To effectively study and correctly interpret scripture here is what one needs to do:
Read the entire book to discover the (1) language style (poetry, historical, prophetic, etc.) One should never read (interpret) a book of poetry in the same way as a historical novel. (2) What is the main theme(s) and/or subject(s) that the author is presenting, and (3) how does the verse(s) of interest fit into the book's theme and the particular subject?
What is it that the original author is attempting to present, and how would the original hearers understand what is said/written? [This is to be done as well as we can, from our 21st century perspective.]
Things we need to know about the author and the book.
- The historical context of the time and place of the writing.
- The existing social and culture norms and practices.
- The religious principles and practices at the time.
- The language, as it communicates the collective worldview at that time.
- The purpose of the book, why was it written in the first place?
- What was the goal(s) the author wanted to achieve?
- How did the people react to the author’s words – where such reaction is noted?
- What is the genre of the book, historical, instructional, prophetic, poetic, etc.?
- What did the author say about the same subject you’re in the same book, and elsewhere (if he did)?
- What did other authors say about the same subject, if they did?
- Evaluate the context of the study subject within paragraph, if necessary, use the chapter, or the entire book, or the whole Bible, if required.
- Take lots of notes, depending on the depth of study you are planning to take.
- Does the study impact us today - how?
Extra biblical documents will be required to answer (address, resolve) many of the above issues. History, theology, maps, etc. One source of excellent information is to identify and research (on-line) the books that mostly the OT writers referenced, and those that the Apostles read and used in their writings, such as the book of Jasher, Nathan, Gad, Shemaiah. Eddo, Jehu, The Acts of Solomon, and the book of Enoch. The book of Enoch, is quoted by Jude in the NT.
When researching a particular subject first identify/locate everything that the author has to say about it. Search the current book and if it is included (addressed) in another work by the same author, use it too. Then search out what other authors have to say about the same subject (if any). This is very important in understanding some Old Covenant accounts where contemporary prophets discuss the same topic or event, but from a different perspective.
All relevant passages must be included and addressed in developing a doctrine (understanding, applying and/or teaching the scripture to others). If there disconnects between scriptures, they must be resolved before establishing a “sound” doctrine. Disconnects (e.g., conflicting statements, paradoxes) usually indicates one is reading from a Greek world view and not a Hebraic world view. It may require a careful examination of the original language texts.
If something is only mentioned once, do not attempt to make a full doctrine out of it, e.g., 1Cor 15:29, baptism for the dead. However, something only needs to written in the Bible one time to be important! If you can locate an authoritative extra biblical document that can help explain a biblical passage you “might” be on good ground.
Remember, while there may be a number of applications of a particular passage, there is only one “correct” interpretation, and that is how the original author intended for his words to be understood and acted upon.
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Okay, I think I covered the basics. We can discuss each topic one at-a-time or group some of them together.
