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📖 Understanding Scripture: Session 3 – Best Practices for Interpreting the Bible

Written by

Jay Downes

in

Led by John Sura

My Personal Class Notes …

Overview

In this session, we took a deep dive into the foundational practices for reading the Bible with both accuracy and transformation in mind. We explored essential methods like Observation, Interpretation, and Application, and learned why context is critical to truly understanding God’s Word.

Hermeneutics: The Art of Interpretation

Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpreting biblical texts. It asks the big question: “What did the original author intend to communicate to the original audience—and how does that truth carry forward to us today?”

Two key interpretive approaches were discussed:

  • Exegesis – Drawing meaning out of the text based on its original context. (From Greek “exēgeisthai” – to lead out)
  • Eisegesis – Reading our own ideas or biases into the text, which often leads to misunderstanding. (From Greek “eisēgeisthai” – to lead into)

Faithful Bible reading always prioritizes exegesis.

Inductive vs. Deductive Bible Study

  • Inductive Method – Start with the text, observe it, and derive interpretation based on what it says. (Bottom-up approach)
  • Deductive Method – Start with a belief or assumption and try to find verses to support it. (Top-down approach; often prone to eisegesis)

The S.T.O.P. Framework for Bible Study

A practical tool for slowing down and reading with clarity and depth:

🟦 S – Situation

Ask: What’s going on in this passage?
Look at the surrounding events, cultural background, and the audience.

🟨 T – Type of Literature

Different genres require different interpretive strategies. Understanding genre protects against misreading.

Types of Literature in the Bible:

📘 Old Testament

  1. Law – Genesis to Deuteronomy
  2. History – Joshua to Esther
  3. Wisdom/Poetry – Job to Song of Solomon
  4. Major Prophets – Isaiah to Daniel
  5. Minor Prophets – Hosea to Malachi

📗 New Testament

  1. Gospels – Matthew to John
  2. History – Acts
  3. Paul’s Letters – Romans to Philemon
  4. General Letters – Hebrews to Jude
  5. Prophecy – Revelation

🟩 O – Observation

Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?
How does this passage fit within the whole of Scripture?
How does it point to Jesus?

🟥 P – Prescriptive or Descriptive

  • Prescriptive = Commands and principles we are meant to follow.
  • Descriptive = Narratives or events recorded as history, not always intended for imitation.

Typology and Prophecy Fulfilled

New Testament authors quote the Old Testament over 300 times.
Jesus Himself quotes Scripture over 60 times, affirming its authority.

Typology = A person or event in the Old Testament that foreshadows Christ.
Example: Moses (deliverer), David (anointed king), the sacrificial lamb (atonement) all prefigure Jesus.

Case Study: The Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24–30)

Jesus calls the Gentile woman a “dog”—a word often misunderstood or misused. The Greek word here is κυνάριον (kynarion), meaning little dog or household pet. This is a softened, affectionate term, in contrast to the harsher κύων (kyōn), used elsewhere to refer to unclean scavengers (e.g., Philippians 3:2, Revelation 22:15).

Key Insight: Jesus tests her faith, not insults her. Her humble reply leads to her daughter’s healing, and Jesus publicly affirms her belief.

Application: Now What Do I Do With It?

🙏 Personal Application

Ask:

  • How does this shape my life today?
  • What truth is God showing me about Himself?

❤️ Relational Application

  • How does this affect my relationship with God?
  • How does this change how I interact with others?

🛡️ Spiritual Warfare

  • How does this help me resist the enemy—not fear him?

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith…”
—1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
—James 4:7 (ESV)

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
—Ephesians 6:11 (ESV)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
—Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33 (ESV)

🚫 Common Mistakes in Bible Study

  • Reading Verses in Isolation – Always check the context!
  • Assuming Cultural Norms are Universal – Understand historical background.
  • Ignoring Genre – Poetry is not prophecy; narrative is not law.
  • Forcing Application Too Quickly – First, let the text speak.
  • Making It All About “Me” – Scripture is primarily about God’s revelation of Himself.

📚 Recommended Resource

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
A foundational book for anyone serious about interpreting Scripture well.

Let Scripture shape your soul—not your assumptions.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
—Psalm 119:105

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