The Nature of Scripture: A Foundation for Interpretation
The question of interpretation is central to the Christian faith because it touches on how we understand the Bible, the very Word of God. For Christians, the Bible is not just another book; it is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, authoritative in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This belief in the inspiration of Scripture undergirds the approach to interpretation, as it affirms that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but a divinely guided revelation. Understanding how to interpret the Bible correctly is essential to arriving at the truth it conveys, and this process must be grounded in the nature of Scripture itself.
In 2 Peter 1:20-21, we are reminded that "no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This passage underscores the divine origin of Scripture and the fact that it is not open to subjective interpretation. The Scriptures were given by the Holy Spirit, and therefore, they must be interpreted in a manner that respects their divine authorship.
The belief in the inerrancy of Scripture—meaning that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts—also plays a crucial role in interpretation. Since God is the ultimate author, and He is perfect, His Word is trustworthy and reliable (Psalm 12:6). Therefore, any interpretation of Scripture must align with the belief that the Bible is accurate and authoritative in all it affirms.
The Historical-Grammatical Method: A Conservative Approach to Interpretation
The Historical-Grammatical Method is the conservative, objective approach to interpreting Scripture that seeks to understand the intended meaning of the biblical authors by considering the historical context, the grammatical structure, and the literary genre of the text. This method avoids allegorical or typological interpretations unless clearly indicated by the text itself. It aims to uncover the original meaning as understood by the original audience, which is then applied to contemporary readers.
The historical context involves understanding the cultural, geographical, and temporal setting of a passage. For instance, understanding the background of the Pharisees and Sadducees in first-century Judaism helps us better comprehend Jesus’ interactions with them in the Gospels (Matthew 23). Grammatical analysis involves studying the language, syntax, and word usage within the passage, ensuring that we grasp the precise meaning intended by the author. For example, in John 1:1, understanding the Greek word "Logos" and its grammatical structure helps clarify the profound theological statement that "the Word was God."
The importance of context cannot be overstated. As the saying goes, "A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text." This means that isolating a verse from its context can lead to misunderstandings or even misuse of Scripture. For example, Philippians 4:13—"I can do all things through him who strengthens me"—is often quoted out of context to suggest that believers can accomplish any task, whereas the context shows Paul is speaking about enduring hardship and contentment through Christ’s strength.
The Historical-Grammatical Method respects the integrity of Scripture and ensures that interpretation is consistent with the intended meaning of the text. It is a safeguard against reading personal biases or modern ideas into the ancient text, a practice known as eisegesis. Instead, it promotes exegesis, the careful extraction of meaning from the text itself.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Interpretation
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers through the inspired Word of God. As we pray and seek God's direction, it is essential to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures to understand His will. For example, in Psalm 119:105, we read, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the importance of Scripture in providing guidance and clarity in our lives. Just as praying for a job requires taking action by filling out applications, seeking God's guidance through the Holy Spirit involves diligently studying His Word and applying its truths to our circumstances.
The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us of God's commands, as illustrated in the Old Testament. Nehemiah 9:20 says, "You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst." This verse highlights the instructional role of the Holy Spirit in guiding God's people. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow the Holy Spirit to teach and remind us of God's truths, leading us to live in obedience.
Understanding how we receive illumination and guidance from God is rooted in the inspired, inerrant Word of God. According to 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, the process involves more than merely acquiring a mental grasp of biblical truths; it requires embracing these truths as divinely revealed. The expressions "does not accept," "folly," and "not able to understand" highlight how unbelievers critique and reject divine revelation. This passage does not imply that unbelievers are incapable of understanding the Bible's content; rather, they view it as foolishness. Christians, however, are guided by having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), achieved through being biblically minded. This necessitates a careful analysis of the Bible's genres, historical context, and language, employing the conservative, objective historical-grammatical method of interpretation while avoiding the speculative fallacies of modern biblical criticism.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in counseling, providing guidance, comfort, and conviction through the Spirit-inspired Word of God. We are guided when we act on behalf of our prayers by digging into the Scriptures and determining what the authors meant by the words they used. To illustrate, if we were praying for a job but never went out and filled out job applications, how would God feel about our prayers? If we were praying about the shame we feel over something, yet we never investigated what the Scriptures had to say about shame so as to apply them, how would Gold feel about our prayer?
Addressing the Claim: "Isn’t That Just Your Interpretation?"
One of the common challenges to biblical interpretation is the assertion that "Isn’t that just your interpretation?" This question often arises in discussions where different interpretations of a passage are presented. While it is true that different interpretations exist, not all interpretations are equally valid. The goal of interpretation is not to find a meaning that suits our preferences but to discover the meaning intended by the original author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
When faced with this challenge, it is important to recognize that while Scripture is clear and accessible, some passages may be difficult to understand and require careful study. The apostle Peter acknowledged this in 2 Peter 3:16 when he referred to Paul’s letters, saying, "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures." This warning highlights the danger of misinterpretation and the need for diligent study to avoid twisting the Scriptures.
It is also important to remember that the Bible is internally consistent. Since God is the ultimate author of Scripture, there are no contradictions in His Word. Therefore, if two interpretations of a passage seem to contradict each other, at least one of them must be incorrect. In such cases, further study and comparison with other Scriptures are necessary to discern the correct interpretation.
Moreover, the claim "Isn’t that just your interpretation?" can sometimes be a way to avoid dealing with the authority of Scripture. If the Bible is treated as merely a collection of subjective interpretations, its authority is undermined. However, if we approach the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, we are compelled to seek its true meaning and submit to its teachings, even when they challenge our preconceived notions or personal preferences.
The Role of Tradition and Church History in Interpretation
While the Bible is the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice, the interpretation of Scripture does not occur in a vacuum. The church has a rich history of theological reflection and doctrinal development that can aid in understanding Scripture. The writings of early church fathers, ecumenical councils, and creeds have contributed to the development of orthodox Christian doctrine and can serve as valuable resources for interpreting difficult passages.
For example, the doctrine of the Trinity, though not explicitly spelled out in a single verse, is derived from a careful interpretation of the whole of Scripture. The early church, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, articulated this doctrine by bringing together various passages that speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons yet one God (Matthew 28:19, John 1:1, 2 Corinthians 13:14). The Nicene Creed, formulated in 325 C.E., reflects the church’s understanding of this doctrine and serves as a guide for interpreting related Scriptures.
However, it is important to note that while tradition and church history can provide helpful insights, they are not infallible. The Bible alone is the final authority, and any tradition or teaching that contradicts Scripture must be rejected. Jesus Himself warned against elevating tradition above the Word of God in Mark 7:8-9, where He criticized the Pharisees for "leaving the commandment of God and holding to the tradition of men." Therefore, while tradition can inform our interpretation, it must always be tested against the clear teaching of Scripture.
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
Sound doctrine is essential for the health and growth of the church. Paul repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sound teaching in his pastoral letters, urging Timothy and Titus to "teach what accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Sound doctrine is grounded in a correct interpretation of Scripture, and it provides the foundation for a life of godliness and obedience to God.
The process of interpreting Scripture to arrive at sound doctrine involves careful study, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It also requires humility, as we recognize that our understanding is limited and that we are continually growing in our knowledge of God’s Word. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul encourages Timothy to "do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." Rightly handling the Word of God is a serious responsibility that requires diligence and a commitment to the truth.
Sound doctrine also serves as a safeguard against false teaching. Throughout the New Testament, the apostles warn against false teachers who distort the truth and lead others astray (2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:1-2). By grounding ourselves in the correct interpretation of Scripture, we can stand firm against these deceptions and protect the purity of the gospel.
The Role of the Church in Interpretation
The interpretation of Scripture is not solely an individual endeavor; it is also a communal activity that takes place within the context of the church. The church is the "pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15), and it plays a vital role in preserving, teaching, and proclaiming the truth of God’s Word. The communal interpretation of Scripture helps prevent the errors that can arise from individualistic interpretations and provides accountability within the body of Christ.
In Acts 17:11, the Bereans are commended for their approach to Scripture: "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." This passage highlights the importance of communal study and discernment. The Bereans did not rely solely on their individual understanding but examined the Scriptures together to confirm the truth of Paul’s teaching.
The church also provides opportunities for believers to learn from those who are gifted in teaching and interpreting Scripture. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." These gifts are given to the church to help equip believers with a proper understanding of Scripture, enabling them to grow in their faith and live out their calling.
However, it is important to remember that the authority of church leaders is derived from their faithfulness to Scripture. The Bereans were commended not only for their eagerness to receive the word but also for their careful examination of it. This balance of receiving and testing should characterize the church’s approach to interpretation. Leaders and teachers are to be respected, but their teachings must always be measured against the Word of God.
Avoiding Interpretative Errors: The Dangers of Subjectivism
One of the significant dangers in biblical interpretation is subjectivism, where individuals impose their own ideas, experiences, or preferences onto the text rather than seeking the text’s original meaning. Subjectivism leads to eisegesis, the practice of reading into the text something that is not there, rather than exegesis, which involves drawing out the text’s actual meaning.
Jeremiah 17:9 warns, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" This verse serves as a caution against relying on personal feelings or subjective experiences as the basis for interpreting Scripture. Our hearts are prone to deceit, and without the objective standard of God’s Word, we are susceptible to error.
Subjectivism can manifest in several ways, such as interpreting Scripture based on personal experiences, cultural trends, or emotional responses. For example, some may reinterpret clear biblical teachings on moral issues to align with contemporary cultural values, rather than submitting to the authority of Scripture. This approach not only distorts the meaning of the text but also undermines the authority of the Bible as the Word of God.
To avoid the pitfalls of subjectivism, it is essential to approach Scripture with humility and a willingness to be corrected by the text. James 1:21 exhorts believers to "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." A posture of humility before God’s Word allows us to be shaped by its truth rather than trying to shape it according to our desires.
The Clarity of Scripture: Can We Truly Understand the Bible?
The doctrine of the clarity of Scripture, also known as the perspicuity of Scripture, teaches that the Bible is clear and understandable to all who approach it with faith and the help of the Holy Spirit. While some passages may be challenging and require careful study, the essential truths necessary for salvation and godly living are plainly presented in Scripture.
Psalm 19:7 declares, "The law of Jehovah is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple." This verse affirms that God’s Word is clear and accessible, even to those who are not scholars or theologians. The Bible is meant to be understood by all believers, not just a select few, and its teachings are sufficient to guide us in faith and practice.
The clarity of Scripture does not mean that every passage is equally easy to understand, but it does mean that God has communicated His truth in a way that is accessible to those who seek Him. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 emphasizes this point: "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it."
This passage underscores the accessibility of God’s Word and the responsibility of believers to read, understand, and obey it. The clarity of Scripture assures us that God’s Word is not hidden or obscure but is available to all who seek to know and follow Him.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Task of Interpretation
The task of interpreting Scripture is both a privilege and a responsibility. As Christians, we are called to engage with God’s Word diligently, seeking to understand its meaning and apply it to our lives. Interpretation is not a matter of personal preference or subjective opinion but a careful and prayerful process of discovering the truth that God has revealed in His Word.
The principles of the Historical-Grammatical Method, reliance on the Holy Spirit, respect for church tradition and history, and a commitment to sound doctrine all play vital roles in ensuring that our interpretation is faithful to the intended meaning of the biblical text. By approaching Scripture with humility, diligence, and a desire to know God’s truth, we can rightly handle the word of truth and grow in our knowledge of Him.
Ultimately, the goal of interpretation is not merely intellectual understanding but transformation. As we study and apply God’s Word, we are conformed to the image of Christ and equipped to live out our faith in a way that honors Him. The task of interpretation is ongoing, as we continually seek to grow in our understanding of Scripture and our relationship with the God who has revealed Himself through His Word.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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