How To Analyze A Passage of Scripture (Part 2)

 How to Analyze a Passage of Scripture (Part 2)

Studying and analyzing a passage of scripture is not easy. It takes a good deal of effort and energy to read, meditate through a passage and arrive at the proper interpretation. It is crucial that you interpret a passage correctly in order to make the correct application to your life.

The process of analyzing a passage of scripture includes five parts:

1. Paraphrasing the passage

Write out a paraphrase of the passage that you are analyzing. Read your passage several times in at least three (3) different translations. Although I personally prefer physical books and bibles, there are several bible sites on line that provide multiple translations of any passage you desire to study. After reading your passage a number of times, paraphrase the passage in your own words. Paraphrasing the passage demonstrates that you have at least a basic understanding of what the original author penned.

2. Observing the details

The first step in interpreting a passage is “observation.” There are at least two goals or objectives that drive your observation, the first is, “Study the Minutiae.” Study all the details of the passage. Observe what is being said, how it is being said, and why it is being said. Utilize the six best friends to ask and answer question – who, what, when, where, how, and why? Determine who is speaking, who is being spoken to, what was said (subject/theme), why was it said, when was it said, what was the setting or background of the passage. Ask as many questions as possible. Observe key words, if necessary, look them up in an English dictionary. The second objective is to seek the meaning of all the details or minutiae that you have studied.

3. Summarizing content

After you have studied the minutiae (details) and sought the meaning, develop a short summary of your findings. A summary should be approximately 3 to 12 sentences (depending on the length of your passage) that details a brief statement of the main points in the passage. Your summary with contain an introductory sentence identifying the author and the main point of your passage. It is written in your own words and contains the ideas of your passage. Keep in mind the summary is not the place to include your opinion, interpretations, or deductions.

4. Developing a comparison

Use the cross references provided by your bible’s publisher to examine similar bible passages containing the same main point or events. Scripture interprets scripture. The bible will never contradict itself. Use other passages to help you further understand the passage that you are currently studying.

5. Applying the passage

Bible study is not complete until you have prayerfully and thoughtfully determined its application. First, you must determine the application for those to whom it was originally written. Second, you must cross the bridge from the 1st century into the 21st century and determine personal application (s) for yourself. Your application must be based on and related to the text. The text can only mean what it meant for the original audience. Your applications must match the intention of the original writer.