The ABC's of Interpretation - Worthy Christian Forums

Given the recent discussions regarding the future of Israel and the meaning of OT prophecies, I thought it would be helpful to list some basics of determining meaning. I obtained these from:

"The Navigator Bible Studies Handbook"

General Principles

1. As you study, work knowing that the Bible is authoritative
2. Let the Bible interpret itself (Scripture explains Scripture).
3. The Holy Spirit’s illumination is a prerequisite for understanding - as is a cleansed life, and willingness to obey
4. Interpret your feelings and experiences in light of the Word.
5. Be careful how you apply Biblical examples. Does the fact that Judas’ replacement was chosen by lots mean that we should choose our pastors that way?
6. Bible study should be done for application, not just an increase in knowledge. Application must be in line with the single meaning of the passage.
7. The church does not determine what the Bible teaches; the Bible determines what the church teaches.
8. Do not be presumptuous in claiming Biblical promises

Grammatical Principles

1. Texts have only one meaning and should be taken literally
2. Interpret words by their meaning in the time they were written, not how they are used today.
3. Interpret words in relation to their context and use in the sentence
4. When an inanitmate object is used to describe a living being, that statement may be said to be figurative
5. When life or action are attributed to an inanimate object, that statement may be interpreted figuratively
6. When an expression is out of character with the thing being descirbed, that statement may be seen as figurative
7. When interpreting a parable, only make applications from the principal parts and figures.
8. Interpret prophetic books literally unless the context demands a symbolic interpretation.

Historical Principles

1. Since the Bible is a historical book, it must be understood in its historical context
2. Both the Old and New Testaments are essential in understanding God’s full counsel.
3. Historical events become symbols of spiritual truth only when scripture says they should be.

Theological Principles

1. A text must be understood grammatically before it can be understood theologically
2. A doctrine is not biblical unless it includes all that the scriptures have to say about that doctrine.
3. When doctrines taught in scripture appear to contradict one another, accept both with the understanding that they will both resolve to a higher unity (election and free-will).
4. If a passage implies a truth, it may only be considered Biblical if related passages support the truth (Hebrews 6).

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8. Do not be presumptuous in claiming Biblical promises


You mean it ain't true that ...

"Every promise in the Book is mine..
every chapter every verse every line..."

Unless you want to have a child named Isaac when you're over 100 years old. (IMG:http://www.worthyboards.com/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

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OK, Ya got me on that one...
No Way!!!!!!!!!!

"A text without a context is just a pretext."

I am a little confused over that. (IMG:http://www.worthyboards.com/style_emoticons/default/emot-questioned.gif)

If you take a text (a verse or chapter) and wrench it out of its context, you will not a have complete or correct understanding of it, so your conclusions will be a sham, a pretext.

And something they did not mention. I remember a quote saying that "theology is not a parlor game, but analogous to rock climbing--certain cliffs and routes are too difficult for the inexperienced, whose ill-advised traverse often leads to tragedy."

Amen. All interpretations are not equal. While the great teachers of the Bible in the history of the church are neither inerrant nor infallable, their wisdom and abilities are of great value to all and we dismiss them to our folly. Discarding history for the latest fads has become too prevalent this day.

sw

[font=Comic Sans Ms][size=4][color=#FF6600] (IMG:http://www.worthyboards.com/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Hello! I'm new on here. But as for interpretation - well, Jesus only ever used scripture in context - it was only the devil who used it out context (I ws thinking of the temptations).

I always wish there was more 'good eduction' of scripture (for want of a better phrase) which can help people understand better, and also to be encouraged in their faith - after all we serve a faithful God whose word is true!

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Summer Sun, there is a great little book by RC Sproul entitled Knowing Scripture that really lays out the good basics of interpretation. I am sure its still available through most Christian stores.

sw