There are many aspects to Biblical research and I won't attempt to detail all of them here. However, there are a few basics which can be of great benefit to those seeking to learn and improve their individual study methods and techniques. The purpose of this section is to pose some foundational research principles for consideration. The theme verse for this section could easily be "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." [2 Timothy 2:15]

Three Ways All Scripture Interprets Itself:

1. In the verse:

• Right where it is written - work the words, but don't squeeze them beyond measure. Let them stand if they are clear and accurate.

• According to Biblical usage - the words must be interpreted and understood as God used them, not as we may understand them in today's vernacular.

• As relating to the subject - the words must be in harmony with the verse being studied as well as all scriptures relating to the subject.

• As part of the larger picture - the words may contribute to a narrative development or what is called 'scripture build-up'.

2. In the context.

3. As used before.

Three Biblical Truths We Must Adhere To:

1. Get 'to whom' correct. All scripture is 'for our learning' but not all scripture is addressed 'to' us. Identify the correct administrations/dispensations (oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah})

2. Difficult verses must be understood in light of the clear verses.

3. Interpretation and application are always with respect 'to whom' it is addressed.

Seven Keys To Biblical Accuracy:

1. The individual word must be understood.

2. The words must fit in the verse.

3. The verse must fit with the immediate context.

4. The immediate context must flow with the remote context.

5. The words must be understood in light of 'to whom' it is written.

6. The words must be understood in light of orientalisms, customs, and mannerisms.

7. The words must be understood in light of the figures of speech used.

Six Keys For Reading for Understanding

1. Ask yourself, "what is this verse saying?" To better understand what it is saying, also ask yourself the next five questions.

2. What is it not saying?

3. What is the opposite of what it is saying?

4. What is unusual about the way in which it is said?

5. What did it mean to the first-century believers?

6. What does it mean to the believers today?

22 Principles of Biblical Interpretation

•  Click here to visit our Biblical Unitarians web site for these 22 principles

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The scripture used throughout this web site is quoted from the King James Version unless otherwise noted. All explanatory insertions by the webmaster within a scripture verse are enclosed in brackets. All Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words are transliterated into English and italicized