REFLECTIONS ON BIBLE INTERPRETATION (REVISED)

[tomdurst]

REFLECTIONS ON BIBLE INTERPRETATION

by Thomas E Durst

Matthew 4:4 (Amplified Bible)

4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Emphasis Supplied]

There are many approaches to Bible interpretation and application. Many books have been written on the topic and in seminaries whole courses are devoted to it. The science of Bible interpretation is called "hermeneutics." I have found Bible commentaries, word study books, Bible dictionaries, handbooks, and study Bibles all to be most helpful. They can help us understand better the culture of Bible times, more exact meanings of words, etc. I highly recommend them to serious Bible students.

The one study Bible that I would recommend above and beyond any that I've ever seen and which I've used now for the past 50+ years is THE THOMPSON CHAIN REFERENCE BIBLE. I used the KJV version of it for about 30 years and when it came out in the NIV in the 1980s I changed over to that one. It doesn't have a lot of human comments but ties the Bible themes together and brings out the deeper treasures better than anything I've ever found before. A friend of mine introduced me to it in 1960 and I've been thankful ever since. What a blessing! This Bible is currently available in KJV, NIV, and NKJV. It is literally a goldmine for those who seek a deeper, more spiritual understanding of God's Word. I value it above any other kind of Bible study aid I've ever used.

One approach to the Bible which needs to be pursued with a lot of caution is the "proof text" method. The student will compile a list of verses to prove a certain teaching while ignoring their context and the original meanings of the words. All of the verses that would contradict whatever the compiler is trying to prove are either omitted or "explained" away. I think it is perfectly fine for devotional purposes to compare verses with each other and even compile verses on a topic but we should avoid compiling verses with the motivation of trying to prove some doctrinal point that will be binding for ourselves and others.

Any given passage has an immediate meaning in the time and context in which it was written. This needs to be of first consideration when doctrines are being adopted. Who wrote it? To whom? The circumstances and culture are very important to be considered as well. This is rightly called “audience relevance.” I am deeply indebted to the Bible scholars that delve into the nuances of original Biblical languages and seek to find the intent of these writings. However, even the most thorough Bible scholars don’t always agree on the precise meaning of a given text. We often interpret the Bible according to our personal biases and life situation. The scribes and pharisees in Jesus’ time were among the greatest students of the scriptures that have ever lived but they rejected Jesus, God incarnate in human flesh (John 5:39-40). This should be a solemn warning to all of us. I believe that the inspiration of the writers of any given text affects our life more than we realize (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Beyond the literal meaning there is often a deeper spiritual sense that can bless us everyday as we meet our life challenges with God's help. I never cease to be amazed at the blessings of just opening the Word each day and seeing fresh insights. The Holy Spirit is still our best teacher as we ponder holy writ. There are millions of God’s children who barely have access to even one Bible in their language and yet are privileged to pick it up, prayerfully ponder a verse or a passage, and be blessed with the very life of God. Many years ago when I was on a missionary tour in Jamaica I was amazed at how some of these folks who had no formal Bible education had spiritual insights that were very profound. During their wilderness wanderings the children of Israel needed to gather the manna that God provided for each day's needs (see Exodus 16:21). So we must have that daily manna "from above” to be grounded in our spiritual journey.


I remind you once again of these words as quoted above: "Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."

[tomdurst]

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It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note – not only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows. --Miles Coverdale, in his introduction to his Bible translation.

[Barbara Zenni]

This often concerns me, Tom. What if we "interpret" it wrong? With so many commentaries and interpretations, how can we get it right? Are there parts of the Bible that are no longer "fitting" for today, as some people believe? Why was I raised on The Law in a Southern Baptist Church and now, just recently, am learning and trying to receive God's grace in my pathetic state? Because I still can't be perfect. This causes me much spiritual sadness when I try to let go of the garbage in my brain from my childhood and just accept His Love, which when I am able to, makes me WANT to please Him because of His love, instead of HAVING to please Him for Him to love me. Blessings!