1. Secure four translations of the Bible. Translations will vary from the so-called Verbal method to the Dynamic Equivalent (see chart below):
 

KJV = King James Version;
ASV = American Standard Version;
NASV = New American Standard Version;
RSV = Revised Standard Version;
NRSV = New...;
NEB = New English Bible
MV = New International Version
TEV = Today English's Version;
LB = The Living Bible;
CEV = Contemporary English Version
These are just but a few of the numerous translations available in English.

2. Read aloud the four translations. Note the flow of the passage just by listening to the way each translation emphasizes key words, ideas, and so forth.

3. Find repeated words. Do you think these could be key words? Why? Do they communicate main ideas?

4. List the things you do not understand: meaning of words, statements, theological concepts, and so forth...

5. See if there are any marginal notes in these translations, which help explain words, ideas, geographical location, and so forth...

6. Ask questions: Who? What? Where? For what purpose? etc... For example, who is doing the acting? What events are taking place? What is the order of these events?

7. Observe: commands, advice, promises, warnings, predictions.

8. Observe: conditional statements that start with "if..."

9. Observe any summary statements which the author makes (watch for words such as therefore, so, finally, last of all...)

10. Observe the beginning and the ending of the passage.
 
11. Observe contrasts (ideas, characters, events, concepts, and attitudes)—but...

12. Observe pronouns: I, he, she , it, they, them, us, who, me, etc...

13. Observe verb tenses: past, present, future.

14. Observe emphatic statements such as: truly, behold, indeed, I tell you, verily, etc...

15. Are there any figures of speech? Are there words, phrases, ideas that must not be read literally?

Examples, figures of speech are observed:
(1) When a comparison is introduced by words such as "like" or "as".
(2) When a comparison is not explicitly stated, but it is implied.
(3) When one thing is used to illustrate another, e.g., "gray hair" as a symbol for old age.
(4) When one or two words stand for something much greater, e.g., Prophet Micah's
"spears and swords" meaning all military forces.
(5) When an object, thing or idea is referred to as a person, e.g., forces of nature (sun, moon, starts, etc...) a symbol for "gods".
(6) When an exclamatory tone refers to an actual person, e.g., David's saying "Absolom my son", as if he were still alive.
(7) When an idea is introduced by not clearly stated
(8) When two or more words are placed together, without really belonging together, e.g, "food and drink to eat" (one does not eat a drink!)
(9) When a sentence is left incomplete, usually expressing deep emotion. (10)When there is deliberate exaggeration .
(11) When the writer uses irony.
(12) When the writer says one thing and means another, i.e., paradox.
(13) When the writer repeats an idea or thought (redundancy).
(14) When a word is repeated over and over for emphasis (e.g., Holy, Holy, Holy)
(15) When the writer uses questions for information or as a rhetorical tool.
(16) When the author uses riddles (concise saying that is intentionally formulated to
explain a truth).
(17) When the writer uses fables (A fiction story meant to teach a moral lesson).
(18) When the writer uses enigmatic sayings (statements filled with inner meaning).
(19) When the writer uses parables (an extended explicit comparison).
(20) When the writer uses allegory (an extended implicit comparison) .

Interpretation is determining what the text meant to the original hearers or readers. It is not what it means to the 2151 century reader, but what it meant to the original audience. What did it mean to the author? What did it mean to the original audience? Interpretation depends on a thorough observation. Once the text has been studied in the first phase (observation), the modern reader becomes ready to answer the following questions.

1. Based on your observations, try to break passage in paragraphs. How would you outline passage at this time (titles, sub-titles...) The way verses are grouped vary from translation to translation. This should help you figure out possible ways for outlining the passage. (If you cannot do it at this point, proceed and then return to this task later)

2. From the text, what do you see as the author's concerns, characteristics, convictions, emotions.,.?

3. From the text, what could be original reader's concerns, questions, emotions, characteristics, convictions, strengths and weaknesses?

4. Look again on key words (see observation guidelines). What is the meaning of this word, phrase or statement? What did it mean to the author? What did it mean to his audience?

• How is this word, term or concept used in the context of this passage?
• ...in the rest of the book?
• ...in other writings by the author?
• What does a Bible Dictionary say about this word?
• Using a Concordance, where does it appear in other passages? How?
• Do we use this word today in the same way it was used then?
• How does this word fit in the context of the passage?

6. Does the author use figurative language? If so, what could be its meaning?

To distinguish figurative from literal:
• Read the context before and after the passage. Did the author gave a clue regarding reading this passage figuratively?
• Review if there are figure of speeches used in this passage.
• Keep in mind that figurative language is based on some kind of literal foundation (e.g., "you are the salt of the earth..."—one must know what salt is to get the figure.)
• Look for similarities in the expressions or experiences of the author
• Figurative language does not have to be absolute or perfect in order to convey idea
• Use common sense!

8. Does the author prove a point, illustrate a truth, develop an argument...?

9. Identify the author's main thoughts. How does he go from one thought to the other? Does it follow a sequence? Is there a central theme? Does the writer use parallelism or contrast to emphasize a point? Can you identify how the author goes from one point to another? Does the author use figure of speech? If so, how? What does it mean? Why is the author saying what he is saying?

10. How does this passage fit in the context of the whole book?

11. Consider the historical context:

• Who is addressed?
• What cultural issues need consideration?
• When did the events occur?
• Can we guarantee that the issues addressed are transferable to today's world?

Note: if you are having problems thus far, stop and review observation questions.

1. Try once again to outline passage, by giving titles and sub-titles to parts in this passage.

2. Complete the sentence, "It seems that the author is saying..."

3. Consult commentaries, Bible Dictionaries, and other resource tools. Dialogue with commentaries. Do you agree or disagree with the commentary authors' conclusions?

4. Revise your outline once more.
 

III. APPLICATION:

After identifying what might be a possible meaning to the original audience, try to identify:

1. What basic, timeless truths may be applicable today?

2. How does this apply to my life?

3. What have I learned from this study?
 

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