This document discusses principles of biblical interpretation or hermeneutics. It emphasizes interpreting Scripture according to the original author's intended meaning by considering the context, genre of writing, historical background, and avoiding proof-texting or reading personal views into the text. The document also notes that while Old Testament cultic and civil laws no longer apply, ethical laws like the Ten Commandments are still binding for Christians. It cautions against seven pitfalls in Bible study like being too literal, ignoring context, or failing to apply what is learned.

1. Biblical Interpretation
(Hermeneutics)

2. 2 Timothy 2:15
“Be diligent to present yourself
approved to God, a worker who
does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.”

3. Interpretation means
Bridging Gaps

5. Bridging Gaps Continued

7. Taking the Bible Literally
We believe the author’s intended
meaning can be literally understood.
It does mean that the Bible never
contains symbolism or figurative
language.

8. Right Interpretation Means Life-
Changing Power
“The word of God is living and
powerful”
(Hebrews 4:12)

10. Bridging the Cultural / Custom Gap

11. Three General Categories of Old
Testament Law
1. Ethical Laws (such as the 10
Commandments)
2. Cultic Laws (such as the ritual laws
involving sacrifices, qualifications for
priestly duty, prohibition of unclean
foods, etc.)
3. Civil Laws (penalties for crimes,
inheritance regulations, etc.)

12. When the New Testament refers to
the laws of the Old Testament, it
understands the cultic and civil laws
as being no longer binding (that is,
no longer necessary to observe).

13. General Guiding Principle
When considering whether an Old
Testament Law applies to us today ask,
“What does the New Testament have to
say about this?”
Then, do accordingly.

14. Examples
In the New Testament, all foods are
considered clean (Mark 7:19; Acts
10:9-16).
The sacrificial system and its
priesthood are no longer necessary
because of the once-for- all sacrifice of
Jesus Christ and his eternal priesthood
on our behalf (Heb. 7-8; 10:1-10)

15. Examples continued
The civil laws of the Old Testament are
no longer binding since biblical Israel
no longer exists.
However, the principles of such laws
still reflect divine guidelines that an
organized society would do well to
follow (crime and punishment, for
example).

16. Avoiding the seven Bible study
pitfalls
Serious students of God’s Word Will
went to be aware of the “seven deadly
sins” of Bible study and how to avoid
them.
“The seven deadly sins of Bible study (and how to avoid them)” by Jack Kuhatschek. New
Man Magazine. Jan/Feb 1995 (Vol. 3, No. 1).

17. 1. Proof-texting.
Realize the Bible was written as literary
units—books, letters, and poems—meant
to be read from beginning to end. To avoid
proof-texting— taking a verse out of
context—read the author’s statements in
their broader context rather than in
isolation.

19. 2. Being too Literal.
Recognize that biblical authors
communicated in a variety of ways—
through metaphors, similes, and symbols—
and through a variety of literary genres,
such as history, proverbs, parables, letters,
poems, and prophecy. To correctly interpret
the Word, be sensitive to the type of
language and literature the author is using.

20. 3. Ignoring the Bible’s background.
Become knowledgeable about a passage’s
historical and cultural background,
sometimes critical to proper understanding
and interpretation.

21. 4. Relying on faulty translations.
Make sure your interpretation is based on
what the author actually said. Because
there are inaccuracies in all translations,
read a passage in a variety of translations,
paying close attention to the differences in
words, grammar, and sentence structure.

22. 5. Reading into Scripture.
Overcome the temptation to read your own
ideas into Scripture by avoiding the “deadly
sins” discussed above. Let the Bible say
only what the author—and ultimately the
Lord Himself—wants to communicate.

23. 6. Thinking you can do it all.
Follow Paul’s advice to Timothy: “Reflect
on what I am saying, for the Lord will give
you insight into all this.” (2 Timothy 2:7).
Think about what you are reading and
make use of all the study tools and
resources available. Since it is God who
grants understanding, dare not study the
Bible without asking for His help.

24. 7. Failing to apply what is learned.
You must allow biblical teaching to filter
down into your everyday life for true growth
to occur. Employ diligently what is learned
and enjoy the enormous impact on both
your Bible study and your walk with the
Lord.