Principles of Biblical Interpretation

By Pastor Don Jackson, April 11, 2021
Sunday, April 11, 2021

BIG IDEA: We Must Interpret Scripture Properly

2 Timothy 2:15

General Principles of Biblical Interpretation

  1. Interpretation must be based on the author’s of meaning and not the reader.
  • The Author’s Context includes:
  1. Interpretation must be done in the of the passage.
  • Example: Revelation 3:20
  1. Interpret the Bible (or normally) allowing for normal use of figurative language.
  • Example: Isaiah 55:12
  1. Use the Bible to help itself.
  • Example: Revelation 1:20
  1. Interpretation must be from application.
  • Examples: John 12; Matthew 7
  1. Interpreter must be sensitive to between Israel and the church. Also, Old Covenant and New Covenant requirements.
  • Examples: Genesis 12:7; Leviticus 19:19
  1. Interpreter must be sensitive to the of literature being studied.

Types of Biblical Literature

1. Narrative Literature

  • The passage needs to be interpreted in its context and then applications can be drawn from characters and events.
    • Example: Judges 3:31

2. Law

  • Christians are not under the as a legal system (Romans 6:14) but we are to fulfill the that stand behind the law of loving God and loving one’s neighbor.
    • Example: Deut. 25:4/1 Timothy 5:17-18

3. Wisdom Literature

  • General truth based on observations but absolute truths or promises.
    • Examples: Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 22:6

4. Poetry

  • Often has a greater use of language than narrative or law.

5. Gospel Literature

  • Each author had a specific audience.
    • Matthew – audience
    • Mark – audience
    • Luke – audience
    • John – audience (Gentiles)

6. Parables

  • Form of figurative speech. used to illustrate a truth.

7. Acts

  • A theologized of the early church. It tells what the church was doing from the side and what God was doing from the side. Some events are descriptive of what happened, not proscriptive expectations.

8. Epistles

  • Directed to and most directly apply to us today.
    • Example: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

9. Revelation (Apocalyptic)

  • Most difficult due to the greater use of language.