9 rules to INTERPRET any text. 

1)    INTERPRET a passage in context & in harmony with all other passages on same topic. All passages on the same topic must be considered.   ie. Rom 10:13 & Act 22:16

2)    NOTE the background, authority of the writer. Was he inspired, educated, biased (ie. Balaam; Nu 22:5,7,21,23,28; Jude 1:11; 2Peter 2:15-16) & style of writing (The Holy Spirit uses the style of the writer).

3)    THE WRITER’s own explanation within a passage should stand. (Mark 4:13-20)

4)    EASY, Simple & most obvious meaning of any passage is usually the correct meaning.  ie. 2Peter 3:21

5)    RESPECT all passages on a topic without overemphasizing any one passage over another. (John 3:16; Mark 16:16)

6)    PHRASES, Idioms, Synecdoche, & Figures of speech within a passage must be considered. (Mark 10:19)

7)    REPETITION within a passage is used for emphasis of a point. (Gal 1:6-10)

8)    EACH passage has an original meaning to the audience. Prophecies & Principles may be drawn out of a passage without altering the original meaning.

9) TOUGH PASSAGES can be understood with another simpler one. Difficult or obscure passages can be explained by simpler passages on same topic. (2Pet 2:15-18)