Question: How do I interpret what a passage is supposed to mean?
Answer: S.T.O.P. (Situation, Type, Object, Prescription)

Interpreting the Bible can feel overwhelming at times. With so many different books, genres, and contexts, how do you determine what a passage means and how it applies to your life? One key question people often ask is, “Is this passage descriptive (telling what happened) or prescriptive (telling what to do)?”

Thankfully, there’s a simple tool to help you interpret any Bible passage accurately. It’s called S.T.O.P., a helpful acronym shared by Frank Turek. Let’s break it down and see how you can apply it in your Bible study.

S.T.O.P. Explained

S - Situation

Always start with the situation. What is happening in the passage? Ask questions like:

Who is speaking or writing?
Who is the audience?
What historical or cultural context is influencing the text?

Example: In John 13:14, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet and says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” Understanding the situation (Jesus teaching humility during the Last Supper) prevents you from taking this passage out of context.

T - Type

Identify the type of literature. The Bible contains different genres, and each has its own rules for interpretation:

History (e.g., 1 & 2 Kings) records events as they happened.
Poetry (e.g., Psalms) uses figurative language to express truth.
Prophecy (e.g., Isaiah) foretells future events or conveys God’s message.
Epistles (e.g., Romans) are letters offering doctrine and practical application.
Apocalyptic (e.g., Revelation) uses symbolic imagery to reveal God’s ultimate plan.

Knowing the type helps you recognize how to interpret the text. For example, metaphors in Psalms shouldn’t be read like literal instructions.

O - Object

Determine the focus or object of the passage. Ask:

Who or what is being addressed?
Is this passage directed toward a specific group (e.g., Israel, the church) or individuals in general?

Example: In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises, “For I know the plans I have for you…” Understanding that this was originally directed to exiled Israelites in Babylon helps you interpret it correctly before applying it personally.

P - Prescription

Finally, is the passage prescriptive or descriptive?

Descriptive passages narrate events or actions without commanding you to repeat them. For instance, David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17) describes an event but doesn’t mean you should fight giants.
Prescriptive passages offer direct commands or principles for all believers to follow, such as “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

How to Apply S.T.O.P.

Let’s use an example: Acts 2:44-45 says, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”

S: The situation is the early church forming after Pentecost.
T: This is a historical account, not an epistle or command.
O: The object is the first-century church, adjusting to rapid growth.
P: This passage is descriptive, showing what the early Christians did, not prescribing that all believers must sell their possessions.

By slowing down and working through S.T.O.P., you can avoid misinterpreting passages or misapplying them to your life.