies Scripture must be open to the guidance of the Holy
Spirit and even the possibility of a shift in hermeneutics as God the Spirit
guides him or her in study.