Bible Interpretation I - Lesson 1
Introduction
-
THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION
-
Definitions
-
Hermeneutics: (from Greek word meaning to interpret); the science of interpretation; the study of the laws and principles of Bible interpretation
-
Interpretation
-
From Latin word meaning an agent between two parties
-
An explanation of the meaning of something
-
A wise understanding of meaning that is hidden to others (Proverbs 1:6; Ecclesiastes 8:1)
-
Biblical Usage of Interpretation
-
To explain the meaning of a dream by identifying the meaning of its symbols and revealing the intended message of the dream (Genesis 40:5-13; this is the first usage of interpret in the Bible
-
To translate something spoken or written into a language which the hearer can understand (Genesis 42:23; Ezra 4:7; Mark 15:34; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:5)
-
To explain the meaning of a name or a word (Matthew1:23; Mark 15:22; John 1:38,41,42; John 9:7; Acts 4:36; Acts 13:8)
-
To give a personal (and therefore fallible) explanation of the meaning of a scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21)
-
To bring Gods message to man in a way that man can understand (Job 33:23)
-
The Need for Bible Interpretation
-
Because of mans sin nature (1 Corinthians 2:12-14)
-
Because of Bible corrupters (2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 4:2)
-
Because of Bible illiterates (1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:11-12; 2 Peter 3:15-16)
-
Interpretation in Perspective
-
Revelation the act of God by which He reveals to man that which man could not otherwise know (Deuteronomy 29:29)
-
Inspiration the act of God by which He delivers His word as a living and inerrant record of His truth to man (2 Timothy 3:16)
-
Preservation the act of God by which He preserves His word perfect and without error to every generation of man (Psalm 12:6-7)
-
Illumination the act of the Holy Ghost by which He spiritually illuminates man as to the meaning of the scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:12-14)
-
Interpretation the act of man by which he seeks to understand and apply the principles of Bible interpretation; interpretation without illumination leads to false doctrine and confusion (1 Timothy 1:3-7)
-
The Sources of Bible Interpretation
-
The Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 2:9-16); illumination is Gods side; interpretation is mans side
-
The English text (Nehemiah 8:8)
-
Other scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:13; Isaiah 28:9-13); the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible
-
Other Bible students (Acts 8:30-31; 2 Timothy 2:2)