How to Properly Interpret the Bible: Understanding Context and Clarity in God’s Word

The Bible is the inspired Word of God—alive, powerful, and without error. Yet, many well-meaning believers fall into confusion or misapplication by misinterpreting Scripture. One vital truth we must grasp is this:

The Bible is written for you, but not everything in it is written about you.

This principle is the foundation for rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

1. The Bible Was Written for All Generations, but to Specific Audiences

Each passage of Scripture was written to a real people in a real time. While it teaches eternal truths, it must be understood in light of its original audience.

Romans 15:4 — “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us…”

2. Who Is Speaking? The Importance of the Speaker

Not every statement in the Bible reflects God’s voice. Satan, false prophets, and even confused men speak within its pages.

Job 42:7 — “You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.”

We must always ask: Who is talking here—God, a prophet, a deceiver?

3. Who Is the Audience?

Many verses are directed at specific groups: Israel, exiles, churches, or individuals. Understanding the audience helps us apply the passage rightly today.

For example, Jeremiah 29:11 was written to Jewish exiles, not modern Christians.

4. What Is the Topic?

We must identify what is actually being addressed. Is it salvation, judgment, encouragement, history, or prophecy?

James 2:24 seems to challenge justification by faith, but it deals with the evidence of faith, not its cause.

5. Scripture Interprets Scripture

Use the clear parts of Scripture to understand the more difficult ones. God’s Word is unified and never contradicts itself.

Psalm 119:160 — “The sum of your word is truth...”

6. Don’t Read Yourself Into Every Verse

Scripture isn’t a personal horoscope. It’s God's grand story of redemption through Christ. First ask: What did this mean to the original audience?

Then consider how the truth applies to you today.

Conclusion: Read With Humility and Context

• Understand it is for you, but not about you.