Copyright by Bob Rogers, Th.D.

CONTEXT – How does this verse fit with the verses before and after, and the whole chapter?

LITERARY STYLE – What kind of writing is this? Is it poetry, history, a letter, law, prophecy, etc.?

GRAMMAR – What does the subject and verb of the sentence indicate is the writer’s main point? Note figures of speech, etc.

PARALLEL PASSAGES – The Bible is its own best interpreter, so compare what the rest of scripture says on the subject.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND – When, where and why was this written? What was going on at the time in history? What was the writer saying to people in his day and time?

TRANSLATION – Compare translations, to discern the best English word or phrase.

SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT – What has the Holy Spirit told you here, as you read and prayed over it?

CHURCH TRADITION – How have Christians around the world and throughout history interpreted this?