This document outlines a 7-step process for properly interpreting and applying Bible scriptures: 1) Define unfamiliar words, 2) Consider the literary context, 3) Understand the historical/cultural context, 4) Analyze other relevant scriptures, 5) Examine the surrounding context, 6) Consider orthodox interpretations, and 7) Apply the meaning to one's own life. It emphasizes the importance of interpretation before application to avoid misusing scriptures. A sample passage, John 16:1-4, is provided to demonstrate analyzing a scripture using these steps.

1. The 7 Steps to understanding
the Bible

2. • In order to properly apply a Bible scripture to
your life, you have to properly interpret the
scripture.
• If you apply the scripture without the proper
interpretation it is called eisegesis. This is using
the Bible in a wrong way. It is making the Bible
say what you want it to say. It is adding to the
Bible.
• When you first interpret the scripture, then apply
it, it is called exegesis. This is drawing the
meaning of the text from the text. This is what
we should be doing.

3. • On the following slides is a list to run
through when you approach a scripture.
• Remember to always pray first and let
God direct your steps.

4. 1) Lexical:
• When you read a passage, do you know
what all the words mean? Define all
questionable words. Remember, as
someone has said before, “If the plain
sense makes sense, seek no other
sense.”

5. 2) Literary:
• What section of the Bible are you in?
Prophecy, narrative, poetry, letters,
history, etc

6. 3) Historical/Cultural:
• When was the book written? What was
going on in history at the time the book
was written? What did this passage
mean to the original readers? This is
very, very important!

7. 4) Theological:
• What are the other scriptures in the Bible that
deal with the same subject as this scripture?
• To find the other scriptures, figure out what the
main subject is in the passage, then you can use
a concordance, and look up other scriptures that
deal with that subject.
• Imagine all the writers of the scripture sitting
around a table discussing this scripture, what
would they say?

8. 5) Contextual:
• Look at the scriptures surrounding this
scripture, in what context is the verse
written in?

9. 6) Orthodox:
• If the meaning of the scripture can be
debatable, How has the church interpreted
this passage in the past? That may give
you an idea. You are not bound to believe
someone’s interpretation, but it may give
you fresh way to look at the passage.

10. AFTER, (and only after!)you
interpret what the passage says:
• 7) Application: Ask,
• “What does this mean for me today?”
• “Why did God put this in the Bible?”
• “If this wasn’t in the Bible, how would this
affect my life?”
• “What can I get out of this passage that
will help me, or help others?”

11. Do the study Guide
• Read the handout and study guide that
was emailed to you.
• For a sample scripture, let’s use
John 16:1-4
• Analyze it, and we will discuss it next
Wednesday evening.
• Good luck!