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Rules Of Interpretation (1)

The following rules of interpretation are not some “special rules” belonging only to Bible study. They are identical to the rules that we ordinarily employ in our daily interchange of thoughts between any two rational persons. Applied to Bible study, rules are nothing more than a means of disciplining the mind by which we allow the Bible to mean what it must mean, not what “we” want it to mean.

These common sense rules are a science developed over many centuries. Like any science, they should continually be observed, tested, and used to seek new truth. Let us identify, learn, and use these rules. In this article, we will name and briefly discuss fifteen of these rules.

1) Ordinarily, Every Passage Has But One Meaning

In any letter, discourse, book, or conversation in ordinary communication this is true, unless the author is seeking to mislead or confuse the reader or conceal ignorance. We expect a writer to mean what he says, no more and no less. There are exceptions to this rule that in no way contradict it.

Sometimes a prophecy was given that had an immediate meaning as well as a remote meaning — more than one fulfillment. The earlier served as a pledge for the latter. In Psalms 16:10, David seems to speak of himself in a time of danger when he says, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” David trusts God to deliver him from the hands of his enemies. However, in Acts 2:27 the apostle Peter reveals that David spoke of the resurrection of Christ. Thus, David prophesied truth of the coming Messiah through the same words that held personal significance for his own day.

2) The Most Simple And Obvious Meaning Of Any Passage Is Usually The Correct One

If God is speaking to man in his own language, directing it to his own powers of thinking, and involving his own normal experiences on earth, does it not seem reasonable that we should just look for the most natural interpretation of a text, unless otherwise indicated? If you come to a passage that has more than one interpretation, isn’t the simplest one most likely to be what the Lord intended? For example, there are several passages in the New Testament referring to “water” as it relates to a Christian’s conversion and life. There are some who insist that it doesn’t mean what it says, but really means “word.” One passage used is John 3:1-13. They insist that the passage must mean other than what it says. Why? What is wrong with always preferring the more obvious meaning of a passage, unless the context forbids it? Is this not “reasonable” in any writing or conversing?

3) Always Allow An Author’s Own Explanation Of A Passage To Stand Beyond Any Other Explanation

It is a self-evident fact that a person has a right to explain the way in which he is using an expression. He surely knows what he means better than anyone else does. Take the word “perfect”. Ordinarily, to us the word means “sinless” or “without error.” However, the word can also mean “grown up,” or “mature in mental or moral judgment.” In turning to Hebrews 6:1, we know that the writer is urging the Christian to grow unto “perfection” in this latter sense. Why? Read the closing verses of the fifth chapter (Hebrews 5:12-14) and note that he explains fully how he uses the word.

4) Always Interpret A Passage In Harmony With The Context

By context, we mean the entire section of written thought in which the passage is found. It includes that which immediately precedes and follows and all parts properly connected to it. It may be a paragraph, a chapter, a large section, or the entire writing. The writings of Scripture demonstrate a continuous, logical flow of thoughts, and a passage should never be “forcibly” pulled out of this order and forced into the mold of some other thoughts.

5) An Interpretation Of A Passage Should Always Conform To The Environment Of The Author

When the inspired writer recorded the words of the Bible, even though the Holy Spirit gave him the message, he used the conditions of life as he knew them to frame the revealed message. He drew upon the customs of his day, the circumstances surrounding his life, and the nature of his own personality. That’s why the books of the Bible have different styles of writing and use various expressions and examples, all the while revealing only what the Lord intended.

6) Each Passage Must Be Interpreted In Harmony With All Other Passages

This is the normal law of consistency in truth – truth must harmonize with truth! God’s Word is “truth” (John 17:17), and any one portion of it must coincide with everything else He says. God never contradicts Himself! No two writers have exactly the same minds, nor do they express truth exactly alike. Therefore, when there seems to be a contradiction between the meanings of passages, one or more of the interpretations must be incorrect. The desire then must be to seek harmony and consistency.

For example, in Romans 3:28 we read, “A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” and James 2:24, “By works a man is justified, and not by faith only” are presented as being in conflict. Are They? Read the entire context of both and you will see where they are really complementary, not contradictory. In the light of the authors’ purposes, they support one another

7) One Passage Will Often Explain Another Passage

The Apostle Paul says that the wisdom of the Holy Spirit teaches us to compare “spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13). Do not be too disturbed over a difficult verse or verses but continue steadfastly in your study. Many times another passage will shed light on the obscure passage and bring forth a sudden revelation of understanding. We know more than one instance in which this had happened. However, one word of caution is in order at this point. Such a practice can be overdone by “forcing” comparisons that are not relative.