The process consists of two main parts:
*The first (referred to as [[exegesis]]) intends to discover the meaning of the text through the author's intent. This is commonly called ''[[Historical-critical grammatical method (Higher criticismLiteral hermeneutic)#The literal sense of scripture|the literal sense of scriptureScripture]]'', and means that a passage should be interpreted literally unless the context clearly indicates that a symbolic meaning is intended (such as in end-times passages as found in Daniel or Revelation, or whenever Jesus spoke in parables). (The opposite, [[eisegesis]], intends to interpret Scripture through the reader's pre-determined viewpoints, and is to be avoided.)
*Once the meaning of a passage is discovered, then it is to be read in light of the entire Bible (and not build a doctrine or position on a single [[Cafeteria Christianity#Proof texts|proof text]]). A common phrase used to define this is '''"Scripture interprets Scripture"'''. The principle also holds that we should read obscure passages of Scripture in light of clear passages on a subject.