Examine the Meaning
What Did the Author Intend to Communicate?
Move from careful observation to a text-governed understanding of the author’s intended meaning.
Meaning is not invented by the reader. It is discovered by tracing the words, grammar, structure, genre, historical setting, and argument of the passage. Use this page to test your observations, weigh interpretive possibilities, and state the passage’s meaning as clearly as you can.
Meaning before application.
Do not begin with “What does this mean to me?” Begin with: “What did the inspired author intend to communicate to the original audience through these words in this context?”
State the Passage’s Claim
What Is the Main Point?
In one sentence, state the author’s central assertion, emphasis, or purpose in this passage.
Examine Important Language
Key Words & Phrases
Record words or phrases that carry unusual weight in the passage. Define them from context before consulting external tools.
Follow the Author’s Construction
Grammar & Syntax
Use your “Grasp the Flow” work. Note grammatical relationships that control meaning.
- What is the main clause or controlling assertion?
- Which words or clauses modify others?
- Where do you see cause, purpose, result, contrast, condition, explanation, or concession?
- What verb tenses, commands, pronouns, or prepositions affect the interpretation?
- Which grammatical relationship would change the meaning if misunderstood?
Weigh the Possibilities
Resolve Interpretive Questions
Bring the Evidence Together