Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

Keys to Bible Interpretation (continued)

E. Read the passage in another translation of Scripture.

Key Tool: A translation or paraphrase of the Scriptures that uses a different translation philosophy than the version of Scripture you regularly use • Write down any questions that this new translation raises in your mind and stay alert for answers as you do further study.

F. Readanyparallel accounts or passages fromother parts of Scripture.

Key Tool: A concordance and/or a Bible which includes cross-references • Note what details are added to the passage you are studying from the other accounts in Scripture. • Why did the author choose to omit some details and emphasize others? What significance does this have for understanding the author’s intent.

G. Study the words and the grammatical structures.

Key Tools: Hebrew and Greek Lexicons and Expository Dictionaries help deepen our understanding of word meanings and usage. Exegetical Commentaries help explain grammatical constructions and how they affect the meaning of the text. • Make a note of words that are being used in a unique way by the writer and of special grammatical forms like imperatives, verbs that show continuous action, etc. H. Identify the genre (type of literature) and consider any special rules that apply to it. Key Tool: Bible Dictionary and Bible Commentaries • Each type of literature has to be taken seriously for what it is. We must not interpret poetry in the same way we interpret prophecy, or narratives in the way we interpret commands.