Posts Tagged ‘Biblical Interpretation’
On Allegorizing – Is there Biblical Precedent?
Galatians 4:21–31—An Allegory? Those who adopt an allegorical method of interpretation often appeal to Galatians 4:21–31. After all, Paul says these things “are an allegory” (v. 24). The question of whether this passage justifies adopting an allegorical hermeneutic, however, is best answered by examining what Paul is actually doing in this passage. Paul highlights Abraham’s…
Read MoreWhere Two or Three are Gathered
Sometimes we use phrases in ways that differ from their original meaning. For instance, you’ve heard the phrase, “Blood is thicker than water.” You probably think it means something like, “Family relationships are stronger than other relationships.” Indeed, that is how people commonly use the phrase today. You might be surprised to know that this…
Read MoreMisusing the Bible – Where there is no vision…
False teachers, cult leaders and charlatans aren’t the only people who misuse Bible verses. Well-intended believers may do the same, but for different reasons. Perhaps we fail to study a verse in a responsible way, or perhaps we assume that it means one thing and don’t bother to double-check. Whatever the case, we must give…
Read MoreHermeneutics (Part 3): Key Questions In Bible Interpretation
by Layton Talbert This article first appeared in FrontLine • May/June 2000. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Click here for Part One, here for Part Two Interpreting the Bible: A Tale of Two Questions Accurate Bible interpretation starts with asking two questions— and asking them in the right order. What did it mean…
Read MoreHermeneutics (Part 2): The Bible as Literature
by Layton Talbert This article first appeared in FrontLine • March/April 2000. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Click here for Part 1. God communicated Himself to man in order to reveal Himself, not veil Himself. Consequently, He gave His revelation in a variety of literary forms common to normal human communication. Since God…
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