The Author. Who
wrote the passage? What is his background and upbringing? What was his job or
mission? Where did he live, what was his family like, what do we know of his
life outside of what he wrote in the Bible? What were his personal
circumstances at the time he wrote the book? How might these things influence
his writing?
The Time. When
was the passage written? What were the social, economic and political issues of
the time? How were people governed? How did they express their faith? What were
the social customs of the period? How do these things help us understand the
author’s original meaning and intent?
The Language.
Pull out the Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. Look at each word and its original
meaning. Look at verbs, adverbs and their tenses. Is there anything about the
original language that was lost in translation? How does knowing the original
writing enrich the study of the passage? Is there culture of the time reflected
in the text? Look at how the Word is translated in various reputable
translations: NASB, NIV, ESV, KJV. Then look at paraphrased translations for
hints at putting the verse in today’s language.
The Context. What
about the passages just before or after what you are studying? Does the Bible
book itself have a broader theme that is reflected in this particular passage?
What was the purpose of this particular book or chapter? What precept or characteristic is God
communicating through the particular actions, teaching or story being told?
The Meaning.
Finally, what does the verse actually mean? Note that the vast majority of the
time the verse means what it says. If
the Bible says, “Do this,” it means do it. If it says, “This displeases God,
then it does.” Be careful not to layer
extra meanings on instructions, commands or examples unless there is clear
evidence for taking that liberty.
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