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Key #1, Context is King
PLEASE SEE THE RESOURCES AT THE END OF THE DESCRIPTION FOR VALUABLE INFO. I DO NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSION BY PROVIDING LINKS.

This episode is strictly talking about context.

We’re at our Bible, we are seeing the words, we are reading it, we need to know what the text is saying. 

Well, the Bible is a mix of different authors, genres, time periods, etc. So in order to understand what we are reading, we need to know the context.

How do we do that?

We need to get the text clearly.

Context

1. Genre
2. Authorship
3. Word meaning/subjects/verbs
4. Getting to the meat of the text (meaning), interpretation

So let’s get into it

1. Genre

The type of writing we read directs how we understand it and apply it.

We don’t read the Psalms the same way we read Romans. Genesis is very different from Leviticus. What are the different genres?

• Historical Narrative
• Wisdom Literature
• Poetry
• The Gospels
• Epistles
• Prophecy
• Apocalyptic Literature
• Law

2. Author

Intent and purpose

What does it do and why do we need it?

It defines the meaning of the passage.

Without getting to the meaning of the passage, we won’t understand it. 

We’ll cover the application of this more in the next episode, but for now, understand the author’s intent and purpose for writing the passage. 

How to get the authors intent?

Genre is big here. In some genres the author tells us! Paul does this A LOT.

In other genres, its important to understand how the genre works.

3. Word meaning

Critical. Enriching but can be dangerous.

God is faithful, this is why we study!

The key here is to let the passage direct word meaning, let the book direct the passage meaning, and let the author direct the book meaning.

This means that the authors intent and purpose direct the meaning of the entire passage, but to get the the core of the passage, we do need to understand the whole.

Resources

How to Read the Bible for Yourself - Desiring God

Interpreting the New Testament Text: Introduction to the Art and Science of Exegesis

Grasping God's Word
Textbook older edition
Textbook newer edition

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