A framework for careful study

Seven Principles of Biblical Interpretation

Faithful organizes Bible study around seven questions that help readers examine biblical teaching with context, clarity, and humility. This is one framework for study, not a claim to be the only legitimate Christian hermeneutic.

Rule of Definition

Clarify what important words and concepts mean in the passage before building an interpretation.

Rule of Usage

Study how an author, book, and the wider Bible use a word or idea, while letting each context speak for itself.

Rule of Context

Interpret a verse within its sentence, paragraph, book, historical situation, and argument.

Rule of Historical Background

Consider the people, customs, events, and setting that shaped the original communication.

Rule of Logic

Trace claims, reasons, contrasts, implications, and conclusions without asking the text to say more than it does.

Rule of Precedent

Ask how a passage relates to established patterns, examples, and earlier Scripture without flattening important differences.

Rule of Inference

Test what follows from the passage and distinguish explicit teaching, strong inference, reasonable possibility, and speculation.