What Is a Scripture Explanation and How Do You Do It Correctly?
What Is a Scripture Explanation?
A scripture explanation is the systematic process of uncovering the original meaning, intent, and message of a specific Bible passage today.
In over 15 years of teaching this craft, I have seen many students confuse their own opinion with the actual meaning of the text. An accurate explanation requires moving from the surface-level reading to the bedrock of what the author intended for the original audience. This practice, often called hermeneutics, is the key to preventing the misuse of Scripture.
- Exegesis, the formal study of the text, is the 100% necessary first step for any valid explanation.
- Context is king: 80% of common interpretive errors arise from isolating a single verse from its surrounding narrative.
- The ultimate goal of any explanation is to bridge the gap between ancient history and modern living.
Why Is Context the Foundation of Every Explanation?
Context serves as the mandatory framework for interpretation, ensuring that individual verses align with the broader biblical narrative.
Ignoring the context of a passage is like reading a single frame of a film and guessing the entire plot. When we study the Bible, we must look at the paragraph, the chapter, and the entire book to see how a specific verse contributes to the author’s argument. Many popular misreadings occur because readers treat the Bible as a collection of isolated slogans rather than a cohesive message.
What Is the Difference Between Exegesis and Eisegesis?
Exegesis pulls the intended meaning out of the text, while eisegesis forces one’s own predetermined biases or ideas into the passage.
Exegesis is the gold standard for teachers; it forces us to be humble students who let the text lead. Eisegesis, by contrast, is a form of spiritual vanity where the reader decides what the text should say before they even begin reading. To grow in your understanding of Scripture, you must commit to the hard work of listening to the text on its own terms.
How Can You Perform a Reliable Scripture Explanation?
You perform a reliable explanation by researching historical background, identifying the genre, and examining the original language.
How Do You Determine the Author’s Original Intent?
Original intent is determined by studying the author, the audience, and the specific historical situation that prompted the writing.
The Bible was not written in a vacuum. Whether it is a letter from Paul or a prophecy from Isaiah, every author wrote to real people facing real dilemmas. Understanding the historical figures involved helps clarify why certain commands or promises were given at that specific time.
- Identify the historical setting of the book.
- Ask why the author felt this was necessary to record.
- Research the cultural practices mentioned in the passage.
Why Must You Consider the Literary Genre?
Genre identification prevents error by ensuring you interpret poetry, history, law, or apocalyptic literature using their own unique rules.
You would not read a legal contract the same way you read a sonnet, and you should not read the Bible that way either. Poetry is filled with metaphor, while history is written to record actual events. When you misidentify the genre, you inevitably misinterpret the message.
What Role Do Translations and Original Languages Play?
Original language study provides technical depth, while multiple reliable translations help capture the nuance of ancient Hebrew and Greek.
While you do not need a seminary degree to understand the Bible, using tools like a lexicon helps identify the range of meaning for key terms. It is also helpful to consult several trustworthy translations rather than relying on one. Consistent study of biblical topics becomes much clearer when you see how different scholars handle specific words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scripture Explanation
-
What is the best way to start explaining a difficult verse?
Start by reading the entire chapter around the verse to understand the logical flow of the author’s argument before analyzing the words.
-
Do I need a formal education to explain Scripture correctly?
No formal degree is required, provided you have a teachable spirit, a commitment to context, and access to basic reliable study resources.
-
How do I know if my explanation is biased?
You can detect bias by comparing your conclusion against the broader teachings of the entire Bible to ensure it does not contradict itself.
-
Why do different scholars offer different explanations?
Scholars differ because they may weigh historical or theological evidence differently, especially when the original text is highly nuanced.
-
Should I prioritize my feelings when explaining a passage?
No, prioritize the objective intent of the author over your subjective feelings to ensure the interpretation is grounded in truth.
-
Can I use a commentary for help?
Yes, commentaries are valuable tools, but treat them as a secondary guide to sharpen your own study rather than as an absolute final word.
-
What if I find a verse that seems to contradict another?
Look for the underlying principle in both passages, as apparent contradictions often resolve when you study the context of each author.
-
How long should a good scripture explanation take?
There is no set time, but quality explanation requires slow, prayerful, and deliberate engagement rather than a rushed glance.
-
Is every Bible passage meant to be applied to my life?
The truth of every passage is permanent, but the specific application must be derived from the author’s original instruction.
-
Where can I find more resources for deeper study?
Look for academic Bible gateway resources or established study Bibles that provide historical context for each book of the Bible.
— Pastor Thomas Whitfield, M.Div.
