Basics of Correct Interpretation

Content

What does it say? What does it say in the original language? Be careful with definitions. Don't read into it what it doesn't say.

Context

What do the verses around it say? "Context is king" is the rule -- the passage must make sense within the structure of the entire passage and book.

Cross-reference

What do other verses about this subject say through the rest of the Bible? God doesn't contradict Himself, so our interpretation needs to stand the test of other scriptures.