biblical interpretation
Parsing holy texts
Biblical interpretation is the practice of determining what scripture means—its original intent, contemporary application, or theological significance.
Different traditions emphasize different approaches: literal reading, historical context, allegorical meaning, or spiritual discernment.
Her biblical interpretation of the passage emphasized grace over law.
Scholars call the formal study of interpretive methods hermeneutics.
- contextCircumstances shaping meaning
- historical contextPast conditions explaining events
- plain meaningDirect, straightforward interpretation
- commentaryExplanatory remarks on events
- midrashJewish biblical commentary
exegesis · hermeneutics · meaning · typology · doctrine · analysis · narrative structure · rhetorical devices · intertextuality · margin · poetry · theology · Christology · prophecy · canon · orthodox · covenant · revelation
- interpretationinterpretive dance, translation, interpreting, translating, construing
- Bible studystudy Bible, study guides, study guide, study notes, scripture reading
- Faith and Sexualitysame-sex marriage, human sexuality, blessing ceremonies, conversion therapy, religious trauma
- Swedenborgianismcorrespondences, glorification, memorabilia, New Jerusalem, spiritual world
- ReformationMartin Luther, John Calvin, 95 Theses, Protestant Reformation, Luther
- Bible TranslationsKing James Version, NIV, KJV, King James Bible, RSV
biblical interpretationscientific method
Structured process for investigation
mystical experience · evidence-based reasoning · lived experience