Basic Bible Interpretation
Basic Bible Interpretation
By Roy B. Zuck
By Roy B. Zuck
"...the Bible may well be the most abused book in the world... The solution to this problem of widely differing interpretations is to employ the correct method of biblical interpretation" (Campbell, Foreword, p 7).
It is essential for understanding and teaching the Bible properly.
Hermeneutics: the science and art of interpreting the Bible.
The first step, observation, asks, What does it say?
The second step, interpretation, asks the question, What does it mean?
The third step, application, raises the question, How does it apply to me?
Bible interpretation is essential as a step beyond observation.
Far too often, readers skip interpretation and proceed to application, with harmful consequences.
Strive to correctly handle the word of truth as commanded in 2 Timothy 2:25.
Bible interpretation is essential for applying the Bible properly.
Interpretation is foundational to application. If we do not interpret properly, we may end up applying the Bible wrongly.
Interpreting the Bible is one of the most important issues facing Christians today.
Without proper biblical interpretation, the theology of an individual or of an entire church may be misdirected or superficial and its ministry unbalanced.
You will find yourself constantly asking, Is this interpretation correct?
The Bible is an ancient text spanning nearly 1,500 years and as many as 40 authors writing in three languages. There are gaps to overcome when interpreting Scripture.
Time Gap (Chronological)
Space Gap (Geographical)
Customs Gap (Cultural)
Language Gap (Linguistic)
Writing Gap (Literary)
Spiritual Gap (Supernatural)
Hermeneutics
Exegesis
Exposition
Homiletics
Pedagogy