Understanding the Bible’s Secrets

Do you know any ways to understand the Bible’s secrets so we can easily unlock the meaning of the verses? Imagine reading a verse from the Bible and feeling a sense of wonder and awe. Envision finding a line that speaks to your heart and gives you hope and peace. It is the power and beauty of God’s words. But this is only sometimes the case for everyone. Sometimes, reading the Bible can be confusing and frustrating. Especially if we encounter contradictory verses, interpretations, and opinions that make us doubt our faith.

How can we overcome these challenges and experience the joy and wisdom of God? The answer is simple: we need to interpret verses in context. To understand the Bible, you need to know the context. It is the set of facts that surround a particular verse or passage. Moreover, it helps us understand who wrote, when, where, and who they are for. What are the types of context, and how do you use them?

So, before you start your Bible study today, take note of these types of contexts that we need to consider so we can interpret the Bible and know the ways to understand the Bible’s secrets.

• Historical context is the background information about the time and place of the writing and the events and culture of the people involved. Besides, it helps us understand the original setting and situation of the Bible verses and how they relate to the larger story of God’s plan and purpose for His people.
• Literary context is the information about the genre and structure of the writing and the literary devices and techniques used by the author. This context helps us understand the style and purpose of the Bible verses and how they fit into the overall message and theme of the book or section.
• Theological context is the information about the beliefs and teachings of the author and the audience and how they relate to the revelation and will of God. It will aid us in understanding the meaning and significance of the Bible verses and how they reveal God’s character and actions.
• Personal context is the information about our situation and perspective and how they influence our interpretation and application of the Bible verses. Unique context guides us in comprehending our biases and assumptions and how they affect our understanding and response to God’s Word.

To use these types of context, we need to ask ourselves some questions before, during, and after reading the Bible verses. Below are some examples of questions that we can ask in understanding the Bible’s secrets:

• Historical context. Who wrote this? When and where was it written? What was happening at that time? Who was the original audience? What was their culture and worldview? How does this relate to the rest of the Bible?
• Literary context. What is the genre of this book or section? What is the structure and outline of this book or section? What literary devices or techniques were used? How does this verse or passage connect to the previous and following verses?
• Theological context. What does this verse or passage teach us about God? What does it teach us about ourselves? What does it teach us about God’s relationship with us? How does it relate to the main message and theme of the book or section?
• Personal context. How does this verse or passage apply to my life? How does it challenge or encourage me? How does it affect my beliefs or actions? How does it relate to my current situation or needs?

These questions will enable us to dig deeper into understanding the Bible’s secrets. We can also avoid common pitfalls and errors that distort or misinterpret God’s Word.

What are the common pitfalls and errors, and how do you avoid them?

• Isolation happens when we read a verse or passage without considering its context. We may take it out of its original setting, meaning, or purpose and apply it in a way that is not intended or appropriate. For instance, we may read Matthew 7:1, which says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (NIV), and think that it means that we should never criticize or correct anyone. However, if we read the rest of the chapter, we will see that Jesus is not forbidding all judgment but warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. He also tells us to judge with the standards and to help others remove their faults after we have dealt with our own.
• Proof-texting is when we use a verse or passage to support our opinion or argument without considering its context. We may twist or manipulate it to fit our agenda or bias. We may read Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV), and think that it means that God will give us whatever we want if we are happy with Him. However, if we read the rest of the Psalm, we will see that it is about trusting God’s justice and sovereignty in the face of evil and oppression. The desires of our heart are not our selfish wishes but our godly aspirations that align with His will.
• Eisegeting happens when we read a verse or passage that is not there. We may impose our ideas or assumptions on it without considering its context. We may read something not stated or implied by the author or the text. Genesis 6:4, “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God came to the daughters of humans and had children by them.” (NIV). With this verse, we may interpret it as that there were giants on the earth who were the offspring of angels and humans. But, if we read the rest of the chapter, we will see that it is about the wickedness and corruption of humanity before the flood. The identity and nature of the Nephilim are not explained or emphasized by the author or the text.
• Allegorizing is when we interpret a verse or passage as a symbol or a metaphor without considering its context. We may ignore its literal or historical meaning and assign a spiritual or mystical one. Also, we may read something not intended or supported by the author or the text. Another is we may interpret the Song of Songs, a collection of love poems between a bride and a groom, and think it is an allegory of God’s love for His people or Christ’s love for His church. However, if we read the rest of the book, we will see that it is about human love and sexuality as gifts from God.

These are some common pitfalls and errors we should be aware of and avoid when understanding the Bible’s secrets. They can lead us to misinterpret or misuse God’s Word and miss out on its real message and application.

To sum up, the secret to understanding the Bible is to interpret verses in context. Context is the surrounding information that helps us understand the meaning and significance of something. Without context, we can easily misunderstand or misapply the Bible. With context, we can unlock the treasure of God’s Word and apply it wisely and faithfully.

Most importantly, ask God’s guidance before, during, and after you read the Bible. When you do, the Holy Spirit will surely guide you. God’s Words are alive and powerful. They can transform our lives and our world. But we need to read them carefully and correctly. We need to interpret verses in context. That is the secret to understanding the Bible. Are you ready to try it? 

We have a budding YouTube channel, What God Wants You To Know, that you would love to join. You can discover Bible Verses videos that will help boost your mood and inspire you. Remember, the best way to find inspiration is to seek it out. We truly appreciate you taking the time to read this, and we can’t wait to see you again soon!