How to Read and Understand the Bible
Let Scripture Speak for Itself
The Bible is one of the most widely read books in history, yet many people find it difficult to understand. Some approach it believing that its message is hidden behind layers of symbolism and mystery. Others assume that every passage must be interpreted figuratively. However, one of the most important principles of Bible study is surprisingly simple: the Bible says what it means and means what it says.
While the Scriptures contain metaphors, symbols, and poetic language, they were written to communicate God's message in a way that ordinary people can understand. Learning how to distinguish between literal language, metaphor, and symbolism is one of the keys to reading the Bible correctly.
Start with the Plain Meaning
The Bible was not written as a puzzle intended to confuse its readers. Its writers used normal human language, assuming that words would be understood in their ordinary sense unless there was a clear reason to think otherwise.
Consider the many passages that speak about Christ's return and future kingdom:
Jesus will return "in like manner" as he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:11).
He will receive the throne of David and reign forever (Luke 1:32-33).
All nations will serve him, and his dominion will extend throughout the earth (Psalm 72:8, 11).
He will reign in Jerusalem (Isaiah 24:23).
The Lord will be king over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9).
The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of Christ (Revelation 11:15).
A natural reading of these passages would lead to the conclusion that they describe a real and literal return of Jesus to the earth and a future kingdom over which he will reign. Yet it is common to hear such statements explained away as merely symbolic, with Jerusalem representing the church or Christ's reign representing only an influence in human hearts.
The question we should ask is simple: What do the words themselves say?
Good Bible study begins by accepting the natural meaning of a passage before searching for deeper interpretations.
Let Fulfilled Prophecy Guide Your Interpretation
One of the strongest arguments for taking Scripture seriously in its plain sense comes from fulfilled prophecy.
For example, God warned Israel, "I will scatter you among the nations, and your land shall be desolate" (Leviticus 26:31-33).
Similarly, Moses declared, "You shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations" (Deuteronomy 28:37).
History records the exact fulfilment of these predictions. The Jewish people were scattered among the nations, their land became desolate, and they became known throughout the world. Few would argue that these prophecies were fulfilled merely in a symbolic sense.
If prophecies concerning Israel's scattering were fulfilled literally, it is reasonable to ask why prophecies concerning Israel's restoration should not also be understood literally.
Ezekiel foretold, "I will take the children of Israel from among the nations ... and bring them into their own land ... and one king shall be king over them all" (Ezekiel 37:21-22).
The re-establishment of Israel in the modern era has led many Bible students to reconsider the straightforward meaning of such passages. Fulfilled prophecy teaches an important lesson: when God says something will happen, it often occurs exactly as described.
Another valuable Bible study principle is to observe how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled.
Micah foretold, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah ... out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler in Israel" (Micah 5:2).
How was this fulfilled?
Matthew records, "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea" (Matthew 2:1).
The prophecy was fulfilled in the very place specified. The prediction was not interpreted symbolically after the event. Bethlehem meant Bethlehem.
This illustrates an important principle: fulfilled prophecies provide a pattern for understanding unfulfilled prophecies. When Scripture speaks plainly, we should expect its fulfilment to be equally plain.
Recognise the Difference Between Literal Language and Metaphor
None of this means that the Bible contains no figures of speech. In fact, metaphor enriches Scripture and adds beauty and depth to its message.
Jesus is described as:
A shepherd
A stone
A branch
A lamb
These descriptions are obviously figurative. Nobody imagines that Christ is literally a piece of stone or a plant growing from the ground.
In everyday language we use metaphors constantly:
"Hard times"
"A black look"
"Carrying a high head"
"Trampling on people's rights"
No one is confused by such expressions because the context makes their meaning clear.
The same principle applies to Scripture. Metaphors can usually be recognized by ordinary reading and common sense.
For example, Moses described Egypt as an "iron furnace" (Deuteronomy 4:20). Isaiah compared the invading Assyrian power to overflowing waters (Isaiah 8:7-8). The literal facts are still present, but they are illustrated through figurative language.
Problems arise when readers treat obviously literal statements as though they were metaphors simply because they do not fit a preferred interpretation.
While we should not force symbolism into passages where it does not belong, Biblical metaphors are worthy of careful study.
Isaiah 11:1 describes the Messiah as, "A Branch" growing from the roots of David's family.
The image is powerful. A branch springing from a seemingly dead root beautifully illustrates the appearance of Jesus at a time when Israel's national glory had faded. From what appeared lifeless, God brought forth new hope and life.
Such metaphors add colour and depth to Bible teaching. Exploring them can greatly enrich our understanding of God's purpose.
The Bible Interprets Itself
In some parts of Scripture, particularly prophecy, God employs symbols to represent larger realities.
For example:
Beasts can symbolize empires.
Horns can symbolize kings or ruling powers.
Waters can symbolise peoples and nations.
Lamps can symbolize congregations of believers.
However, the Bible seldom leaves us guessing. In many cases it provides the explanation itself.
Examples include:
Daniel 7:24, where horns are explained as kings.
Daniel 8:20, where symbolic animals represent kingdoms.
Revelation 1:20, where stars and lampstands are interpreted.
Jeremiah 1:11-15, where symbolic visions are explained by God.
The key lesson is that the Bible is its own interpreter. Rather than inventing meanings, we should allow Scripture to explain its own symbols.
A common mistake is to begin with difficult symbolic passages and then use them to reinterpret straightforward Bible teaching.
A better approach is the reverse.
Start with:
Clear doctrinal passages.
Historical narratives.
Direct statements of teaching.
Plain prophecies.
Once these foundations are understood, symbolic passages become much easier to interpret.
Just as a child must first learn the alphabet before reading literature, Bible students must first grasp the clear teachings of Scripture before tackling its more complex imagery.
Principles for Reading the Bible Effectively
To read and understand the Bible accurately, keep these principles in mind:
Accept the natural meaning of words unless the context indicates otherwise.
Allow fulfilled prophecy to guide your understanding of unfulfilled prophecy.
Recognize metaphors and figures of speech without turning everything into symbolism.
Let the Bible explain and interpret its own symbols.
Compare Scripture with Scripture to build a complete picture of Bible teaching, 1 Corinthians 2:13.
Build your understanding on clear passages before studying difficult ones.
Read carefully, consistently, and in context, 1 Timothy 4:13. A text quoted out of context is a pretext.
Approach Scripture with humility and a willingness to learn.
Conclusion
The Bible is a profound book, but it is not an unintelligible one. God gave His Word to reveal truth, not to conceal it from sincere readers. While Scripture contains poetry, metaphor, and symbolism, its message is communicated through understandable language.
The safest and most rewarding approach to Bible study is to let the Bible speak for itself. Read its words carefully, respect their natural meaning, pay attention to context, and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. When we do this, we discover that the Bible is not a book of confusion but a clear and powerful revelation of God's purpose with the earth and with humanity.
By learning to distinguish between the literal, the metaphorical, and the symbolic, every reader can grow in confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the message God has preserved in His Word.
Adapted from “Key to Understanding the Scriptures” by H P Mansfield