We all lug interpretive baggage into our Bible study. This post discusses recognizing and unloading presuppositions that distort rather than illuminate.

Interpreting the Bible is a complex and nuanced task, and while the phrase "What does this mean to me?" isn't inherently bad, it can lead to potential pitfalls and misunderstandings when used as the sole or primary approach. Here are some reasons why relying solely on this approach can be problematic.

Using a modern dictionary for Bible interpretation may not always be sufficient because languages, including biblical languages like Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, evolve over time. This evolution can result in changes in word meanings, nuances, and cultural contexts that may differ significantly from when biblical texts were written.

When we read the Bible, shouldn’t we take its words at face value? The answer to that question is both yes and no. While every word in the Bible is true, God inspired the writers to use metaphor, symbolism, irony, and other literary devices to convey the message.

The hermeneutical spiral is a concept that describes the iterative and recursive nature of the interpretive process in Bible study. Let me explain: The hermeneutical spiral is like a cycle because you go through it again and again, and it helps you understand the Bible better each time. So, when you study the Bible, you don't just read it once and understand everything; you keep going back and digging deeper to learn more.