That’s Just Your Interpretation, Part I
Many mistakenly believe the Bible to be a hopelessly obscure book, the meaning of which can never be understood due to its antiquity. However, the primary reason varying interpretations of the Bible’s message exist is that all do not play by the same rules. The consistent application of the principles of normal interpretation will yield consistent interpretations.
The successful communication of any message, whether from God or man, always requires interpretation. Interpretation is the process that allows us to understand the author’s intended meaning. But interpretation of the Bible is not often given sufficient consideration because most of our daily interpretation occurs instantly, without conscious thought. This is because most messages we receive are contemporary and local. As a result, we automatically understand the author’s/speaker’s intended meaning because we are familiar with the circumstances, customs, language, and many other factors involved in communication. The Bible, however, was written in the past. Therefore, we must work to consciously apply principles of interpretation that we unconsciously use every day.
All Communication Has a Historical Context
Every book of the Bible was written at a particular time and place and for a particular purpose. These and similar factors make up what is known as historical context and creates the following requirements:
1. Interpret every biblical text in the light of its purposes
Every author seeks to accomplish a purpose through his writing. His selection of those to whom he would write, the theme of his writing, his tone, etc., are all related to his purpose. Therefore, in order to understand a text’s message, it is helpful to determine the author’s purpose.
The purpose for a book may be stated:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13
The purpose for a book may be implied
It may be implied by other statements within the book:
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel. – Galatians 1:6 (See also 3:1 and 6:12)
It is apparent from these and other statements within the book that Galatians was written to address false teaching that threatened to win over the recipients of the book.
Or, the purpose may be implied by what is known of the author and recipients. For example, Paul wrote two letters to Timothy. In the first, he explicitly stated his purpose:
I am writing you these instructions so that…you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household. – 1 Timothy 3:14–15
Although Paul did not state his purpose in the second letter, it can be easily determined by what is known of the relationship between Paul and Timothy seen in 1 Timothy (see also Acts 16:1–5). In the light of Paul’s “mentor” relationship with Timothy, the purpose for the words of his second letter become clear: to prepare Timothy to assume greater leadership responsibilities as Paul’s ministry draws to an end (see 2 Timothy 2:1–7 and 4:1–8).
Note: This point assumes that one can determine the author and/or recipients. Often, these are stated in the text. In cases where they are not, a good study Bible and/or commentary will be helpful.
2. Interpret every biblical text in the light of its chronology
God did not produce the Bible all at once. Rather, the Bible was composed over 1500 years. In addition, the last book of the Bible was written 1900 years ago. Therefore, in order to achieve the purpose of understanding the author’s intended meaning, it is necessary to place a given book within the time period in which it was written. Often, this can be determined by statements made in the book regarding events and/or people about which dates are known. A good study Bible or commentary is helpful.
3. Interpret every biblical text in the light of its geography
Most Christians today live thousands of miles from the countries where Bible events took place. Believers should become familiar with the relationships between ancient sites and current boundaries. In addition, it is helpful to learn about the terrain of Bible lands. Bible atlases are valuable resources for this type of information.
4. Interpret every biblical text in the light of its culture
Modern day thought and behavior are different from that of Bible times. Furthermore, there are cultural differences between groups of people mentioned in Scripture. For example, the Roman culture of Paul’s day was totally different from the Hebrew culture of Moses’ day. It is important then, to understand the culture behind any given text.
This truth that all communication has a historical context yields the first of four inviable principles of interpretation:
Interpretation Rule #1: A text cannot mean what it never meant
Next week we’ll see three other principles of interpretation.
Ken Brown is the pastor of Community Bible Church in Trenton, MI. We republish his article by permission.
Photo by Rachel Strong on Unsplash