Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture: How the Bible Explains Itself

Have you ever been confused by a Bible verse and wondered what it really means? You’re not alone! Some passages seem confusing at first and challenging upon deeper review, but one of the most powerful tools for understanding Scripture is the Bible itself. This method is called letting Scripture interpret Scripture, and it involves comparing passages within the Bible to gain clarity, discover deeper meaning, and ensure we are interpreting correctly.

The Bible is a unified, God-inspired collection of 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no know or refutable historical errors or contradictions. What's more, its different parts work together to reveal God’s truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By using Scripture to shed light on other Scripture, we can avoid misunderstandings and experience God’s Word as it was intended.

Why Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture Matters

1. It Keeps Us Grounded in Truth:

   • The Bible is God’s Word, and it doesn’t contradict itself. If a passage seems confusing, looking at related Scriptures can clarify its meaning.

   • For example, Paul’s writings about salvation by faith in Ephesians 2:8-9 are complemented by James’ teaching in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. Together, these passages give a fuller picture of faith—it’s a gift from God, but genuine faith produces good works.

     
     

2. It Prevents Misinterpretation:

   • Taking a verse out of context or building a belief around a single verse can lead to dangerous errors. By comparing multiple passages, we ensure we aren’t misunderstanding God’s message.

   • Example: The commonly misinterpreted verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Philippians 4:13), isn’t about personal success or winning competitions. When read alongside verses like 2 Corinthians 12:9, which speaks of God’s strength being made perfect in weakness, it becomes clear that Paul is talking about finding contentment and endurance through Christ in any circumstance.

     
     

3. It Helps Us See the Big Picture:

   • The Bible tells one overarching story of God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus. Studying different passages together helps us see how they fit into this larger narrative.

     
     

How to Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

1. Start by Reading the Immediate Context

The first step in interpreting any passage is to read the surrounding verses. Often, the context within the same chapter or book will explain what a verse means.

Example: In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This verse is frequently used to encourage small group prayer meetings. But when you read the surrounding verses (Matthew 18:15-19), you see that Jesus is talking about church discipline and resolving conflicts among believers. The context reveals that His presence is promised in situations where the church seeks unity and reconciliation.

2. Use Cross-References to Find Related Verses

Most Bibles have cross-references—small notes in the margins or footnotes that point to other passages on the same topic. Cross-referencing is a valuable tool for letting Scripture explain itself.

Example: To understand what Jesus means when He says, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), you can follow cross-references to passages about manna in the Old Testament (Exodus 16:4-5) and the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). These connections help you see that Jesus is talking about spiritual nourishment and eternal life, not physical bread.

3. Look for Consistent Themes Across the Bible

Many themes, such as God’s love, justice, and mercy, are repeated throughout Scripture. Identifying these themes can help you understand difficult passages.

Example: When you read about God’s command to destroy entire nations in the Old Testament (e.g., Joshua 6:21), it may seem harsh. But when you study other parts of the Bible, like Genesis 15:16, where God delays judgment until a nation’s sin reaches its peak, and Ezekiel 18:23, where God says He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, you gain a broader understanding. God’s justice is always tempered by patience and mercy.

4. Study Parallel Passages

Parallel passages are sections of Scripture that describe the same event or teaching. Comparing them can provide additional details and clarity.

Example: The four Gospels often contain parallel accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry. To understand the full meaning of a particular event, like the feeding of the 5,000, you can compare Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14. Each account provides unique details that, when combined, give a richer understanding of the event.

5. Interpret Difficult Passages in Light of Clearer Ones

Some parts of the Bible are harder to understand than others. When you encounter a difficult passage, interpret it in light of clearer Scriptures on the same topic.

Example: Consider Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 15:29, which says, “Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?” This verse has puzzled many readers, leading to different interpretations.

To clarify its meaning, you can study clearer passages about baptism and resurrection, such as Romans 6:3-5, which explains that baptism symbolizes dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ. Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 emphasizes the future resurrection of believers, which reinforces the biblical focus on personal faith in Jesus rather than rituals performed for others. By viewing 1 Corinthians 15:29 in the broader context of these teachings, it becomes clear that Paul’s focus is on the certainty of the resurrection rather than a literal practice of proxy baptism.

Practical Example: Understanding Faith and Works

Let’s apply the principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture to the topic of faith and works. Some people believe that James 2:24 (“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”) contradicts Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:8-9 (“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”).

By comparing these passages, you discover that they are not contradictory but complementary. Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned, while James emphasizes that genuine faith naturally produces good works. Both agree that faith and works are connected, but works are the evidence of faith, not the means of salvation. In other words, Paul and James can be understood as looking at the same tree but both from different perspectives. Pastor Sam LoBello is fond of drawing a picture of salvation, or justification, as a tree with Paul looking at the root and James is looking at the fruit.

This understanding is confirmed when you look at additional passages, such as Galatians 5:6 (“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love”) and John 15:5 (“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit”). These verses reinforce the idea that true faith results in action.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Cherry-Picking Verses:

   • Be careful not to select verses that support a preconceived idea while ignoring others that provide balance or context.

2. Ignoring Context:

   • Always consider the literary, historical, and cultural context of a passage. Reading a verse in isolation can lead to misunderstandings.

3. Forcing Connections:

   • While the Bible is interconnected, not every verse is directly related to others. Avoid trying to force a connection where none exists.

     
     

Call to Action: Practice Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture

This week, choose a verse or topic you find challenging and practice using Scripture to interpret Scripture. Follow these steps:

1. Read the Immediate Context: Identify surrounding verses that help clarify the meaning.

2. Use Cross-References: Find related verses that shed light on the topic.

3. Look for Consistent Themes: See how the topic fits into the Bible’s overarching message.

4. Study Parallel Passages: Compare similar accounts for additional insight.

5. Interpret Using Clear Passages: Let clearer verses help you understand difficult ones.

Example Assignment: Read John 15:1-8 (the vine and branches) and cross-reference it with Galatians 5:22-23 (the fruit of the Spirit) and Psalm 1:1-3 (the tree planted by streams of water). Reflect on what it means to abide in Christ and how that leads to spiritual fruit.

Letting Scripture interpret Scripture is a powerful way to unlock the depth and meaning of God’s Word. As you practice this method, you’ll notice that Scripture becomes less intimidating and more enriching. Difficult passages that once seemed confusing will begin to fit within the larger biblical story, and connections across the Old and New Testaments will come alive.

By trusting Scripture to explain itself, you’ll not only grow in knowledge but also deepen your relationship with God. His Word is meant to guide, challenge, and transform us, and when we study it with humility and intention, we allow God’s truth to shape our hearts. Keep digging into the Word and remember that the Bible is a gift designed to be explored, understood, and applied for a lifetime of growth.