Hermeneutics refers to the study of the methodological principles of interpreting the Bible.  Here are 10 tips you can use as you interpret the scriptures.

Our hermeneutics are based on 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17.  These verses say, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."  We understand that the scriptures could not be profitable if they were errant, therefore God's Word must be inerrant.  By using proper hermeneutics, we can prove that the Word is indeed inerrant in every verifiable way.

10 Hermeneutical Tips

1. Interpret the scriptures with the scriptures.  Since the Bible doesn't contradict itself, your interpretation of a scripture should be consistent with its revelation in other passages of scripture.

2. Understand the verse in context before taking it out of context.

3. Ask yourself who it was written to and why it was written.  Some scriptures were written to the ancient Israelites and only intended for them.

4. See if an Old Testament scripture is repeated in the New Testament.  If it is, then we can rest assured that it was directed to the Israelites AND to the church.

5. If you're not fluent in ancient Hebrew and Greek, then use a KJV where you can go immediately to the Strong's and define words from the ancient languages.  This will give you more insight into their meaning.

6. Use a few English translations.  Some are very specific and some give an overview.  Checking other translations can give you different points of view and can enrich study.

7. Consider the ancient language limitations.  The ancients didn't have all of the words that we have today.  Therefore, there were times when they conveyed a certain meaning that wasn't translated perfectly into English.  We see this with the "chewing the cud," alleged Bible error with the word "gerah" that is an ancient word referring to both refection and rumination.

8. Omissions are not necessarily errors.  With different authors, we should expect some omissions in the scriptures.  They never claim to be an exhaustive resource of words or actions.

9. Use some reliable resources like commentaries and indexes.  They will speak on the issues of manuscripts, interpretation, other scriptures that appear to contradict, meanings, context, etc.

10. Pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.  Plainly and simply ask God for help.  He can direct you

1. New Horizons in Hermeneutics by Anthony C. Thiselton

2. General Hermeneutics by Moises Silva