How to Study the Bible

Step

#2—Interpretation:

What does the text mean? Only after doing the spade work of careful observation should we ask, “What does the author mean by these words, as part of the whole book or letter they have written?” We don’t ask “What do these words mean to me?” but “What did they mean to the original author? What was his intent?” The only way to discover what he really meant is by considering our observations from the author’s point of view.

While word definitions and meanings may have been noted in the step of observation, it is at the point of interpreting that we consider directly what the author is trying to say by his choice of words and illustrations.

Step

#3—Application:

What does this text mean to my life? Only after discovering the meaning of a text in its own biblical time and place are we able to ask, “What does this mean to me?” Care should be given to distinguish between cultural facts we need to simply consider and direct applications we need to live out straight away. We need to be able to highlight the main idea of the text before us.

What are the primary issues for me to pray about? What does this passage say about my relationship with God? As we answer these questions, the Bible explodes with significance for us today.