Introduction
When studying the Bible, it is possible to understand individual words or verses but still misunderstand the message of the passage as a whole. This can happen when we focus on one sentence while ignoring the surrounding explanation.
A responsible Bible student examines whether an interpretation agrees with the entire passage, including its main subject, supporting details, and conclusion.
We should not force a passage to support an idea we already believe. Instead, we should allow the words and context of Scripture to guide our understanding.
In this lesson, we will learn how to check our interpretations and recognise when a conclusion does not agree with the passage being studied.
1. Scripture Reading (KJV)
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
This verse emphasises the importance of studying God’s Word and handling it correctly.
Correct interpretation requires careful attention to what Scripture says. We should not select individual words or verses and give them meanings that conflict with the passage in which they appear.
Proverbs 30:5 (KJV)
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
This verse reminds us of the purity of God’s Word. Our responsibility is to handle it faithfully rather than adding our own ideas and presenting them as though they came from God.
2. Understanding the Teaching
A. Read the complete passage
Begin by reading the entire paragraph or section containing the verse you want to explain.
Identify the subject being discussed and follow the writer’s reasoning from beginning to end.
A single verse may not contain the complete explanation of the subject.
B. Identify the main message
Ask yourself what the writer is communicating through the passage.
Determine whether the passage is giving an instruction, explaining a truth, describing an event, answering a question, or correcting an error.
Your interpretation should agree with the purpose of the passage.
C. Check whether your conclusion fits the details
Examine the important statements and explanations within the passage.
If your interpretation requires you to ignore a significant part of the text, you should reconsider it.
A sound interpretation should account for the relevant details rather than relying on only the words that support your preferred conclusion.
D. Compare related Scriptures carefully
Other biblical passages can help clarify a subject, particularly when they address the same issue.
However, do not assume that two verses mean the same thing simply because they use similar words. Consider each passage’s context, audience, and purpose before drawing a conclusion.
E. Be willing to correct your understanding
Sometimes, careful reading reveals that our first interpretation was mistaken.
When that happens, return to the text and correct your understanding. The goal of Bible study is not to defend every opinion we have formed, but to understand what Scripture communicates.
3. Another Example from Scripture
James 2:17 (KJV)
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Suppose someone quotes this verse to make a claim about faith. Before accepting the explanation, we should examine James 2:14–26.
The surrounding passage discusses the relationship between faith and works and includes examples that explain James’s argument.
We should also consider other relevant passages, such as Ephesians 2:8–10, which discusses salvation by grace through faith and the good works associated with believers’ lives.
Reading these passages carefully helps us examine what each writer is teaching rather than building a complete doctrine from one sentence alone.
The important lesson is to investigate the full argument before deciding what a verse means. We must not ignore the context of James or the context of Ephesians to make either passage say something it does not teach.
4. Practical Example
Imagine you have developed an interpretation of a Bible verse and want to teach it to others.
Before teaching, ask yourself:
- Have I read the whole passage?
- Do I understand the subject the writer is discussing?
- Does my explanation account for the important details?
- Have I considered relevant Scriptures in their own contexts?
- Am I explaining what the text teaches, or am I trying to make it support my own idea?
If your interpretation conflicts with important details in the passage, investigate the problem before teaching it as established truth.
5. Remember
Always test your interpretation against the whole passage. Read the context, identify the main message, examine the supporting details, and compare related Scriptures carefully. If your explanation does not fit the passage, reconsider it rather than forcing the text to agree with your opinion.