1. Make note of things that are compared

Example: James 1:9-11

How does comparison bring out the message in Luke 12:22-30?

2. Make note of things that are contrasted

Example: James 3:9-12

How do contrasts bring out the message in I Corinthians 13?

3. Make note of things that are repeated

Example: James 2:14-26 words and phrases repeated

How does repetition bring out the message of I Corinthians 13?

4. Make note of logical relationships

Example: James 1:2-3

Commands, advice, warnings, backed up by reasons, purposes, proofs, results, and causes / effects

Connectives like because I for, in order that, therefore, if, then 

How is the message brought out in James 1:12?

5. Make note of generalizations

Writer may make a general statement and then explain it with particular examples or he may list a series of ideas and then summarize them with a general statement.

Example: James 1:22-25 (General statement with explanation)

How is the material arranged in Luke 12:22-30?

6. Make note of progressions in thought 

Look for this in series, lists

Example: James 1:13-15

How would you describe the arrangement of the material in Romans 10:14-17?

7. Make note of the use of questions

May be used to introduce a problem or to summarize a challenge

Example:  James 2:14-17

What is the value of the questions in Romans 6:1-4?

8. Make note of grammatical constructions

Observe subjects, verbs, and tenses; key phrases, prepositions (in, of, through, with, by, to); be on the alert for connectives (and, but, for, yet, however, likewise); make note of emphatic connectives (truly, verily, behold, indeed, finally, especially, last of all)

Example:  James 5:7-12

9. Make note of literary form and atmosphere

Is it narrative, poetic, parable, prophetic; literal or figurative?

Is the mood one of joy, thanksgiving, concern, humility, zeal, or despair?  Consider how the author feels by the way he addresses his readers.

Example:  James 5:1

What is the mood of Philippians 1:3-8?

Such observations above prepare one to interpret what the writer is “saying.” See next page.

Process of Interpretation

A. The purpose of interpretation is to determine what the writer meant by the words he used.

B. Steps of interpretation (the order may vary)

1. Pray and meditate

1. For guidance of Holy Spirit, who first inspired the writer
2. Meditation increases our ability to “see” the truth
3. Opens our heart to receive

2. Discern

1. The questions we have asked are a bridge between observation and interpretation
2. Discern which questions are most helpful, which ones to answer
3. Some questions may overlap; some may not be very useful
4. Questions are guides to point out areas which need interpretation. Which questions will help us to give meaning to the thought of the whole passage?

3.   Define

1. Use of dictionary or Bible dictionary
2. Which meanings best fit: the context of the Bible passage?
3. When studying definitions, ask yourself, “What insight into the passage does this definition give me?”

4.   Compare

1. Compare different translations
2. Copy portions which give you new insights

5. Investigate

1. Look for the Scriptures interpretation in related passages
2. Use a concordance to find additional references
3. Make note of marginal references and suggestions in order to understand the various ways to translate a word.

6. Consult

1. Consider geographical and historical information in Bible dictionaries, bible handbooks, maps, and introductions to the book of the Bible you are studying.
2. In some cases, you may wish to consult a commentary, but this should be last.

7. Summarize

1. Draw together the understanding of what the writer meant by
2. Writing a brief statement, paraphrasing the passage in your own words, making an outline or diagram of the passage
3. Therefore, it seems that the writer is saying and means…