How Understanding Historical Context Helps You Understand The Bible
Historical Context
Have you ever wondered why sincere Christians can read the same Bible passage and come to completely different conclusions? One reason is the failure to understand historical context.
In an episode of HER Podcast “How To Study The Bible” series, I focused on understanding the historical context of Scripture. This understanding of the Bible’s ancient setting, its audience, and its human author makes a huge difference in how we interpret Scripture.
What does historical context mean? In Bible study it means we are seeking to find out what was going on in that specific geographical location at that time in history. The historical context of the biblical author and the original audience can give us an open window to see into their world and help us discover what God was speaking to them in their day and time.
Things that we might consider are:
· Territorial features of their region
· Their political situation and environment
· Any identifiable issues or problems
· Social economics, education, laws, and other cultural factors
These considerations are a great starting point for background investigation when studying the Bible.
When Interpretation Becomes Challenging
Occasionally our conclusions of what the Bible says can become a controversial topic, sometimes stirring up disagreement and contention among Christians. Taking time to look into the biblical audience’s world can diffuse many of these points of contention.
In my upcoming HER Podcast episode, we address a controversial topic in our day and time. The episode, Can Women Serve in Leadership in the Church? with Dr. Bob Utley (publishing June 22, 2026) addresses some of the challenges that arise when historical context is overlooked.
One problem Dr. Utley addresses is that some of the key passages used to withhold ministry leadership opportunities from women are often interpreted without considering the original audience's historical and cultural context. Dr. Utley made a very important statement. He said,
“The Bible was written for us but not to us. We must first understand what the original author was saying to the original audience.”
Other related controversial topics he addressed from the Bible were: head coverings, silence passages, and the non-related topic of slavery. Regardless of where someone lands on the issue of women in ministry, it provides an excellent example of why historical context matters when interpreting Scripture.
The point is that understanding what the original audience heard and understood helps us discover the intended meaning of the text.
I want to give you four important progressive steps to help you discover the historical context of the original audience.
1) You are key.
You reading your Bible, filled with the Holy Spirit, and seeking answers to your questions matter to God. Here is how Dr. Utley stated it, God wants you to understand the Bible. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority.
I spent the first few years in my journey with Jesus reading and seeking God in the Bible before I ever added any other resources into my study. You allowing space for God to speak to you and teach you by His Holy Spirit through His word is of utmost importance.
You pray.
You read.
The Holy Spirit will teach you.
However, there will come a point when you will feel like you can’t get all the answers you need. That is when you take the next step beyond the actual text of the Bible.
2) You need a good study Bible.
Maybe you began your journey with a good study Bible. If not, you need one. Maybe this brings up the question: Which one should I get?
Don’t get too bogged down in this. I personally love my New King James Study Bible by Nelson Publishers, but I also have several others I use. At this point of your journey trying to understand the actual biblical world, I recommend a formal translation. However, if you struggle reading the more formal language, try a functional translation.
Below I shared a list of formal and functional translations from my book, DIG: Digging Into God’s Word—A Women’s “How To” Bible Study. (The order of the list shows no prioritization.)
The most formal translations:
· King James Version (KJV)
· New King James Version (NKJV)
· New American Standard (NASB)
The most functional translations:
· New Living Translation (NLT)
· New International Version (NIV)
· New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
3) Read your study Bible’s resources and information.
Too often people miss the wealth of information available in their study Bibles. Don’t miss it—read it all. Read the reference passages and footnotes. Read the pages of commonly ignored tools and resources before the book of Genesis even begins. And read all the special blocks posted all throughout your study Bible as you go.
The translators have already done the hard work of verifying the information and they often provide a significant amount of details that can illuminate the historical and cultural setting of what you are reading.
4) Go beyond your study Bible.
Let’s say you have prayed, read, and learned, but you still sense the Holy Spirit saying, “There’s more.” That is when you step beyond your study Bible and bring in other tools and resources like Bible dictionaries, commentaries, Bible handbooks with maps and timelines, and trusted Bible teachers, like Dr. Bob Utley or other scholars who have spent their lives studying the Scriptures. I have learned so much from so many amazing Bible teachers throughout the years.
Another thing—I encourage you to listen beyond what you have always been taught or believed. I am not advocating for anything unbiblical or heretical, I am simply saying that once you get to this point, you can easily find godly scholars and pastors who will agree with your beliefs or how you interpret what you read. But, the challenge of listening to a biblically grounded believer who disagrees with our theology can often be the catalyst that forces us to study deeper to determine what Scripture is really saying. To conclude, I want to share some great resources to help you in your Bible study journey.
Helpful Bible Study Resources:
1) Dr. Bob Utley’s — Free Bible Commentary
2) How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.
3) How To Read The Bible Book By Book by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.
4) Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (my favorite seminary textbook)
5) HER Podcast “How To Study the Bible” — How The Historical And Cultural Background Help Discover The Bible's True Meaning
Dear Sister in Christ, I know this will work because this is a proven method of studying the Bible. It’s not just for scholars. It’s for me and you. I started learning and practicing this method before I ever stepped foot into a seminary classroom. And it boils down to four easy to remember components.
1) You are key.
2) You need a good study Bible.
3) Read your study Bible’s resources and information.
4) Go beyond your study Bible.
Start there. Take the journey through these steps for one year and see if you aren’t blown away with what God does and how He teaches you through His word. And when you do, I want to hear about your journey!
Happy Studying!
Frequently Asked Questions About Historical Context and Bible Study
Q: What is historical context in Bible study?
Historical context refers to the circumstances surrounding a biblical passage when it was written. This includes the time period, culture, geography, politics, customs, and challenges faced by the original audience. Understanding historical context helps us better understand what the biblical author intended to communicate.
Q: Why is historical context important when studying the Bible?
Historical context helps us avoid reading modern assumptions into ancient texts. By understanding the world of the original audience, we can more accurately interpret Scripture and discover the intended meaning of the text.
Q: Does understanding historical context change the meaning of Scripture?
No. Historical context does not change God's Word. Instead, it helps us better understand what God was communicating through the biblical author to the original audience. It provides clarity and helps us interpret Scripture more accurately.
Q: Do I need a seminary degree to study historical context?
Absolutely not. Every believer can learn to study historical context. God wants you to understand His Word. Start with prayer, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit. Then use trusted resources to deepen your understanding.
Q: What resources can help me understand historical context?
Helpful resources include study Bibles, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, Bible handbooks, maps, timelines, and trusted Bible teachers. These tools can provide valuable insight into the historical and cultural setting of Scripture.
Q: What is the difference between the original audience and today's readers?
The original audience refers to the people who first heard or received the biblical message. Today's readers live in a different culture and time. Understanding what the original audience heard and understood helps us determine how God's timeless truth applies to our lives today.
Q: What should I do when Christians disagree about a Bible passage?
When sincere believers disagree, return to Scripture with humility and prayer. Study the passage carefully, consider the historical context, and seek to understand why different interpretations exist. Sometimes those conversations can motivate us to study God's Word more deeply.
Q: What is the first step in understanding historical context?
The first step is to read the passage carefully and prayerfully. Ask questions about the author, audience, location, and circumstances surrounding the text. Then use trusted Bible study resources to help fill in the historical and cultural background.
