How to

Read, Study, & Interpret

the Bible

Progressive steps of

Bible Study5. Teach it

4. Apply it3. Interpret it

2. Study it1. Read it

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the

study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and

laws in Israel.

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Hearing – Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearinghearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Reading – 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public readingreading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who readsreads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because

the time is near.

Studying – Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the studystudy and observance

of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Memorizing – Psalms 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living

according to your word. I seek you with all my

heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have

hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Meditation – Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

From the Navigators

Principles of Reading the Bible• Read books if you can - not isolated verses or chapters –

get the “context”• Read repetitiously – we learn by having truth flow through

our minds over and over until it makes its imprint• Read expectantly and relationally – look for and expect

God to speak to you and reveal His truth and plan for your life as you read His Word

• Read at a pace where you are thinking and processing the meaning, not just saying the words

• Read out loud, especially if your distracted and utilize the reading of God’s word to help you become a better communicator

Principles of Studying the Bible• Study by asking the question what is God saying through this book or

passage to the original audience and what is God saying to me• Study by first understanding the background of the book – the time, the

culture, the history/circumstances/issues surrounding the book, the lives of the author and recipient. Who, What, When, Where, Why

• Study by reading the book through to get familiar with it and gain a bird’s eye view or the “big picture”

• Highlight the commands and promises throughout the book• Underline a key verse within each chapter

•Go back through and identify the major themes of the chapters and ultimately the book by recognizing key words, repeated phrases, and emphasized subjects.•Write down your observations: make an outline, keep a list of the themes, key words, key verses, commands, promises, facts, and questions you have. (Use the margins to list your initial observations & questions)•Go back after cursory study to more in-depth study involving the original languages, culture, geography, and history.

Principles of Interpreting the Bible

• LiteralLiteral: understand the Bible in its literal, normal, and natural sense (avoid reading into the Bible a “secret” meaning)

• HistoricalHistorical: understand the Bible from a historical perspective/ the context and times from which it was originally written

• GrammaticalGrammatical: Understand what the words mean, including their form, ex. prepositions, pronouns, verbs, & nouns. Also watch for idioms & figurative language like metaphor, analogy, hyperbole, personification. Treat parables differently.

• SynthesisSynthesis: understand the meaning by evaluation of all the Scripture as a whole and not a verse or a passage in isolation – let the Bible interpret itself

• PracticalPractical: What is the Bible instructing you to DO

John MacArthur How to Study the Bible

Questions to ask yourself about… CONTEXT

1. Is my meaning inline with the theme, structure, & book it was found?

2. Is my meaning consistent with other Scriptures about the same subject?

3. Am I considering the historical and cultural context of what is being said?

4. Is my meaning the same as the author’s intended meaning to the original audience?

5. Is my meaning clear or obscure, obvious or hidden?

Questions to ask yourself about… PRECISION

1. Am I guessing at the meaning?2. Am I interpreting the passage in a “prejudiced” light that is most beneficial to me, my situation, or my sin?3. Do I check my interpretations by cross referencing other parts of Scripture?4. Do I check my interpretations against commentaries of respected men of God? 5. Do I think I understand a new truth nobody else knows?

“Be very wary if in your study you find something that no one else has ever seen

before. God probably would not blind godly men to truth for over 2000 years and suddenly reveal it to you.”

Tools for Bible Study: Top 10 books for your library

1. A good study Bible (NIV,NAS,NKJV, MacArthur, Nelson, Scofield, Ryrie, Thompson Chain Reference, Life Application)

2. A Bible Dictionary 3. An exhaustive Concordance (NIV, NAS, Strongs) 4. Naves Topical Bible5. MacArthur’s Quick Reference Guide to the Bible6. Halley’s Bible Handbook7. A one volume Bible Commentary (Matthew Henry)8. Expository Dictionary (Vines/Zodiates)9. Interlinear Greek New Testament or Hebrew Old

Testament10. Greek/Hebrew Lexicon

Practical Exercise:

Interpret John 15:7 in your small groups

“ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”