How to Study the Bible

Studying the Bible well requires careful observation and understanding of the author and original audience.  Furthermore, there is a need to hear how its message can reverberate into our lives today. Below is a practical guide on reading the Bible examining genre and contextual concerns. Many teachers have been misguided in their interpretations not clearly recognizing the context and the author’s intended message.

Historical context

Historical context answers when something was written, who wrote it, to whom, and what was happening socially, politically, and religiously. Without historical context, modern readers can misapply promises or commands. Enhance understanding and meaning can result also when we fully appreciate the surrounding influences that resulted in the needed messages given throughout Scripture. While the Bible is our primary textbook and the focus of study it very helpful to examine scholarly introduction and backgrounds surrounding the author and books of the Bible. Bible commentaries often include a section specifically related to understanding the historical context.

Example: Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This verse was written to exiles in Babylon (Jer. 29:1–14). This promise concerns national restoration. Often this passage is referenced as a generic prosperity guarantee. However, when we understand the rich nature of this promise in the context of exile and religious refugees it provides specific direction for these promises. The passage cannot, without further support, be always applied to all people.  

Literary context

Literary context means understanding how the verse fits into the structure, genre, and argument of the book. The meaning of a sentence depends on its setting.  Just like a message is provided within a historical setting it is also part of a literary whole. You cannot take a sentence, separate from its source and use it to support an idea that the author did not intend. We must read the entire chapter and book to see where each piece connects in the whole. Follow the flow of the arguments and messages and be sure to consider the genre of literature. A sentence taken from its main message distorts the author’s message.

Example: Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

In context (Phil. 4:10–13), Paul discusses contentment in financial hardship not limitless achievement. It cannot be taken to mean we have tremendous success and accomplishment in all things. Furthermore, Understanding the statement within context enhances the meaning. THe truth Paul proclaims here become more compelling and meaningful to our financial struggles when one understands this context and specific meaning of Paul.  

Theological context

Theological context places a passage within the Bible’s overarching narrative. This safeguards interpretation from contradicting major biblical themes. Identify how the passage fits the clear teachings of Scripture.  Contradiction and errors result when one passage of scripture is challenged against another. The Bible is its own best interpreter and a harmonization of the major theological points of scripture must be the focus of our understanding.

A Simple Method

Observation → Interpretation → Application

Observation: What does the text say?

List who, what, when, repeated words, tone, commands, and structure. Look for themes with the book. A professor I had taught me a long time ago to take each chapter and list 20 observations. This is to focus and ensure observation of the actual text. This with insight from the Holy Spirit as our teacher is the beginning of our study on any passage.

Interpretation: What did it mean then?

Use all three contexts. Ask what the original author intended. Consider his arguments and message within the Book he wrote. What are his main points and objectives? How does this fit? Role play to discover how the original audience would have received the message and what would it mean to them.

Application: What does it mean now?

Extract principles, not ancient cultural forms. Apply personally, communally, and practically. What part of the message is still true today and what part of it was specific to the person who read it as a war refuge on the Banks of a foreign river in Babylon.

Practical study steps (step by step)

• Pray for illumination (Psalm 119:18).  

• Read passage and chapter if not the entire book.

• Observe details. List specific examples.

• Identify genre and note special considerations of specific genre.

• Gather historical, literary, theological context. Consult a source for background information on the book’s setting and history.

• Interpret original meaning. Role play as if you were the original audience. Note the specific lessons to those readers.

• Apply timeless principles with concrete actions. List timeless truths and understand that this is the transformation of God’s message intended for you and those you disciple.  

• Record findings to reinforce memory and stimulate growth.

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Interested in learning more about the genre of scripture and how to approach the various books of the Bible based on their Genre?

Click here to checkout the brief resource on, "Understanding Biblical Genre"

For an advanced look at this subject: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth By Douglas K. Stuart and Gordon D. Fee is a must read.