While it is true that we read the bible devotionally and to hear God speak to us (and that anyone can do this if motivated to receive understanding from God), we have to be careful not to read our own times and cultural assumptions into what we are reading. That’s why we need to learn to practice sound biblical interpretation.
The goal of biblical interpretation is to get at the most basic and plain meaning of the text. This involves two things: exegesis and hermeneutics. In exegesis, we pursue what the text meant in its original context and to its original hearers. It is important to remember that the biblical text still means what it once meant. God’s word to us today is first of all the same as what his word was to the original audience. Hermeneutics is the pursuit of “hearing” the text. It involves discerning how that original meaning applies now in our varied, modern contexts.
When studying Scripture, ask these three questions of the passage you are reading: 1. What does the text actually say? 2. What does it mean (to the original audience)? 3. How does this meaning apply to us now?
Question 1 (what does the text actually say?) is the beginning of the investigative process and simply involves reading comprehension. Use the 5w’s to figure out what the text actually says. The 5ws are: who?, what?, when?, where?, and why? Also pay attention to the literary style being employed. Is the passage written poetically, as a song, or as historical narrative, for instance.
In Question 2 (what does it mean?), you take what you discovered in question 1 and begin the exegesis. What did it mean in its original context and to its original hearers? Often, this will be plain and clear. Other times, especially due to cultural differences, you may need to consult a commentary (or the text notes in a good study bible) or ask for help on the UPWORD blog.
Finally in question 3 (how does it apply), we determine the application of text in our lives. What should I now do, think or live? Following this basic 3 question process will unfold the wonders of the biblical text and will help to ensure you actually receive what God intends you to receive.
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