If you have ever looked for a simple Bible study method to follow, you have probably come across the SOAP method. SOAP stands for:
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
At first glance, this looks like a complete Bible study method. You start with reading a portion of Scripture. Then you write down what you observe in the passage. What are the keywords? Who is doing what in the passage? Who is talking and who are they talking to? You write down the basic idea of the Bible passage.
Next comes application. What does this passage mean to me? How can I apply it to my life?
Then you wrap up the Bible study time with prayer.
Each of these elements is important to Bible study, however, there is one key ingredient missing.
Interpretation.
What is interpretation?
Interpretation is asking: what does this Bible passage mean, particularly to the first audience? Although we can understand some of that by simply reading the passage, the correct interpretation won’t always come naturally.
Why doesn’t interpretation come naturally?
There are historical, cultural, and language barriers to us understanding what Bible passages meant to the first audience.
We are not experts in Jewish or Roman or Greek history or culture. We are also not experts in the Bible’s original languages: Hebrew and Greek. Because of our lack of knowledge that we have as readers, we need to spend time on interpretation to figure out what the words we read in the Bible actually mean.
How do we interpret?
First we can look at the immediate Bible passage context. The verses or chapters before or after may give us more understanding. The Bible book as a whole will, too. But there are times where we will simply not know enough to understand and interpret properly. Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and commentaries are key to interpreting correctly. This does not mean “an article that you saw on Facebook,” but a studied, learned scholar of the languages and history.
We also need to interpret the Bible passages based on the type of literature that particular passage is from. The Bible is made up of poetry, letter, narratives, and more. Just like you don’t interpret Shakespeare’s poetry the same way you interpret an email from your husband, you aren’t going to interpret Psalms the same way you interpret Galatians. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth is a great resource for understanding the particulars of interpreting each of these types of literature.
Why is interpretation so essential?
Interpretation helps us get “unstuck” when we read a hard part of Scripture.
If we are using the SOAP method on a hard part of Scripture, we might be able to read the passage, but if we don’t know what it means, how can we possibly apply it?
The interpretation ingredient guides our digging into what the passage means. Interpretation is the treasure hunt. It’s work, but, oh man, it is so worth it! There is nothing like being stumped on a Bible passage then taking the time to dig into Scripture and dig into commentaries and talk about it with your friends until you have arrived at what it means and what it means for you!
What is the danger if we leave out interpretation?
Without interpretation, we will apply the Scriptures incorrectly. For instance, take Deuteronomy 3:22, “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
I’ve seen this verse emblazoned on memes lately. The picture this verse paints in our minds when we go right from Observation to Application is a beautiful picture of God conquering our mental and emotional enemies in order to make us victorious. Other times I’ve seen it applied to trusting the Lord to fight through the obstacles in our career path. It leads Christian women to believe that God will clear the path to our dream job.
But God did not guarantee your dream job the same way that He planned out the fight that this verse is really talking about. The Deuteronomy 3:22 verse literally means God would fight for the Israelites in battles at war while they were conquering the land which was promised to them. God does not promise He will fight every obstacle on our way up the career ladder. Jumping right from observation to application in the SOAP method of this verse sets up Christian women for disappointment.
I do, however, see from other Scriptures that we should trust the Lord’s plan for our lives. It does not always coincide with our ambitions in the here and now, but it is always the best thing.
If you are using the SOAP method and it’s working for you, please do not abandon it! But add in the missing ingredient of interpretation. I know. SOIAP does sound as cute, but I guarantee your Bible study will be much cleaner!
Let me know. Have you used the SOAP Bible study method? What difference does interpretation make in your Bible study?
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Prepare your heart for giving thanks.
Excellent advice! Interpretation is very important, and it HAS to be original meaning first.
“It can’t mean something to us that it never meant to the original readers”
as my pastor said over and over in our recent study of “how to read the Bible for all its worth”
What a great tip for checking if your application is accurate. Thanks for sharing!
I used the SOAP method before it was called SOAP (I’m that old), and always found then and still find that I “interpret” while in the O section. What you say, Rachel, is quite true, that we really do need to understand the whole picture (granted we’re limited due to culture, language, etc). Chuck Swindoll has a good overview of Bible study methods too, in his book “Searching the Scriptures”. Also, doing a WORD STUDY (using a concordance) is tremendously helpful & FUN if you’re a wordologist (as I obviously am!) plus reveals tons of info, too.
Thanks for the book recommendation, Deb. I’ve not heard of the Swindoll book. That makes me feel better that there is some interpreting going on in the O section. I actually don’t do a whole lot of word studies, but I would like to do more of them. You would love my friend’s blog series that is entirely word studies called Word Nerd Wednesday. http://www.creativeinspirationsatmymessydesk.com/category/wordnerdwednesday/
This is an excellent post, Rachel! Thank you! I’ve recently been realizing how important interpretation is in my own study of the Bible. (As a historian, this is something I love to do!) In a Bible study by Jen Wilkin on the God of Creation, she helped me see the first two chapters of Genesis in a totally new way: who was writing? Moses. To whom was he writing this account: to the people of Israel. Why was he writing this? So that the people would REMEMBER, especially as they headed into a pagan land unlike any they had seen before. When Moses repeats something (like how man was created, once in chapter 1 and once in chapter 2) there is a reason. How is the wording different? Why would that mean something to the Hebrew people? These are the questions that deepen our own understanding of Scripture in marvelous ways!
I love all of your tips and posts! Keep up the good Kingdom work, friend!
Hi Kameron! So great to hear from you! That sounds like a great study by Jen Wilkin. I have heard of her, but have never done her studies. Those are some deep interpretation questions!
Hey Rachel, I came across this via Pinterest. Great post! Another problem with jumping to the application is that it often makes the Bible and every verse about us, not Jesus. That’s dangerous and I think it usually happens without the person realizing it. I reference your post in a similar one that I just wrote http://bit.ly/interpretfirst
Love that. Good point! So nice to meet you, Casey, and I’ve pinned some of your blog posts now. Thanks for reaching out. I look forward to reading more of your writing. I am curious about your missions work. Send me a message and let me know. I’m curious about where you went to Bible college, etc. rachelschmoyerwrites@gmail.com
Thanks Rachel. This is a big issue and I appreciate you writing this. I have heard many sermons where the pastor goes straight from observation to application. Sometimes, it can be dangerous.
I do like the SOAP method, as long as you interpret. I changed it though to SOAPS, with the last S standing for “Share”. Share what you learn with someone throughout the day. I heard someone say once, “Your quiet time is not over until you share it with someone!”
Blessings!
Pat Sieler
I like that, Pat! Good idea to share. I tend to remember the things I share about better than what I’ve kept to myself.
I agree that the original audience and intent of Scripture are of great importance in gaining an understanding of the Word of God. I would also add one more thing, specifically answering the question, “What does this reading reveal about the character of God?” I don’t know what word would be added to the acronym to make it work, but applying this question to my Bible studies has profoundly impacted my relationship with God.
What a great question to ask, Joanne! I especially find that is a helpful question in the hard parts of the Old Testament narrative stories like Judges. Thanks for sharing.