Usually in the study tips, we focus on observation – looking at what the text says, noticing markers or other key words. For the next several posts, we'll look at INTERPRETATION, ways to help discern what God's word MEANS.
The most important consideration for interpreting Scripture is its context. Context includes everything that goes "with" the text. Think of it as the setting or the backdrop for the words. It includes the passage, chapter, book and testament where the Scripture is found.
(Now before you quit reading, thinking this sounds complicated, let me reassure you. You interpret words based on context all the time. For instance, let's say you told me you were coming for dinner, and I said, "Great!" while I smiled and pumped my fists. You would interpret that to mean I was excited about having you as my guest.
However, if I said, "Great!" with a frown and I rolled my eyes, you'd interpret that entirely differently. In each case, the words were the same, but the body language gave you a context in which to interpret them. Piece of cake.)
Here's a verse: "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." Isaiah 14:14
At first reading, that sounds like a pretty good thing, maybe even a promise of what we'll achieve one day, but in order to correctly interpret it, we need to take a step back and look at the verses around it.
When we go back and read v. 12-13, we find out that it's Lucifer (that is, Satan) talking, and if we keep reading, we learn that he will be brought down to the lowest depths for trying to carry out his boasts.
Some questions to ask as you look at context –
- Where does the topic or conversation begin and end? It may be several chapters before or after your current passage.
- What prompted the topic? Was there a situation or a question?
- What type of book is the passage in? Prophecy that may have metaphors and symbols? A history book or a gospel narrative? Or a doctrinal epistle?
- Who is speaking? What is the occasion? Who is the audience?
Becoming aware of context is the first step. Next week we'll look at more context clues.
Lauren says
This is a skill I see in school, too. I don't exactly remember where they said it mattered, but I remember it.
It's extremely important, I agree. It helps people from getting confused or getting the wrong idea and misquoting Scripture.
Thanks for the post!