The rules of Bible interpretation are also called hermeneutics, meaning “the science of the interpretation of literature.” While the rules of Bible interpretation are similar to those of literature in general, there are some significant differences resulting from the supernatural character of the Bible.
We will deal with these rules more thoroughly as we go through the various studies in this course, but at this point, I want briefly to lay out some of the most important rules of Bible interpretation so they will be fresh in our minds.
1. THE LITERAL SENSE of Scripture must rule. Dr. David Cooper wisely observes: “When the plain sense of scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, but take every word at its primary literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context clearly indicate otherwise.” If the literal sense of the Bible is not correct, no one can be certain what meaning is correct. God gave the Scriptures to REVEAL truth to man, not to hide it. It is given for light, not confusion. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29). In the Scriptures God uses the normal rules of human language.
2. The Bible student must allow the Bible to define its own FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE. The Bible contains symbolism, figures of speech, poetry; but, as in normal language, these are identifiable and can be interpreted (1) in context and (2) by comparing Scripture with Scripture. The book of Revelation is an example. Chapter one uses some figurative language, but it is clearly identified. In
Rev. 1:12 and 16, we see “seven golden candlesticks” and “seven stars,” but those are explained in verse 20. In
verses 12-16 we have a description of Christ, and some of it is symbolic, as we see by the use of such terms “
like wool” (v. 14), “white
as snow” (v. 14), “
as a flame of fire” (v. 14), “
like unto fine brass” (v. 15), “
as the sound of many waters” (v. 15), “
as the sun shineth in his strength” (v. 16). When we come to
Revelation 4, the future prophecies begin, and figurative language is still clearly identified. In verse 3 we read that the one on the throne was “to look upon
like a jasper and a sardine stone” and that around the throne was a rainbow “
like unto an emerald.” In verse 7 we find that the beasts were
like things that are known on earth. The rest of the things described in that chapter are not figurative.
Sometimes the reader of the Bible has to go to another passage to explain figurative language. For example,
Revelation 4:5 says, “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD.” This is explained by comparing other scripture. The same description is used in Rev. 5:6 and Isaiah 11:2. These passages teach us that this figurative description of the Holy Spirit refers to the following things. (1) The omniscience of the Holy Spirit. This is what we see both in Rev. 4:5 and in 5:6. In Rev. 4:5 the seven Spirits are likened to lamps of fire, which speaks of enlightenment, describing the Holy Spirit’s work of giving wisdom and understanding to all of the creation. In Rev. 5:6 the seven Spirits are “sent forth into all the earth,” referring to the Holy Spirit being everywhere present on the earth. (2) The seven Spirits also refers to the seven offices of the Holy Spirit, as described in Isaiah 11:2.
This literal approach to Bible interpretation is contrasted with the spiritualizing or ALLEGORICAL METHOD OF INTERPRETATION. By this method, the mind of the interpreter becomes the authority and one can never be certain what the Bible means.
For example, the Geneva Bible note at Revelation 9:11 identifies “the Angel of the bottomless pit” as “Antichrist the Pope, king of hypocrites and Satan’s ambassador.” There is no reason, though, to see the angel of the bottomless pit as anything other than a literal fallen angel in a literal bottomless pit.
Harold Camping, founder of Family Christian Radio, recently came up with the following allegorical interpretation of Revelation 11:7. He says the two witnesses represent the church. The church has been in the great tribulation but has now been killed. Therefore, the church is dead; God is through with churches and pastors and they have no more Scriptural authority.
3. The Bible student must understand that CONTEXT IS ALL-IMPORTANT in defining words and interpreting passages. Absolutely nothing is more important in Bible interpretation than a careful consideration of the context. This is why it is so important to (1) read and re-read passages, (2) to study them very carefully, (3) to know what the immediate book and chapter is about, and (4) to have a knowledge of the whole Bible so you can compare scripture with scripture.
Consider the phrase “
profane and vain babblings” in 2 Tim. 2:16. What does this mean? The very first thing to do is to look at the context. There we learn that “profane and vain babblings” are (1) those things that are contrary to sound doctrine (v. 15, 18), (2) those things that produce confusion and bad fruit (v. 16), and (3) those things that are harmful to the Christian life (v. 17).
Consider the phrase “
foolish questions” in Titus 3:9. What is this? Again, the context defines the phrase. Foolish questions are questions (1) that claim good works are not important (v. 8), (2) that produce strife (v. 9), (3) that misuse the law (v. 9), (4) that are unprofitable (v. 9), (5) that are used by false teachers (v. 10).
Consider the
alleged contradiction between James 2:24 and Romans 3:24 and 4:5. The apparent contradiction between James and Paul disappears when we consider the context. Paul was addressing the subject of salvation, of how a lost man can be made right with God, and he tells us that the sinner must trust exclusively in the grace of Jesus Christ for salvation. James, on the other hand, is addressing the subject of Christian service, of how a saved man can please God in this life. He tells us that true faith is evident by works. There is no contradiction if one considers the context of each statement. Paul is addressing the unsaved sinner’s perspective. The sinner must trust Jesus Christ exclusively for salvation; he must reject his own filthy works (Isaiah 64:6) and all self-righteousness (Romans 9:30-33) and lean totally upon the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting wholly in His perfect and complete redemption. James, on the other hand, is addressing the Christian’s perspective. The Christian claims to have faith in Jesus Christ. He is therefore to diligently serve God and to walk in His commandments. Those who live in rebellion and who ignore the Word of God demonstrate that they do not possess true saving faith, that they are deceiving themselves.
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