The Bible has endless application for our lives, but only one meaning. Every part of Scripture means the same thing today as it did when it was written. In our desire to understand the Bible, our goal should be to discover that one original meaning. To grasp the eternal truth God gave us through the pen of man.
So, why do we struggle so often to understand the Bible? And why do so many sincere Christians understand parts differently? While there are many reasons for our individual struggles and the doctrinal differences between groups and denominations, there is one problem that affects many of us: We often read the Bible incorrectly.
4 Guidelines to Understand the Bible Correctly
We don’t have the time or space to do a deep dive into everything that hinders our proper understanding. However, we will touch on four key guidelines to aid us in our pursuit to understand the Bible correctly.
- Literary Genre – The Bible is literature. The specific style of a Bible book impacts how we should understand it. The Bible includes roughly six to eight different literary genres, depending on how its broken down. We don’t have time to fully explore each type of biblical genre and discuss tips for understanding it. However, see “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres.” for a list, brief description, and practical tips. (Other articles you may also find helpful: “The Many Genres of Scripture”and “How Should the Different Genres Impact How We Should Interpret the Bible.”)
- Context – Every book was written at a specific point in history to a particular audience with a specific purpose. This context greatly impacts how we should understand the text. (For more info on context, see “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.”)
- Historical/Cultural Context – Every book of the Bible was written at a point in history to a specific people with a particular set of circumstances. In order to properly understand a passage we need to have a grasp on its context. Who was the author, recipients, date, and location for the book? What was the author’s purpose? Knowing the world events, world powers, the economy, and world religions all aid proper understanding. The culture in which they lived also affects how we should understand the text. Tips: Consult resources like Bible dictionaries and commentaries to help.
- Literary Context – Keep each verse and passage within the context of the surrounding text. It is so easy to misunderstand when we pull one verse or short passage out by itself. Philippians 4:13is a very common victim of this. Tips: When possible, read the book in an entire sitting. Look at every verse and passage with a “wide angle” lenses.
- Meta–Narrative – All the individual books and stories of the Bible join together to tell us one big story: The rule, reign, and redemptive purposes of God. No individual will contradict the Big Story. Tips: Ask, where does this fit in the Big Story? What does this teach us about God’s rule, reign, and redemption?
- Interpret Scripture with Scripture – There is no conflict in the Bible only incorrect or incomplete understanding on our part. Therefore, we can use other passages to help us understand a difficult or obscure one. Tip: Use a concordance to look up other passages that cover this same topic or principle.
This post is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to properly understanding God’s Word. If you want to learn more, I recommend these two helpful resources: How to Read the Bible for all its Worth by Fee and Stuart and Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. Both books give great information but you don’t have to be a seminary student to understand them!
What other great resources have you found helpful?
I am in this particular part of my walk. I tend to take what I’ve read as “literal”, for example, I was reading in 1Corinthians 11:5-6, speaks of women covering their heads when they are praying to God or prophesying… So I began covering my head, even outside, and wondered why aren’t churches teaching this… I know that I need a fuller perspective of the time, history, etc Please help me… Sometimes it’s hard for me to receive God’s grace… I am sometimes left overwhelmed that I am not pleasing Him enough.
Sonia, I am so encouraged that you sincerely desire to please God! All of us are in the process of spiritual growth with things to learn! You are right that context of a Bible book or passage is very important in the way we should understand it. There are so many resources available to shed light on things like historical context, cultural context (which greatly impacts 1 Corinthians 11), and the literary context. This link will give you some online resources that will help: https://www.kathyhoward.org/free-discipleship-tools-resources/online-bible-study-tools/online-bible-study-tools/
Hi Sonia!
That particular passage is troubling for many Christians, and it is important to consider the period and culture during which Paul wrote it. Although ever with of scripture can help us grow, every word is not specific to us now.
I do cover my head, but completely by choice. It is not the way of my family or church. For me, it is a spiritual discipline related to prayer. More importantly (and specific to your question) this discipline has become my constant reminder to embrace God’s love without legalism.
You worry that you are not pleasing enough to Him. Truth is, none of us are. We humans, His creation, are so broken and destructive to ourselves, the earth, and each other. Yet, He came here and died to rescue us, and restore our relationship with Him. …He died for You in order to reconnect You to Him! How much more can anyone love you? And guess what, you can not make him love you less!
thank you
Hi Kathy, I just wondered if you could teach me” how “ to study the Bible???? I love reading the Word & learning more & more about Him. Plus , I feel sooo much closer to Him when I do. There’s sooo much I see & write it down but then when I look up words to see if there’s a different or more deeper meaning, I wind up on a rabbit trail so to speak & I’m All over the place with notes everywhere! I must be doing something wrong! Cause it’s All good but I’m just All over the place & I can’t seem to stay on track or on one subject cause I’m “desiring “ & can’t wait to see what this or that means??? Please , Help !!!! If you can. Would greatly appreciate it. Just saw you on line for the first time. Your name popped up while I was in the middle of trying to figure out & write down what the difference is in Godly : Wisdom, Knowledge, Undertstanding, Discernment, discretion , in the book of Proverbs. That’s pretty clear but when I look up different words I’m just all over the place because there’s sooo many different meanings, all good , I just can’t seem to go forward because all these meanings are good, biblical, & wonderfull that I can’t stop!
Oh! I love your heart and desire to know God’s Word! It sounds like you’re on the right track. One thing I would suggest to stay on track is to keep a list of words you want to study. That way, when you are studying a particular passage that you want to stay focused on, you could add words that come up to your list. Then you can go back later and do a word study. I have taught about how to study the Bible. The basic framework of the way I teach is in this post: https://www.kathyhoward.org/4r-bible-study-method-for-everyday/ That’s a great place to start. And that post itself has some helpful links in it as well!