I. To begin with, let’s answer some initial questions that are probably running through your head. Click on the link to go to the answer page.

What? – What on earth are “hermeneutics” and how do you say that word anyway?
Who? – Am I interested in reading any more of this? Should I be? Who should know about Hermeneutics?
When & Where? – When and where is it important to use a good hermeneutic?
Why? – Why does this matter?
How? – How do I acquire or build a better hermeneutic?

II. If you’re still interested after that, I’ll be moving on to suggestions for how to start studying and interpreting the Bible at its best:

A. Creating Bookcharts (with examples).

B. Suggestions for Interpreting a Passage of Scripture (with examples).

III. To help you in your study, here is a brief discussion and explanation of the various genres that can be found between the covers of Scripture:

A. Old Testament –

Narrative/History
Law
Poetry
Prophecy
Wisdom Literature

B. New Testament –

Gospels
Acts
Epistles
Revelation

IV. Miscellaneous -

A. Other Resources

i. Good online site for commentary and searching Scriptures (in various translations):

www.biblegateway.com

ii. Booklist of great resources for further, more in-depth study.

B. Meditative Interpretation of Luke 16:1-13: "If I Had A Hammer ..." by Katie E. Peckham - An example of a longer, more in-depth interpretation of a passage of the Bible, also demonstrating that life application can be rich when Scripture is understood in its context.