What is a Scripture Explanation and How Do You Do It?
What Does a Scripture Explanation Actually Involve?
A scripture explanation is the systematic process of determining the author’s original intent, historical context, and contemporary application.
In 15+ years of teaching, I’ve noticed that most people jump straight to “what this means to me” before asking what it meant to the original audience. This creates a trap where we accidentally use scripture to validate our own existing opinions. A responsible explanation requires slowing down to observe the text as it is.
What is the role of historical context?
Historical context reveals the cultural norms, political climate, and geographical setting that influenced the author’s written message.
Without understanding the first-century world, we risk imposing 21st-century values onto ancient narratives. For example, understanding Roman patronage helps explain the social dynamics in the Books of the Bible. You must ask what a verse would have signaled to an audience hearing it for the first time.
Why is linguistic study important?
Linguistic study tracks original Hebrew and Greek word meanings to prevent theological errors caused by modern English word shifts.
Many common English terms have drifted significantly since the King James or even newer translations were penned. Using a lexicon or interlinear Bible allows you to see the nuance of a term like “faith” or “peace.” Understanding the original language is a safeguard against reading your own definitions into the divine text.
How do you determine the genre of the text?
Identifying the genre is essential because laws, poetry, parables, and apocalyptic literature each require unique reading conventions.
- Identify if the passage is historical narrative or instructional law.
- Note the metaphorical language used in wisdom literature.
- Check if the context is a direct command or a descriptive event.
- Apply the specific rules of interpretation for that literary form.
How Do You Ensure Your Explanation Is Accurate?
Accuracy is maintained by letting scripture interpret scripture, ensuring your conclusion aligns with the broader message of the Bible.
One of the most essential tools in What Does the Bible Say studies is cross-referencing. If a specific interpretation of a verse contradicts a clear, repeated theme elsewhere in the canon, the interpretation is likely flawed. Scripture will never contradict itself when properly understood.
What does it mean to compare translations?
Comparing multiple reliable translations helps you identify where translators made specific interpretive choices regarding the original Greek.
Modern translations fall into two main categories: formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought). By consulting both, you gain a clearer view of the underlying text. I often use both an ESV and an NIV to see how different committees handled complex grammatical constructions.
How can you practice humility in study?
Humility in study involves acknowledging your personal biases and being willing to revise your understanding when confronted with better evidence.
Every student of the Bible comes to the page with a lens shaped by their upbringing and denomination. When you find a passage that challenges your current perspective, your immediate response should be deeper study rather than dismissal. Engaging in the Prayer and Faith process helps maintain the spiritual posture required to learn.
Why is the immediate context the final judge?
The immediate context is the most reliable guide for interpretation, as it shows exactly how the author used specific phrases and logic.
| Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|
| Preceding Verses | Identify the argument flow |
| The Central Theme | Find the author’s primary goal |
| Key Characters | Determine who is speaking to whom |
Frequently Asked Questions About Scripture Explanation
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Can I explain scripture without formal training?
Yes, accessible study tools like Bible commentaries, lexicons, and study Bibles allow anyone to explain scripture with great accuracy.
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How do I know if my explanation is biased?
You can detect bias by checking if your conclusion relies on a single verse while ignoring the full argument of the surrounding chapter.
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Does every passage have a personal application?
While every passage has a timeless truth, not every verse is a direct command intended to govern your specific daily behavior.
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How should I handle difficult passages?
Difficult passages should be studied alongside clear, foundational texts, prioritizing simple teachings over obscure, complex imagery.
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What is the danger of proof-texting?
Proof-texting pulls a verse out of context to support a desired conclusion, which often misrepresents the original author’s meaning.
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How long does it take to explain a passage?
Thorough explanation is a process that depends on text length and complexity, but quality study is never a race to a quick answer.
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Should I trust my own interpretation?
You should trust your interpretation only after comparing it with historic Christian teaching and the consensus of reputable scholars.
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What tools are best for beginners?
Beginners should start with a reliable study Bible, a concordant lexicon, and a set of trusted, historically grounded commentaries.
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Is an explanation ever finished?
Scripture is inexhaustible; while you may reach a definitive meaning, there is always room for deeper meditation and fuller application.
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Where can I find reliable study help?
You can find reliable help through seminary-linked websites, academic Bible concordances, and established historical theological resources.
The work of interpreting scripture is a lifelong pursuit, one that demands both our intellectual focus and our spiritual surrender. My hope is that these steps move you beyond surface-level reading into a deeper, clearer understanding of the Word. — Pastor Thomas Whitfield, M.Div.
