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Introduction: A Beginner’s Guide to Hermeneutics

Writer's picture: Bradley SliedrechtBradley Sliedrecht

The Bible Study Leaders Manual is available on Amazon.


Introduction

If you’re new to studying the Bible, don’t worry! Start with the simple questions—these are designed to help you focus on what matters most without feeling overwhelmed. The theological questions are for those who have been studying the Word for a longer time and are ready to dig deeper into the complexities of Scripture.


Don’t get thrown off by the big words—everyone starts somewhere! Begin with the simple questions, and as you grow in your understanding, the deeper questions will start to make more sense. The key is to take it step by step, asking these questions each time you study a passage. This will help you understand what God was saying when the passage was originally written so you can correctly apply it to your life today. This practice is called hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting Scripture.


Here’s a list of simplified questions for interpreting Scripture according to the 7 steps of biblical interpretation, paired with their corresponding theological questions in brackets:

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1. Historical-Cultural Context

Simplified Question:

  • What was happening at the time this passage was written?


Theological Question:

  • What is the historical and cultural background of the text, and how does it shape its meaning?

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2. Literary Context

Simplified Question:

  • How does this verse fit with the verses before and after it?


Theological Question:

  • What is the flow of thought in the passage, and how does its placement in the larger book or narrative influence its meaning?

____________________


3. Grammatical-Syntactical Analysis

Simplified Question:

  • What do the words and sentence structure tell me about the meaning?


Theological Question:

  • How do the original language, grammar, and key phrases clarify the author’s intent?

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4. Theological Context

Simplified Question:

  • What does this passage tell me about God and His plan for the world?


Theological Question:

  • How does this passage align with the overarching message of the Bible, especially God’s redemptive plan through Christ?

____________________


5. Genre and Literary Devices

Simplified Question:

• Is this passage a story, a song, a prophecy, or a letter, and how should I read it?


Theological Question:

• What is the genre of this text, and how do its literary devices affect how we interpret its meaning?

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6. Canonical Context

Simplified Question:

  • How does this verse connect to the rest of the Bible?


Theological Question:

  • What do other parts of Scripture say about this topic, and how do they enrich or clarify its meaning?

____________________


7. Application and Relevance


Simplified Question:

  • How does this passage teach me to live and grow in my faith today?


Theological Question:

  • What lessons from this text can I faithfully apply to my life while staying true to its original meaning?

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How to Use These Questions

When studying a passage, move through these seven steps one by one (systematically). This will help you interpret Scripture faithfully, ensuring your understanding is rooted in the text’s original meaning while applying its timeless truths to your life today.


Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht | Faith, Finances, and True Prosperity Bible Study Series

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