Robert Plummer's book, 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible, is a beneficial resource for understanding how to read the Bible well.
10 Principles for Interpreting the Bible
In chapters 10-11, Plummer offers some general principles for interpreting the Bible:
1. Approach the Bible in prayer.
Before reading the Bible, pray that God may guide your heart and mind into a true understanding of His word. Here is a traditional prayer for preparing to read Holy scripture:
"Illumine our hearts, O Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, and life-creating Spirit. Amen."
2. Read the Bible as a book that points to Jesus.
Look for Christ and His teachings in your scripture readings, even in the Old Testament, as the prophecies all point to Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
3. Let Scripture interpret Scripture.
Look to connect Bible passages with other parts that give explanation, context, and importance for all Christians.
4. Meditate on the Bible.
Take time to reflect on your daily scripture readings, meditating on how we can apply biblical teachings and parables in our lives and grow in loving Christ more each day.
5. Approach the Bible in faith and obedience.
Come to the Bible with sincerity and devotion to God, seeking to know His commandments and acquire the mind of Christ.
6. Take note of the biblical genre you are reading.
The main genres found in the Bible are law, history, wisdom, poetry, narrative, epistles, prophecy, and apocalyptic literature.
7. Be aware of historical or cultural background issues.
Read other works about the historical and cultural times of the biblical ages. One example is the book, The Early Christians: In Their Own Words.
8. Pay attention to context.
Seek to understand the context for respective Bible passages and how we can connect them to our lives and times.
9. Read the Bible in a community.
Seek out or even start a Bible club within your church or with Christian friends.
10. Begin the journey of becoming a more faithful interpreter.
Commit to reading the Bible regularly and set a schedule for daily reading. Explore Bible reading plans that give a timeline for finishing the Bible in one year.
See my full review of Plummer's book here.
