Interpreting End Times Prophecy: Hermeneutical Principles
How do you interpret Scripture?
This article will walk you through hermeneutical principles—the foundational rules for interpreting biblical prophecy, specifically those related to the end times. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned student of Scripture, this guide will help you read with clarity, caution, and confidence.
What Is Hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics is the science and art of interpretation, especially of biblical texts. When it comes to end times prophecy—also called eschatology—hermeneutics helps us answer big questions like:
Is this prophecy literal or symbolic?
Has this event already happened, or is it still future?
What did the prophecy mean to its original audience?
Getting these answers right isn't just academic—it affects how we live, how we hope, and how we prepare for what’s to come.
This is why it is important to make sure you are taking scripture at face value and not trying to add your own “opinions” to what the Bible says. This is where confusion happens (Satans influence) and Gods’ words are taken out of context.
Why End Times Prophecy Is Unique
End times prophecy is filled with apocalyptic language—a highly symbolic style that reveals divine truth through visions, signs, and cosmic events. Books like Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation are rich with metaphors, numbers, and images that don’t always mean what they seem at first glance.
That’s why applying the right interpretive tools is essential. Misreading these texts can lead to fear-driven theology, sensational predictions, or even complete disinterest. Balanced interpretation protects the message and magnifies the hope these prophecies were meant to deliver.
We all know those “Crazy Christians” the ones who can predict the end of the world to the exact date and time or the ones who let us know that Jesus has come back and is sitting with them. This does not mean these people are bad people but the unfortunate thing is it gives Christianity a bad name. Its important to take things as God wrote them without our own added take on it. God was clear in his writings to us.
7 Hermeneutical Principles for Interpreting End Times Prophecy
I will include a study plan at the end of this for you to do some exercises but these are the main things you want to get good at for yourself over time. (Practice and studying are the best ways to hone this skill)
1. Start with the Author’s Intent
Every prophecy had an original context and audience. What did the writer (under the Spirit’s guidance) intend to communicate? Don’t jump straight to modern application. Instead, ask: What did this mean to the people who first heard it?
📖 Example: Revelation was written to seven real churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 1–3). Understanding their situation helps us see how the book applies today.
2. Interpret Scripture with Scripture (THE BIG ONE)
Let the Bible interpret itself. Many prophetic images are explained elsewhere in Scripture. When you see a symbol or phrase you don’t understand, cross-reference other parts of the Bible.
📖 Example: The "beast" in Revelation shares traits with beasts from Daniel 7. Connecting the dots gives clarity.
Everything can be found this way and cross referenced. I love reading books on the Bible, Prophecy, etc. but remember these books are someones opinion usually so you have to get good at using scripture with scripture first before you are allowing someone else to influence what you are understanding. (more on this as we go)
3. Distinguish Between Literal and Symbolic Language
Not every prophetic element is literal. When John says Jesus has a "sharp sword coming out of His mouth" (Revelation 19:15), he’s not describing Jesus with a weapon in His face—it’s a symbol of judgment and the power of His word.
🔍 Clues to symbolism:
Surreal or impossible imagery
Repetition of numbers (e.g., 7, 12, 144,000)
Old Testament references
This is where the people who are “anti faith, anti Jesus” like to chime in and pick everything apart. Remember everything is not literal. How do you know what is what? You read, ask questions, and look up other scriptures.
Anyone who wants to pick something apart can do so in any area, book, or trade so don’t get discouraged if this happens to you. Your job is to build your relationship with Jesus first and foremost (above everything else). Then live Godly and share the word (not convince others but share by how you live and what you say) (this took me awhile to fully grasp.)
4. Recognize Genre and Literary Style
Prophetic books use poetry, vision, allegory, and narrative. Understanding the genre helps you avoid misreading figurative passages as if they were historical descriptions.
📖 Example: Daniel's vision of four beasts (Daniel 7) is not zoological but symbolic of kingdoms.
5. Consider Historical Fulfillment Before Future Speculation
Some prophecies have already been fulfilled in history. Recognizing this helps avoid projecting everything into the future.
📖 Example: Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 partially refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, not only the end of the world.
Another area that is often taken way out of context. Stating Jesus said this or that and is a “False Prophet”. With some studying you would find that Jesus was talking about events to come and not events that had already occurred. “Not even Jesus is given the knowledge of the end times and when he will return” Only God knows this exact day and time.
6. Honor the “Already / Not Yet” Tension
Many end times prophecies operate in a dual reality—they’ve been partially fulfilled but still point to a future completion.
📖 Example: The Kingdom of God is already here (Luke 17:21) and yet to come in fullness (Revelation 11:15).
7. Avoid Date-Setting and Sensationalism
Jesus warned against trying to pinpoint exact dates for His return (Matthew 24:36). Biblical prophecy is not a code to crack, but a message to shape our lives.
💡 Remember: The goal of prophecy is to prepare hearts, not predict headlines.
Common Pitfalls in Interpreting Prophecy
Forcing modern events into biblical texts
Neglecting the Old Testament background
Obsessing over charts instead of Christ
Disregarding the message of hope and repentance