2 Timothy 2:15
King James Version
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This text states that there is an appropriate way to divide the message of truth. And if there is a right way, there is also an incorrect way. As a result, it is crucial to master the laws that guide interpretation. There are principles that will help you become a workman who would do whatever it takes to correctly divide the Scriptures.

Let’s look at some ideas that guide Bible interpretation. While these laws would help in further study, note that this devotional does not provide a full resource on the laws of bible interpretation.

First is the Principle of Corroboration. This means to support and confirm a verse of scripture with another verse. For core Biblical doctrine, you can not hold on to those that are not effectively corroborated. If during this process there is seemingly a contradictory text, it points to a wrong interpretation somewhere. So as a diligent student, you will try again, let go of personal bias and let Scriptures interpret itself.

Second is the Principle of First Mention in Bible interpretation. Here, know that when a word or institution is first mentioned, it points to how it should be perceived throughout scriptures. Precedence is set in the first usage of the word or institution.

For example, the word ‘holy’ first appears in Genesis 2:3 where God called the day holy. Holy in this statement meant that the day we set apart unto God for a purpose and had no pointer to the ability of the day attaining holiness by a level of moral uprightness.

Third is the Context Principle. Here, the meaning of a verse or word in a verse must be understood in line with the context with which it was used. The Bible is a whole book and should be read as such; read the pretext and post-text to understand the context. As simple as that sounds, that is all you need to properly interpret texts of scripture.

Let us consider a text that is often taken out of context. An example is in John 14:2. Many people wrongly interpret this text to mean that there are physical mansions in heaven. Looking at the context it was said, it will be evident that this is simply poor Bible interpretation.

As diligent students of the Word, we must give ourselves to proper study and interpretation of the Word. Most times why things are taken out of context is because people do not read the Bible as a complete book.

We must not fall into the trap of interpretation based on personal beliefs or ideas but rather approach Bible study knowing what to look out for.

James 1:22
New King James Version
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Scriptures tell us not to be hearers only but doers. There is no use hearing how to rightly interpret Scriptures today and not utilize it. Get to a point of resolve in your heart that from today, you not just hear but you will apply these principles of Bible interpretation. Do all it takes to be a diligent workman and all it takes to properly divide and understand scriptures.

Prayer Point
Father, I pray that while I study your Word I diligently do so bearing in mind how to approach Bible study. I am not lazy, I put in the work and my profiting is evident to all.