Biblical InterpretationSundays, Sep. 8-Nov. 24, 2013

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Five Keys to Interpretation

#1: Content

Observation

Emphasized, repeated, related,

alike, unalike, true to life

Terms, structure, literary form, etc.

Who, what, when, where, wherefore

The more time you spend in Observation, the less time you will have to spend in Interpretation, and the more accurate will be your result.

#2: Context

he broke a leg

Several kinds of context

Cultural contextLuke 24:9-10, Acts 10:9-14

Geographic contextMark 4, Epistles

Literary contextRomans 8:1

Historical contextLuke 2:1-2

Several kinds of context

Theological contextWhat did this author know about God?

What was the relationship of his readers to God?How did people worship God at this point?

How much of the Scripture did the writer and audience have access to?What other religions and worldviews were competing for influence?

Where does this passage fit in the unfolding of Scripture?

#3: ComparisonCompare Scripture with Scripture

The greatest interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself.

Using a concordance

Ephesians 4:11-12“Equip”

1. Mending of broken nets2. Setting of broken bones3. Outfitting a ship for a journey

Scripture vs. Scripture

Matthew 6:14-15For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sons, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Ephesians 2:8-9For it is by grace have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

#4: Culture

#5: ConsultationTools for Interpretation

Tools for Interpretation

Bible Handbooks Atlases

Bible Commentaries Concordances

Study Bible Bible Dictionaries