In starting the interpretation process, we simply want to observe. In order to do this, we must read the text carefully and take note of some very specific details. Therefore, it makes the process easier when we break it down into examining sentences, then paragraphs, then the discourse as a whole.
Sentences:
When you are examining a verse, take notice of any repetitive words. This is common in the writings of John. For example, he uses the word “world” six times in 1 John 2:15-17. This should clue us in as to what John is writing about.
Also take note of any comparisons or contrast. Often times, the biblical writers use this technique with various ideas and individuals. Proverbs is a good example of this, with its contrast between the wise and foolish son.
Then there are figures of speech. This is simply a literary devise in which certain images are used over and above their literal sense. The Psalms are full of this type of language.
In the writings of Paul, he is known for using lists. He often puts things in order and categorizes them to make a point. A perfect example is Galatians 5:19-23 where Paul gives a list of works of the flesh and contrasts them with a list of the fruit of the Spirit.
Finally, notice the parts of speech. If it has been a while since English class, take some time to review the function of verbs, conjunctions, and pronouns. Why? Because the right interpretation of verses depends on how these parts of speech are used
Paragraphs:
Once you have taken note of how the sentences of your passage are functioning, you then have to consider the place of the paragraph as a whole. Paragraphs in scripture take on different connotations, functions, and literary styles in order to get the point across.
For example, some paragraphs flow back and forth between general and specific, and specific and general. Paul does this in 1 Cor. 13 where he goes back and forth and talks about love in both a general and specific manner.
Another common devise in paragraphs are question and answer interchange. This normally takes place within a dialogue, but not always. An example of question and answer apart from dialogue is the writings of Paul. He often times ask rhetorical questions, or debates with an imaginary person who is meant to represent anyone who may disagree with what he is saying (Rm. 6:1-2; 9:14-33).
In paragraphs, you also want to take note of any purpose statements, conditional clauses, or anything used as a means to accomplish something. An example of a purpose statement would be something that describes the reason, result, or consequences of certain actions. They are usually introduced by such words as “that” or “in order that.” Conditional clauses are parts of the sentence or statements in the paragraph that are dependent upon a prior condition being met. It is often portrayed as “if” you do this “then” this will follow, etc.
Then, there are emotional terms and the tone of the paragraph. Is the writer encouraging or rebuking? Is he happy or sorrowful? Is he using such terms as “father” or “child”?
Finally, you need to distinguish between the action of God and the action of people. What is God doing in this passage? What are people doing in this passage? Is there any kind of connection between the two? Are God and man at odds with each other or not?
Discourses:
At this point, you now want to investigate how your paragraph connects with what precedes and follows it. First, you want to see if your paragraph uses any words to link it with the previous one or the one that follows. Second, look for any major story shifts. A story shift is a place where the story or argument seems to take a new turn. In narrative passages, this usually takes place by switching to a new character or a new episode in the characters life. In the teaching letters, it expresses itself in going to a cause-effect relationship, or switching from doctrinal to practical.
Another devise used by the biblical authors when it comes to discourses is that of interchange. This technique is primarily used in narratives. An interchange involves comparing and contrasting two stories at the same time as the overall story is developing. This is a type of style that cannot be discerned by simply reading one paragraph of a story. It usually shows itself through an overall reading of a block of scripture or an overall reading of a book as a whole. An example of this is the early chapters of 1 Samuel where the families of Eli and Hannah are contrasted.
One of the most difficult literary devises to identify is a chiasm. This is because we rarely use them in English. However, they are a common tool in ancient languages, especially Hebrew. A chiasm is a list of items, ideas, or events that are structured in such a way that the first item mentioned parallels the last item mentioned; the second item parallels the next to last item, and so on and so forth. The point of the literary devise is to show that in the middle of the chiasm, there is an important event that takes place in which the author is pointing to.
In the next post, I will take you through some passages of scripture and show you how to apply some of the things we looked at today. Remember, the goal in this is to try and figure out what the author is trying to communicate. We have to understand him on his terms and follow his argument, so that we can better grasp the original meaning. As you might have noticed, interpreting scripture does take some effort, but as we will soon see, the pay off is priceless.