In modern life we are surrounded by interpretations. Experts interpret data, commentators interpret events, and theologians interpret Scripture. But interpretations can sometimes drift far from the original source.
Years ago, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi described a tactic used in politics, that she seemed well familiar with- the “wrap-up smear.” The method is simple: instead of proving a claim directly, the claim is passed through influential voices—experts, media personalities, respected authorities—until the repetition itself begins to substitute for evidence. Eventually people begin quoting the authorities rather than examining the original facts.
The same danger exists in biblical interpretation.
Many believers build their theology not directly from Scripture but from what commentators, pastors, scholars, or traditions say Scripture means. Yet Scripture itself teaches a different standard. The biblical model emphasizes witnesses and evidence rather than authority alone.
Paul reminds believers:
“This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”
—2 Corinthians 13:1
Likewise the law of Moses states:
“On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death.”
—Deuteronomy 17:6
The principle is simple: truth must be grounded in evidence.
In biblical study, the Scriptures themselves are the evidence. Hermeneutics—the science of interpreting texts—exists to help us examine that evidence honestly.
Many scholars have developed elaborate systems of hermeneutics, but often these systems become overly complex. The purpose of hermeneutics should not be to obscure meaning or elevate scholars. It should help ordinary believers read Scripture clearly and honestly.
Here are my seven simple and logical rules for studying the Bible.
1. The Bible Is the Authority
The first and most important rule is straightforward: the Bible is the final authority in matters of faith.
Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and historical writings can be helpful. The writings of early church figures such as Tertullian or Origen may offer insight. Jewish scholars such as Rashi or Maimonides often contain valuable observations.
But none of these sources carry the authority of Scripture itself.
If someone approaches biblical discussion believing that tradition, church councils, or modern scholarship outrank Scripture, any meaningful dialogue becomes impossible. The authority must be settled first.
Scripture must interpret doctrine—not the other way around.
2. Let the Bible Define Its Own Terms
When encountering difficult passages, many students immediately turn to lexicons, concordances, or theological dictionaries. These tools can be useful, but they are not the best starting point.
The best dictionary for the Bible is the Bible itself.
Words in Scripture often define themselves through repeated usage across multiple passages. Isaiah describes this process clearly:
“For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”
—Isaiah 28:10
For example, consider the Hebrew word erev, often translated “evening.” Instead of relying on commentary definitions, we can look at how the Bible itself uses the term. Joshua 8:29 describes evening as the time of sundown—the moment the sun disappears from view.
The biblical usage defines the meaning not the opinions of men or tradition.
The same principle applies to larger theological terms. Consider the phrase “Kingdom of God.” Many people assume the phrase refers to heaven. Others believe it refers to the institutional church. Still others say it refers to an inward spiritual condition.
Before discussing the Kingdom of God, the first step must be to examine how Scripture itself defines the phrase.
And dominion and glory was given to Him, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’
-Daniel 7:14&18 AFV
3. Always Read the Passage in Context
One of the most abused principles in biblical interpretation is context.
It is possible to make the Bible appear to say almost anything if verses are pulled out of their surrounding passages.
A humorous illustration sometimes makes the point. Genesis 24:64 says that Rebekah “alighted from the camel.” If someone isolated only the phrase “she lit off a camel,” one could jokingly claim the Bible describes people smoking camels cigarettes.
Obviously the context reveals the real meaning.
The problem becomes far more serious when interpreting theological issues.
The writings of Paul provide many examples. Peter himself warned that Paul’s letters contain passages that are difficult to understand. Because of this, people often quote isolated lines from Paul while ignoring the broader context.
Consider Romans 3. Some readers claim Paul teaches that faith abolishes the law. Yet when the entire chapter is read, Paul concludes with a direct clarification:
“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
—Romans 3:31
Context often resolves apparent contradictions.
4. Research the Historical Background
Some passages become clear only when we understand the historical and cultural setting.
A classic example appears in Colossians 2:16:
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”
Many interpret this verse as evidence that early Christians were criticized for not keeping Jewish laws.
But historical evidence suggests the opposite.
The city of Colossae was not dominated by Pharisaic Judaism. Instead it was heavily influenced by Greek philosophical traditions, particularly asceticism—the belief that denying physical pleasure increases spiritual purity.
Ascetic groups practiced severe self-denial. Some even held banquets where participants deliberately refused to eat as a display of spiritual discipline.
Paul confronts this philosophy later in the same passage:
“Why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’?”
—Colossians 2:20–21
The issue was not that Christians were being judged by Jews for not keeping their “outdated” festivals. The issue was that pagan ascetic philosophers criticized Christians for celebrating them joyfully.
Understanding the historical setting transforms the meaning of the passage.
5. Read Multiple Translations
Another valuable safeguard is comparing several Bible translations.
Different translation committees approach the text from slightly different perspectives. Reading several translations often reveals nuances that a single translation might obscure.
Tools such as Bible comparison software or parallel translation editions make this process easy. Programs like E-Sword allow readers to view dozens of translations simultaneously.
In most cases translators can be trusted. The vast majority of translation work has been done by teams of scholars who dedicated years—sometimes lifetimes—to studying biblical languages.
However, translation differences occasionally reveal important interpretive questions.
Consider Romans 3:20:
“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”
At first glance this appears to conflict with James 2, where James says:
“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”
—James 2:24
Is Scripture contradicting itself?
Looking more closely reveals the issue. In the Greek text of Romans 3:20, the phrase translated “works of the law” lacks the definite article. Some scholars therefore translate, like The Faithful Version (AFV), it more broadly as “works of law”—meaning the observance of any legal system cannot produce justification.
This distinction resolves the tension. Human law cannot justify anyone, but obedience to God’s law remains part of righteous living.
Reading multiple translations helps identify these subtleties.
6. Study Every Scripture on the Topic
Another common mistake in biblical interpretation is cherry-picking verses.
People often highlight passages that support their position while ignoring passages that challenge it. This approach resembles modern media narratives, where inconvenient facts are sometimes omitted rather than addressed.
Scripture itself warns against this approach. Truth is assembled piece by piece:
“For it is precept upon precept, line upon line… here a little, there a little.”
—Isaiah 28:10
To understand a doctrine fully, one must gather every relevant passage and examine the entire body of evidence.
Take the controversial subject of slavery in the Old Testament. Critics often claim the Bible endorses slavery. But when all passages on the topic are examined, a far more complex picture emerges.
Biblical law includes numerous protections for servants: release after six years, protection from abuse, the right of redemption by family members, and freedom for anyone who suffers permanent injury. Kidnapping a person into slavery is treated as a capital offense.
When every relevant passage is examined together, the biblical system looks far different from the slavery practiced in later empires.
The lesson is simple: never build doctrine from isolated verses.
7. Use Exegesis, Not Eisegesis
The final rule involves two important interpretive concepts.
Exegesis means drawing meaning out of the text.
Eisegesis means reading meaning into the text.
Healthy interpretation relies primarily on exegesis—allowing Scripture to speak for itself. But the distinction becomes particularly important when dealing with difficult passages.
The process should follow a logical sequence:
- Read the passage in context.
- Study historical background.
- Compare translations.
- Examine how key words are used elsewhere in Scripture.
- Gather all related passages.
Once this evidence is assembled, the interpreter must determine where the weight of evidence lies.
Suppose twenty passages clearly support one conclusion while two passages appear ambiguous. In that situation it is more reasonable to interpret the unclear passages in light of the clearer ones rather than forcing the majority to conform to the minority.
A good example appears in discussions about the afterlife.
Many people believe that individuals go immediately to heaven or hell after death. Yet numerous passages describe the dead as unconscious in the grave until the resurrection.
Scripture repeatedly describes death as sleep:
“The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.”
—Ecclesiastes 9:5
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Romans 6:23
“The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.”
—Psalm 115:17
Jesus himself taught that a future resurrection would awaken those in the grave:
“The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
—John 5:28–29
The resurrection described in 1 Thessalonians 4 further confirms this pattern: the dead rise when Christ returns, not immediately after death.
Two passages are commonly cited against this understanding: Jesus’ statement to the thief on the cross and the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. But both passages contain interpretive challenges and symbolic elements.
When dozens of clear passages point in one direction while a small number appear ambiguous, good hermeneutics interprets the ambiguous passages in light of the clear ones.
Why These Rules Matter
These rules are not designed to trap anyone in debate or force predetermined conclusions.
They exist to help believers move beyond assumptions and examine Scripture honestly.
Many people carry deep emotional attachments to inherited traditions. Family memories, church upbringing, and cultural expectations can make certain beliefs feel inseparable from faith itself.
But genuine biblical study requires humility and honesty. The goal is not to defend tradition but to discover truth.
Scripture describes itself as living and powerful—the words of God directed toward humanity. But like any valuable treasure, its riches must be sought diligently.
Believers are called to search the Scriptures, to test every teaching, and to pursue truth wholeheartedly.
When we approach the Bible with careful reasoning, intellectual honesty, and a willingness to follow the evidence wherever it leads, we honor the very purpose of hermeneutics.
The Scriptures are not meant to be controlled by experts or hidden behind complicated systems. They are meant to be understood.
And when studied faithfully, they reveal the words of life.
The Herald of Truth 