Step #2: Interpretation
Interpretation is determining what the book or passage meant when it was first written. Interpretation is not what it means to the 21st century reader. Instead, it is stepping into the shoes (or sandals) of the people it was originally written to. Think about the author. What were his concerns and why did he write the things he did? Think about the original reader, the people to whom the book was written. What were their concerns and how would the things that were written to them have addressed those concerns? Think about the original hearer, the people that were present when the events took place (Jesus’ disciples, for example.) How would they have been effected by what was said or done in that moment? Think about the historical context. What was going on in the world or in the nation at that time? Think about the cultural context. What cultural features could be at play in the passage? Think about the literary context. How does this relate to the verses around it, the section of the book it is in, the whole book and the rest of scripture?
Interpretation seeks to understand a book or passage in its original historical and literary context. It looks at the Bible through the lens of the following:
Author
Original Reader – the people to whom the book was written
Original Hearer – the people that were present when the actual events took place and heard the words that were spoken. (E.g. the people who heard Jesus teach)
Historical and Cultural Background
Literary context
Interpretation builds on the foundation of observation. Observation focuses on "What does the text say?" Interpretation builds and asks "Why is this said?"
THREE TIPS FOR INTERPRETATION
Discover the backstory to the book or passage
Repeatedly ask “Why?”, “Why did the author write this?”, “Why did the reader need to hear this?
Step into the shoes of the author, original hearer or original reader