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8 principles of Biblical interpretation
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?
A prayer for wisdom
Copyright by Bob Rogers.
O God, all the depths of the riches of wisdom and knowledge dwell in You.1 Like Solomon, who prayed for wisdom, we have faith that You give wisdom generously to each of us who ask You.2 Please pour out Your rich wisdom to each of us who are poor in insight. Transform our minds, that we might have the mind of Christ.3 Fill us with the knowledge of Your will and spiritual understanding, so we may discern what is good and pleasing to You. This will help us to walk in ways pleasing to You, bearing good fruit and growing in our knowledge of God.4
Biblical references:
1 Romans 11:33
2 2 Chronicles 1:10; James 1:5
3 Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:5
4 Romans 12:2, Colossians 1:9-10
How to join prayer with Bible reading, using Psalm 119
Article copyright 2017 by Bob Rogers
“I rise before dawn and cry out for help (prayer);
I put my hope in Your word (scripture).” – Psalm 119:147, HCSB
Prayer and daily Bible reading are both stronger if they are done together, as Psalm 119:147 indicates above by listing them together. In fact, one may use key verses from Psalm 119 to prepare the heart before reading scripture, and to reflect in prayer after reading scripture. Here are the verses, all of them from Psalm 119, a psalm that delights in the Word of God. I encourage you to use the first four verses of preparation, to guide a short prayer time before your daily Bible reading. Then read the scripture. After your Bible reading, instead of setting the scripture aside, keep your Bible in front of you as you then pray the last four verses of application.
1) Preparation. Before reading scripture ask God to:
• V. 18 – open my eyes: “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction.”
• V. 66- teach me: “Lord… teach me Your statutes.”
• V. 105 – direct me: “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
• V. 125- give me discernment: “I am Your servant; give me understanding so that I may know Your decrees.”
2) Application. After reading scripture reflect in prayer on:
• V. 11- a sin to confess: “I have treasured Your word in my heart that I may not sin against You.”
• V. 38- a promise to claim: “Confirm what You said to Your servant…”
• V. 60- a command to obey: “I hurried, not hesitating, to keep Your commands.”
• V. 112- a resolution to make: “I am resolved to obey Your statutes to the very end.”
Print this guide and keep it by your Bible, or write this in the margin of your Bible at Psalm 119, and use it daily in reading scripture. May it aid you to engage your heart, mind and will in your daily devotions.
Bob Rogers 