One well known biblical verse about the Bible is 2 Timonthy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work(NASB). Pay attention to the word inspired (some versions use the phrase God-breathed), which is in contrast with the term literal that Muslims use to describe Koran. Interpretation of Bible is known hermeneutics while people rarely speak of interpretation of Koran.
The footnote of Page 82 of [1] tells a joke. Someone opens his Bible three times for guidance. “And he went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5), “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37), “What you are going to do, do it quickly” (John 13:27). Incorrect interpretations are no joke.
Clearly, Bible interpretation is of central importance to denominations, churches, clergy, and ordinary Christians. Incorrect interpretations may lead us into false directions, wrong actions, even heresies. Key differences in interpretation of the Bible lead to different denominations. Before we start, several points should be kept in mind. If you have not done so, read How to Study Bible? It should be clear that: (1) Only Christians can fully understand the Bible. (2) The Body of Christ (John 17:21) consists of all Christians, from the first apostles to every true Christian today. A correct interpretation must be within the Body of Christ. (3) Your interpretation must agree with basic doctrines of orthodox Christian churches, such as The Apostle’s Creed, The Trinity, etc.
Robert R. Hann’s book [1] is an excellent starting point. Chapter 4 is devoted to interpretations. I strongly urge you to buy a copy if you can. The $5 you spend (used book + shipping) is a great investment. Chapter 4 has the following sections. (1) Biblical Interpretation in the Times of Jesus. (a) The Targum. (b) Jewish Typology. (c) Jewish Literal Exegesis. (2) Biblical Interpretation in Later Christianity. (a) The Allegorical Method. (b) The Literal Method. (3) Interpreting the Bible Today. (a) The Historical-Critical Method. (c) Reading the Bible for Faith and Living. If you do not have the book, you still can find out many these methods on the web.
If you can read Chinese, you might want to buy some Watchman Nee’s books (refer to How to Study Bible?). However, if possible buy from the Hong Kong Bookstore (香港福音书房）because unlike Living Stream Ministry it does not use so called Recovery Version Bible [2]. Even if you have bought or otherwise got some books from Living Stream Ministry they can still be used if you replace the Bible verses in them by standard versions of the Bible.
I strongly recommend a book by Donald E. Knuth [3]. For those who are not familiar with computer science, Donald E. Knuth is one of the great computer scientists ever lived (he could be Albert Einstein in computer science but I am not in the position to evaluate him objectively). But he is also one of the greatest Christians in our time. This book [3] may be used for introductory level as well as a reference for advanced study on the Bible.
Another good book for reference is [4]. Its 15th edition lasted quite long. Recently, there is a newer edition but I have not had chance to read it.
[1] Robert R. Hann, “The Bible, an owner's manual” : Paulist Press, c1983.
[2] 韩家亮：正统、异端、邪教 http://my.cnd.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=30579
[3] Donald E. Knuth, "3:16 Bible Texts Illuminated", A-R Editions, Inc.; 1991.
[4] George A. Buttrick (Author), Charles M. Laymon (Editor) , "The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary on the Bible," Abingdon Press, 15th edition, 1971.
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