A GUIDE TO GOOD BIBLE READING
We must be able, from the text itself, support our interpretations. There are 6 areas that provide at least limited verification:
1.historical setting
2.grammatical structures (syntax)
3.literary context
4.contemporary word usage
5.relevant parallel passages
6.genre
2.grammatical structures (syntax)
3.literary context
4.contemporary word usage
5.relevant parallel passages
6.genre
The 4 beliefs that will assist in good Bible reading:
1.I believe The Bible is the only inspired self-revelation of the one true God.
2.I believe The Bible was written for the common man—for all men!
3.I believe The Bible has a unified message and purpose.
4.I believe that every passage (excluding prophesies) has one and only one meaning based on the intent of the original, inspired author. This is based on...
the genre (literary type) chosen to express the message.
the historical setting and/or specific occasion.
the literary context of the entire book as well as each unit.
the textual design (outline) of the literary units as they relate to the whole message.
the specific grammatical features employed to communicate the message.
the words chosen to present the message.
2.I believe The Bible was written for the common man—for all men!
3.I believe The Bible has a unified message and purpose.
4.I believe that every passage (excluding prophesies) has one and only one meaning based on the intent of the original, inspired author. This is based on...
the genre (literary type) chosen to express the message.
the historical setting and/or specific occasion.
the literary context of the entire book as well as each unit.
the textual design (outline) of the literary units as they relate to the whole message.
the specific grammatical features employed to communicate the message.
the words chosen to present the message.
4 Reading Cycles that will assist in good Bible reading:
1.The first reading cycle
Read the book during one sitting. Read it again in a different translation, hopefully from a different translation:
Word-for-Word
(New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version)...or...Dynamic Equivalent (Today’s English Version, Jerusalem Bible)...or...Paraphrase (Living Bible, Amplified Bible)
Look for the central purpose of the entire writing. Identify its theme.
Isolate (if possible) a literary unit, a chapter, a paragraph or a sentence which clearly expresses this central purpose or theme.
Identify the predominant literary genre:
Old Testament (Hebrew narrative, Hebrew poetry [wisdom literature, psalm], Hebrew prophecy [prose, poetry], and Law Codes)
New Testament (Narratives [Gospels, Acts], Parables [Gospels], Letters/epistles, Apocalyptic literature).
2.The second reading cycle
Read the entire book seeking to identify major topics or subjects.
Outline the major topics and briefly encapsulate their contents in a declarative statement.
Check your purpose statement and broad outline with study aids.
3.The third reading cycle
Read the entire book seeking to identify the historical setting and specific occasion for the writing.
List the historical items: the author, the date, the recipients, the specific reason for writing, aspects of the cultural setting that relate to the purpose of the writing, references to historical people and events
Expand your outline to paragraph level for that part of the biblical book you are interpreting. Always identify and outline the literary unit. This may be several chapters or paragraphs. This enables you to follow the original author's logic and textual design.
Check your historical setting by using study aids.
4.The fourth reading cycle
Read the specific literary units in several translations.
Look for literary or grammatical structures: repeated phrases, repeated grammatical structures, and contrasting concepts.
List the following items: significant terms, unusual terms, important grammatical structures, and particularly difficult words, clauses, and sentences.
Look for relevant parallel passages: look for the clearest teaching passage on your subject using Systematic Theology books, Reference Bibles, Concordances, look for parallels within the same book, same author or same genre; the Bible is its own best interpreter because it has one author, the Spirit.
Use study aids to check your observations of historical setting and occasion like Study Bibles, Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries, Bible Commentaries.
Read the book during one sitting. Read it again in a different translation, hopefully from a different translation:
Word-for-Word
(New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Revised Standard Version)...or...Dynamic Equivalent (Today’s English Version, Jerusalem Bible)...or...Paraphrase (Living Bible, Amplified Bible)
Look for the central purpose of the entire writing. Identify its theme.
Isolate (if possible) a literary unit, a chapter, a paragraph or a sentence which clearly expresses this central purpose or theme.
Identify the predominant literary genre:
Old Testament (Hebrew narrative, Hebrew poetry [wisdom literature, psalm], Hebrew prophecy [prose, poetry], and Law Codes)
New Testament (Narratives [Gospels, Acts], Parables [Gospels], Letters/epistles, Apocalyptic literature).
2.The second reading cycle
Read the entire book seeking to identify major topics or subjects.
Outline the major topics and briefly encapsulate their contents in a declarative statement.
Check your purpose statement and broad outline with study aids.
3.The third reading cycle
Read the entire book seeking to identify the historical setting and specific occasion for the writing.
List the historical items: the author, the date, the recipients, the specific reason for writing, aspects of the cultural setting that relate to the purpose of the writing, references to historical people and events
Expand your outline to paragraph level for that part of the biblical book you are interpreting. Always identify and outline the literary unit. This may be several chapters or paragraphs. This enables you to follow the original author's logic and textual design.
Check your historical setting by using study aids.
4.The fourth reading cycle
Read the specific literary units in several translations.
Look for literary or grammatical structures: repeated phrases, repeated grammatical structures, and contrasting concepts.
List the following items: significant terms, unusual terms, important grammatical structures, and particularly difficult words, clauses, and sentences.
Look for relevant parallel passages: look for the clearest teaching passage on your subject using Systematic Theology books, Reference Bibles, Concordances, look for parallels within the same book, same author or same genre; the Bible is its own best interpreter because it has one author, the Spirit.
Use study aids to check your observations of historical setting and occasion like Study Bibles, Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries, Bible Commentaries.
At this point we turn to application. You have paid the price to understand the text in its original setting; now it must be applied to your life, your culture. I define biblical authority as “understanding what the original biblical author was saying to his day and applying that truth to our day.
5 Step Checklist that will assist in good Bible reading:
1. Pray for the Spirit's help.
1st Corinthians 1:26 – 2:16..."For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD." And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden {wisdom} which God predestined before the ages to our glory; {the wisdom} which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND {which} HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us God revealed {them} through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the {thoughts} of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the {thoughts} of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual {thoughts} with spiritual {words.} But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ." (NASB)
2. Pray for personal forgiveness and cleansing from known sin.
1st John 1:9... “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (NASB)
3. Pray for a greater desire to know God.
Psalms 19:7 – 14... “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern {his} errors? Acquit me of hidden {faults.} Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous {sins;} Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”(NASB)
Psalm 42:1... “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.” (NASB)
Psalm 119:1... “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD.” (NASB)
4. Apply any new insight immediately to your own life.
5. Remain humble and teachable.
1st Corinthians 1:26 – 2:16..."For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD." And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden {wisdom} which God predestined before the ages to our glory; {the wisdom} which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND {which} HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us God revealed {them} through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the {thoughts} of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the {thoughts} of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual {thoughts} with spiritual {words.} But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ." (NASB)
2. Pray for personal forgiveness and cleansing from known sin.
1st John 1:9... “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (NASB)
3. Pray for a greater desire to know God.
Psalms 19:7 – 14... “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern {his} errors? Acquit me of hidden {faults.} Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous {sins;} Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”(NASB)
Psalm 42:1... “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.” (NASB)
Psalm 119:1... “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD.” (NASB)
4. Apply any new insight immediately to your own life.
5. Remain humble and teachable.
Give S.P.A.C.E.
Sin to forsake
Promise to claim
Attitude to change
Command to obey
Example to follow
Luke 12:13 – 34...“Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the {family} inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not {even} when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years {to come;} take your ease, eat, drink {and} be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This {very} night your soul is required of you; and {now} who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about {your} life, {as to} what you will eat; nor for your body, {as to} what you will put on. "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and {yet} God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! "And which of you by worrying can add a {single} hour to his life's span? "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is {alive} today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more {will He clothe} you? You men of little faith! "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. "For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. "Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NASB)
Promise to claim
Attitude to change
Command to obey
Example to follow
Luke 12:13 – 34...“Someone in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the {family} inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not {even} when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years {to come;} take your ease, eat, drink {and} be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This {very} night your soul is required of you; and {now} who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about {your} life, {as to} what you will eat; nor for your body, {as to} what you will put on. "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and {yet} God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! "And which of you by worrying can add a {single} hour to his life's span? "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is {alive} today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more {will He clothe} you? You men of little faith! "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. "For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. "Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NASB)
Definitions of Commonly Used Terms
Names for Deity: Lord (YHWH / Kurios), God (Elohim / Theos), Son of Man, Son of God, Savior
Names of Texts and Translations: Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Targums, Vulgate, Peshitta, Dead Sea Scrolls
Bodies of Water: Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Nile River, Adriatic Sea, Jordan River
Countries:
1. Egypt
2. Judea
3. Samaria
4. Decapolis
5. Galilee
6. Syria
7. Phoenicia
8. Cilicia
9. Cappadocia
10. Galatia
11. Pamphylia
12. Lycia
13. Asia
14. Bithynia
15. Pontus
16. Achaia
17. Macedonia
18. Illyricum
19. Italy
Islands: Cyprus, Crete, Patmos, Sicily, Malta
Major Cities:
1. Alexandria
2. Memphis
3. Jerusalem
4. Antioch
5. Tarsus
6. Ephesus
7. Pergamum
8. Corinth
9. Athens
10. Rome
11. Thessalonica
Names of Texts and Translations: Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Targums, Vulgate, Peshitta, Dead Sea Scrolls
Bodies of Water: Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Nile River, Adriatic Sea, Jordan River
Countries:
1. Egypt
2. Judea
3. Samaria
4. Decapolis
5. Galilee
6. Syria
7. Phoenicia
8. Cilicia
9. Cappadocia
10. Galatia
11. Pamphylia
12. Lycia
13. Asia
14. Bithynia
15. Pontus
16. Achaia
17. Macedonia
18. Illyricum
19. Italy
Islands: Cyprus, Crete, Patmos, Sicily, Malta
Major Cities:
1. Alexandria
2. Memphis
3. Jerusalem
4. Antioch
5. Tarsus
6. Ephesus
7. Pergamum
8. Corinth
9. Athens
10. Rome
11. Thessalonica