TIPS OR IDEAS FOR INTERPRETING:

God speaks in visions, dreams, parables, scriptures, circumstances, and hundreds of other ways.  When interpreting something God has quickened to you, you can dissect each part. Here are some tips to remember when considering the interpretation of what you are seeing and hearing from the Lord. 

 

THE OVERALL THEME:

 

1.      Decide the main idea or overall theme of the word:

 

·        Topic

·        Subject

·        Foundational thought

2.      Add scriptures and cross reference scriptures that support the idea, theme or word.

 

3.      Connect circumstances you or loved ones have had about the theme.

 

4.      Add comments from quickened outside sources that come to mind about the theme:

·        Sermon

·        Book or writings

·        Media:  Internet, TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, movie, etc

 

THE DETAILS IN THE WORD:

 

5.      Look for the hidden innuendos or details that are probably important:

 

·        Size

·        Shape

·        Volume

·        Color

·        Numbers

·        Meaning of names

·        Word puns

·        Song lyrics

·        Emphasis on one of the 5 senses

·        Timing

·        Adjectives that describe something

·        Adverbs that describe action

6.      Highlight the buzz words that are quickened to you:

·        The main people and things that stand out

7.      Add definitions of the buzz word.

8.      Add examples of what that buzz word reminds you of.

 

9.      Add comparisons to the buzz word, for instance using the Thesaurus

THE INTENT OF THE WORD:

 

10. Find the purpose of the word, like what it does or accomplishes. 

 

·        How does it make you feel or respond?

·        Does it equip, teach or prepare you?

·        Does it guide you?

·        Does it make an announcement?

·        Does it offer a warning?

·        Does it answer your prayer?

·        Does it shine light on a motive?

·        Does it give you comfort?

·        Does it admonish you?

·        Does it give you courage and strength?

·        Does it discipline you?

·        Does it give you understanding?

 

11. Look for a prophetic significance, like the possibility of a season, or environment in which the dream portrays.

 

12. Write an overall summary of the word and end it with a scripture.  This helps establish and ground the word with understanding so that it is not lost in the many details.

·        The punch line

·        The  synopsis

·        The general review

·        The memorial stone to remember