Knowing Scripture

1. The Bible is Clear and Alive: Overcoming Myths of Difficulty and Boredom

The Bible is already alive. It makes me come alive.

Dispelling myths. Many avoid Bible study, claiming it's too difficult or boring. These are common excuses, often masking a deeper issue. The Reformers championed the "perspicuity of Scripture," meaning its basic message is clear enough for any literate person to understand, even if some passages are complex.

Profound yet simple. While the Bible contains profound truths that engage scholars for a lifetime, its core message is simple enough for "primitives" to grasp. God reveals himself in accessible terms, not obscure or esoteric language, ensuring his love and redemption are understood by all, from peasant to philosopher.

Beyond dullness. The Bible is far from dull; it's filled with drama, passion, and every aspect of human existence, from lust and crime to devotion and wisdom. Any perceived dullness often stems from attributing the difficulty of a few passages to the entire text, rather than recognizing its inherent vitality and truth.

2. Bible Study is a Divine Duty, Not an Option

But ultimately the main reason why we should study the Bible is because it is our duty.

The real problem. Our negligence in studying God's Word isn't primarily due to its difficulty or dullness, but rather to laziness. Bible study is work, and like all labor since the Fall, it requires diligent effort and perseverance, which we often lack.

Biblical mandates. Scripture itself commands diligent study. Deuteronomy 6 instructs Israel to teach God's words "diligently to your sons" and discuss them constantly, binding them as signs. Paul's admonition to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 highlights that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

Revelation and purpose. The Bible offers unique, transcendent information unavailable elsewhere, revealing God's mind and values. It provides the ultimate purpose for our lives, countering short-sighted pragmatism. Studying it is essential for acquiring wisdom, being corrected, and becoming adequately equipped as Christians, rather than living as "sensuous Christians" driven by fleeting feelings.

3. Interpret Objectively: Exegesis, Not Subjective Eisegesis

Exegesis is an objective enterprise. Eisogesis involves an exercise in subjectivism.

Private interpretation's dangers. While the Reformation championed private interpretation, it never meant "unbridled spirits" distorting Scripture to suit personal whims. The right to interpret comes with the sober responsibility of accurate interpretation, avoiding the radical subjectivism that claims contradictory interpretations can both be true.

Exegesis vs. eisegesis. Exegesis means "to guide out of" the text the meaning that is there, objectively. Eisegesis, conversely, means "reading into" the text something that isn't there, driven by subjective interests. To avoid distortion, we must strive for objective understanding of the text's original meaning before applying it to ourselves.

The role of teachers. To combat subjectivism and personal biases, private study must be balanced by the collective wisdom of educated teachers. Christ himself endowed some with the gift of teaching, and their expertise in language, history, and theology is crucial for unraveling difficult passages and guarding against false teaching.

4. The Analogy of Faith: Scripture Interprets Scripture

The analogy of faith is the rule that Scripture is to interpret Scripture: Sacra Scriptura sui interpres (Sacred Scripture is its own interpreter).

Consistency and coherence. This primary rule of hermeneutics dictates that no part of Scripture should be interpreted in a way that conflicts with what is clearly taught elsewhere. It rests on the confidence that the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is consistent and coherent, and God would never contradict himself.

Avoiding slander. To choose an interpretation that unnecessarily brings the Bible into conflict with itself is considered slanderous to the Holy Spirit. This principle encourages giving the author (God) the "benefit of the doubt" when faced with multiple interpretations, favoring the one that maintains consistency.

Safeguard against confusion. Without the analogy of faith, the Bible risks becoming a "chameleon," changing its meaning against the shifting backgrounds of interpreters. This principle is a vital safeguard against unbridled speculation and subjectivistic interpretation, ensuring the Bible's unified meaning is preserved.

5. Interpret Literally, Considering Literary Genre and Context

To interpret the Bible literally is to interpret it as literature.

Sensus literalis. Luther's principle of sensus literalis means interpreting the Bible according to its natural meaning, applying normal rules of grammar, speech, syntax, and context. This is not simplistic, but calls for the closest literary scrutiny, recognizing that inspiration doesn't change a noun into a verb or a historical narrative into an allegory.

Genre analysis is crucial. Accurate interpretation requires careful genre analysis, distinguishing between literary forms like lyric poetry, legal briefs, historical narratives, and hyperbole. Failure to recognize these distinctions can lead to misinterpretations, such as debating the historicity of Jonah based on its poetic sections, or accusing Jesus of error for using hyperbole about the mustard seed.

Grammatico-historical method. This method extends literal interpretation by focusing on grammatical constructions and historical contexts. Understanding the original language's grammar clarifies ambiguities (e.g., Acts 1:8 command vs. prediction, Romans 1:1 "gospel of God"). Historical analysis, including authorship, date, and destination, is essential for grasping the text's original meaning and situation.

6. Narratives are Illuminated by Didactic Passages

Building doctrine from narratives alone is dangerous business.

Epistles interpret Gospels. While Gospels record Jesus' actions and teachings, Epistles often interpret their significance in terms of doctrine and application. The Reformers emphasized that Epistles should interpret Gospels, not the reverse, recognizing the apostles' role in teaching the mind of Christ.

Dangers of imitation. Simply modeling our lives exactly after Jesus' actions can be problematic. Our mission differs from his, and he lived under the Old Covenant, fulfilling laws that are no longer binding on us. The Epistles help delineate which aspects of Christ's life we are called to imitate and which are unique to his redemptive mission.

Phenomenological language. Narratives often use phenomenological language, describing things as they appear to the naked eye, not with scientific precision. Interpreting these descriptions as scientific statements (e.g., the sun rising) can lead to unnecessary conflicts. We must differentiate between what the Bible says about appearances and what it teaches didactically about scientific matters.

7. Precision in Language: Understand Words in Context

The better we understand the individual words used in biblical statements, the better we will be able to understand the total message of Scripture.

Words are fundamental. The Bible communicates through words, and understanding individual words is crucial for grasping the overall message. Imprecise or ambiguous word usage leads to misunderstanding, making careful study of biblical lexicography essential.

Etymology vs. usage. Words can be defined by their etymology (origin) or customary usage. While etymology offers insight (e.g., "glory" meaning "weighty"), relying solely on it can be misleading, as word meanings evolve (e.g., "cute," "scan," "gay"). Customary usage within the biblical context is paramount.

Multiple meanings. Many biblical words have multiple meanings, and only context can determine the specific one. For example, "will of God" has at least six senses, and "justify" can mean "restore to reconciliation" or "demonstrate/vindicate." Failing to discern these nuances can lead to irreconcilable contradictions or theological confusion, as seen in the Paul-James debate on justification or the meaning of "sanctify."

8. Distinguish Principle from Custom, and Spirit from Letter

To obey the letter while violating the spirit makes one technically righteous but actually corrupt.

Cultural conditioning. The Bible reflects its ancient cultural setting, raising questions about which commands are transcultural principles binding on all, and which are local customs. We must discern this difference to apply Scripture accurately to our contemporary lives, avoiding both rigid adherence to outdated customs and relativizing eternal principles.

Spirit and letter. Jesus critiqued the Pharisees for meticulously obeying the "letter" of the law while violating its "spirit." He taught that the law's application extends beyond external acts to the heart, as seen in his teachings on anger/murder and lust/adultery. He didn't equate the severity of these sins but emphasized that both external acts and internal attitudes violate God's law.

Practical guidelines. When discerning principle from custom, examine the Bible for its own latitude on customs (e.g., dietary laws abrogated, dress styles vary). Distinguish between institutions the Bible merely recognizes (like Roman government) and those it positively institutes (like marriage). Avoid supplying cultural rationales that contradict the Bible's stated reasons, and in areas of uncertainty, err on the side of humility and overscrupulousness rather than dismissing a potential divine mandate.

9. Approach Parables and Prophecy with Caution and Care

The safest and probably most accurate way to treat the parables is to look for one basic central point in them.

Parables' complexity. Often considered easy, parables present unique interpretive challenges. Jesus sometimes used them to conceal truth from the impenitent, and their original audience lacked the full New Testament context. While Jesus allegorized the Parable of the Sower, treating all parables as allegories, with every detail having a specific spiritual meaning, can lead to confusion. It's generally safer to seek one central point.

Prophecy's pitfalls. Interpreting predictive prophecy is one of the most abused forms of biblical interpretation. It ranges from naturalistic skepticism, which dismisses genuine prediction, to wild speculation that sees "clear" fulfillment in every contemporary event. The New Testament's treatment of Old Testament prophecy (e.g., Malachi's Elijah prophecy fulfilled in John the Baptist's "spirit and power") shows a nuanced approach, allowing for broader scope beyond strict literal identity.

Apocalyptic literature. Books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation, characterized by symbolic imagery, are particularly difficult. A key to interpreting these images is to seek their general meaning elsewhere in the Bible, especially the Old Testament. A sober, careful attitude, rather than a quest for sensationalism, is essential for rewarding study of prophetic books.

10. Recognize Your Own Cultural Biases in Interpretation

I am convinced that the problem of the influence of the twentieth-century secular mindset is a far more formidable obstacle to accurate biblical interpretation than is the problem of the conditioning of ancient culture.

Reader's conditioning. Just as the Bible is conditioned by its ancient culture, so too is the reader by their contemporary cultural setting. This often leads to bringing extra-biblical assumptions to the text, creating "blindspots" that distort understanding. We must strive for a tabula rasa ideal, listening to Scripture without mixing in our own prejudices.

Avoiding "prior understanding." Modern approaches, like Rudolf Bultmann's existential hermeneutic, argue that a "prior understanding" (often philosophical) is necessary before approaching the text. This risks the twentieth-century mindset blatantly conditioning and binding first-century texts, absorbing the biblical message into contemporary thought patterns and removing it from its historical context.

Self-criticism. We must temper our zeal in criticizing Scripture by allowing Scripture to criticize us. Becoming aware of our own cultural biases and subjective influences is crucial. This self-awareness, coupled with diligent study and humility, helps us overcome the formidable obstacle of our own secular mindset and hear God's Word more accurately.

11. Utilize Essential Tools for Deeper Understanding

Commentaries are an indispensable tool for the student of the Bible.

Bible translations. Choosing a translation involves understanding different methodologies: verbal accuracy (word-for-word, e.g., NASB), concept accuracy (thought-for-thought, e.g., RSV, NEB), and paraphrase (expanded concepts, e.g., Living Bible). While paraphrases can be introductory, they are not recommended for serious study due to increased distortion risk.

Annotated Bibles and commentaries. Marginal notes, cross-references, and textual variants are helpful. However, Bibles with running commentaries (e.g., Scofield Reference Bible) can be problematic, as readers often confuse human commentary with the inspired text itself. Commentaries, in general, are indispensable tools that provide a check and balance against personal prejudicial tendencies, offering scholarly insights into the text.

Essential resources. Beyond translations and commentaries, every serious student needs a good concordance (e.g., Strong's, Young's), a reliable Bible dictionary (e.g., Hastings, New Bible Dictionary), and a historical atlas (e.g., Westminster Historical Atlas). For those with foreign language skills, reading other translations can offer subtle nuances. These tools collectively aid in deeper, more accurate understanding of Scripture.

Last updated: November 15, 2025