Scholars have been studying the Bible for many centuries and it seems that there are still some hidden messages that yet have to be discovered. People turn to it in times of great sorrow to find comfort and share the hope with others, but also during a period of happiness and joy. However, everyone interprets passages differently, and in the following text, we are going to talk more about it.
As you know, the Bible consists of six types of text – narrative, history, poetry, prophecy, epistle, and gospel. In order to interpret some parts of the text, the very first thing you have to do is identify it. Each of these types carries the message in a new way, which is why this is the initial requirement in order to understand it. Often there are some subtle signs meaning that it might take you some time to study it in great detail.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t try to interpret certain passages without the context. If you try to do this, you will probably miss some clues and misunderstand it. You have to read the entire portion of the text because what is written before and after that paragraph will make it clear for you. Think about it this way – you cannot understand the plot of your favorite novel just by reading a few random chapters.
Sometimes there are no hidden meanings. Even though there is a lot of symbolism, more than often, the message is obvious to the readers. You don’t even have to be familiar with the place, people, and events in order to understand a certain paragraph. Although there are many, metaphors are quite clear and don’t require further analysis.
When reading the Bible, try to find the purpose of the message. This is especially important if you want to preach it in your sermon. There is no point in quoting something if you don’t know the intended message. Discovering what inspired the writer is the first thing you have to do when preparing your speech. You have to be able to convey the message properly to your congregation.
Another thing that can help you when interpreting the Bible is the analysis of the words and sentences. Do not only look for clarification but also pay attention to the phrases that are used. Also, many preachers study Greek and Hebrew so that they could read the Bible in its original language. Since translating it into English is quite a challenge due to its importance, there are numerous books such as lexicons you should use that will help you interpret it in a correct way.
Lastly, don’t forget to take into consideration historical, political, social, and religious aspects. The key to understanding it completely is to think about the events that were occurring at that time. As already mentioned, this is not necessary for some passages, but for many it is.
All in all, these are only some instructions we have for you when it comes to reading the Bible. The beauty of it is that it speaks to each person, and conveys a message one needs at the moment. Read more on this website about different people’s interpretation and you will probably learn something new.
