How to Study and Interpret the Holy Bible
The “Key” to interpreting the Bible is to “Define the Bible by the Bible.”
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CHAPTER TWO
HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE IN TWO EASY STEPS
The key to interpreting the Bible is to “Define the Bible by the Bible.” (White, “Study the Word,” 1983) This is allowing the Bible to interpret itself using two techniques: word definition and cross-reference, which are used to study the Bible. There are two methods: Study by Verse and Study by Subject. The first method, Study by Verse involves two techniques, which are Word Definition and Cross Reference. Word definition shows you how to define words in the Bible, and Cross-reference shows you how to search those same words to receive supporting verses to interpret your study verse. A study verse is your main verse that you’re trying to understand. The supporting verse supports and interprets your study verse. There can be more than one study verse and supporting verse. The second method, Study by Subject, shows you how to
look up comparable words and verses in the Bible that are related to your subject using the same two techniques, word definition and cross-reference.
Studying the Bible, as described here, creates confidence in your understanding, because you have a methodical approach like a mathematical equation. For an example, let’s use math to represent the interpretation of scripture: the equation 5x5 is the scripture, and the answer is the interpretation, which is 25. This is unquestionably accurate. If questioned by skeptics, the scriptural equation can be broken down to verify the truth ― using word definition and cross reference ― just as a math problem can be broken down, like so 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5, which means five fives equal 25 — again unquestionable. Yet the study methods used here will make your sermons, teachings or lyrics truthful and profound and people will see you as a studious and learned person in God’s word. In addition, the power of God will follow your truth. However, before you can learn how to interpret the Bible, you need to learn how to recognize comparable verses, so you can recognize the right interpretation. These techniques will arm you with the skill to interpret any verse in the Bible with complete accuracy. God designed a method to study the Bible within his scriptures: Word Definition and Cross-Reference according to the following verses: the first verse, 2Timothy 2:15 “Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The italicized clause “rightly dividing,” in this verse, is defined as Word Definition; it will be shown later what it means and how it was derived in sufficient detail. The second verse, which shows how to interpret the Bible, is in 1Corinthians 2:13: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teach, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” The italicized phrase “Comparing spiritual things with spiritual,” is defined as Cross Reference, which is interpreted as comparing the written word of God with the spiritual interpretation of that word. In other words, use a supporting verse to support the truth of any verse you are studying — this is “Defining the Bible by the Bible,” which is allowing the Bible to interpret itself6. The previous verses used here confirm that this is the way God intended for us to study the Bible. We will show later how its meaning was derived in sufficient detail.
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About the Book
Rather than telling you “what” to think, author and expert, Ivan Lane, teaches you how to define biblical words and cross reference scripture to interpret biblical truth for yourself. Mr. Lane helps to make readable sense of the Bible by helping you learn how to understand biblical language and symbolic words. He does this by using a very unique method of interpreting the Bible that he calls, “The Definitive Method.” You will learn what books to use and how to use them in order to interpret any verse in the Bible in the context in which it was written. This book appeals to beginners and advanced students alike because it is written in laymen terms with basic and advanced techniques of interpreting the Bible. Mr. Lane takes you deep into symbolism, so that you can understand the spiritual aspect of the Bible for your edification and spiritual growth. Every technique is shown with easy step-by-step examples for your understanding.
About the Author
Ivan Lane was born in 1963 to Earlene Lane and Melvin J. Gonnigan. In 1966, at age three, Ivan’s grandmother, Phennorris Lane, took him to church and raised him as her own from infancy. As a young child, Ivan was taken to see Rev. R. L. Stiles of Miracle Revival Center in Cleveland, Ohio, who prophesied that Ivan was anointed. The Lord’s anointing remained upon him, preserving him until the fulfillment of his calling in 1981, when his grandmother took him to Harlo White’s Revival Crusade at the downtown Cleveland Engineering Building. Ivan Lane began studying the Bible in 1981 through cassette-tape teachings from the evangelistic ministry led by Rev. Dr. Harlo White. In 1985, he began a focused study of how to interpret the Bible, and by 1995, he had begun writing his book, How to Study and Interpret the Holy Bible, which he completed in 2007. Mr. Lane has studied the Bible for more than 44 years and has dedicated more than 12 years to biblical interpretation. Over the years, he has advised numerous ministers, Bible teachers, and ministry leaders, as well as many in the religious community who have sought his guidance in understanding and interpreting the Scriptures.