Getting The Right Interpretation

GETTING THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (2Peter 1:20 - Author's Version 1611AV)

The liberals will frequently "tip" their hats at the Bible saying what beautiful literary form it has. As Bible-believers, we realize this is meant to make it APPEAR that they have deep feelings for God's word as we do, and, of course, they do not. However, there is a truth to what they are saying! God's precious word does have a wealth of prose and drama, and has between its covers many of the literary forms used in secular writing.

A brief knowledge of these matters can be helpful to a student of the scriptures since it does have a bearing on understanding some passages. During the days of our Lord's ministry there was often misunderstanding with the disciples concerning interpretations: Read Matthew 16:6-12, where the disciples took him to be speaking of literal bread when, in fact, he was speaking of the doctrine of the Pharisees, using leaven as an illustration. Then note in John 2:18-22 where he speaks of a temple (His body) but he is mistaken as referring to the temple (building) there in Jerusalem.

It is hoped that the following definitions/illustrations are helpful and will be used for personal study. ("Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." --1Thes.5:21 A.V.)

1. PARABLE

A discourse/saying conveying the intended meaning by a comparison or under the likeness of something comparable; the course of action related and understood to run parallel, but the persons in the parable are strictly confined to their natural places and actions which are in their relation and succession typical of higher things; a parable is a serious narrative that is within the limits of probability. Jesus used the parable frequently to teach some of His most important subjects - read Matthew 13.

Notice concerning the parable of the Sower:

a. A comparison is made between a farmer sowing grain (seed) in a field and a believer distributing the word of God in the world.

b. The action of each runs parallel - farmer sows, the seed impregnates, and either fruit or failure - a believer publishes the word of God, some are converted and some not.

c. The farmer does not leave the setting (he does not go fishing).

Parables are marvelous ways of instruction and illustration and our Saviour used them to the fullest.

2. ALLEGORY

A presentation of an abstract or spiritual meaning under concrete or material forms - the qualities and properties of the first being attributed to the last and the two blend together, instead of being quite distinct. This is used infrequently - in fact, Galatians 4:21-31 seems to be the only time it is used; And there Paul TELLS us it is an allegory (4:24).

a. The spiritual meaning is a contrast between "law" and "grace," and it is presented under the incident of Isaac and Ishmael.

b. They are blended together so much that we as N.T. believers are told to "cast out the bondwoman," but of course he is not referring to a specific woman in the church at Galatia.

c. The source of the problem of Galatia was "the son of the bondwoman," which, of course, was not a man, but the legalistic Judaizers.

The main difference between the parable and allegory is in the parable the two things compared, remain distinct and separate from each other; whereas in the allegory they are mixed together.

3. FIGURATIVE

Of the nature of or involving a figure of speech. This is a broad (a thus much misused) term. The terms "spiritual" and figurative are often used interchangeably, and this is NOT correct. There is a definitely figurative language in scripture (Ps.22:12-13) "many bulls of Bashan," bulls are figurative for men; see also Psm.80:8-11 where "vine" is figurative for Israel.

You should generally take a passage as being LITERAL, unless it is utterly impossible to do so. Don't be so quick to presume that something is figurative, when it is very REAL!

4. METAPHOR

In Psm 18:2: "The LORD is my..." phrase, is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable, but suggests a resemblance.

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and my high tower." (--Psm.18:2 - David speaking with metaphors. We know God Almighty is not an inorganic, mineral substance called "rock," but God does have the stability, and unchanging character that may be compared to the stability, and unchanging character of a massive rock. In prophetic passages, there can be difficulty in understanding whether the passage is a metaphor or otherwise(Isa 66:7/Ezek.37:8).

5. SIMILE (Similar)

A compressed, but explicit comparison using LIKE or AS. One of the simplest and most beautiful figures of speech in the word of God. It is one of the greatest forms of instruction in both Old and New Testaments. In Isa.64:6 "as" is used 3 times, and "like" once; Isa 53:6 note "like"; 2Cor 11:2 "as" a chaste virgin.

6. EUPHEMISM

Refined or pleasant words for unpleasant or delicate matters. This is used often in America - "gay" for "queer". In 1Cor 7:1, Gen.20:6, Col.2:21 "touch" is used for sexual relationship. Yet, when the Lord so chooses, He can be very clear and BLUNT for delicate matters - see Isa.28:8, Ezek.16-17. It appears as if it depends on the setting and people to whom He is speaking.

7. FABLE

A fictitious story meant to teach a moral lesson; characters are often animals - Aesop is famous for these; George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is one of the most notable in secular literature. Evidently, fables are -NOT- used in scripture. In fact, in stating what we have NOT followed, Peter, in 2Peter 1:16, uses the word "fables."

((Of the above, the Holy Spirit seems to favor using #1, #4 & #5))

8. HYPERBOLE

Form of exaggeration - not intended to be taken literally. (Matthew 7:3-5 and 23:24 are examples.)

9. SARCASM

A verbal taunt or bitter derision - a FAVORITE of the Holy Spirit where people have become hardened to the truth and exhibit a rebellious attitude - Malachi 1:8, Amos 4:4, 1Cor.4:8.

These are but a few kinds of different expressions used in scripture. It is hoped that these will prove to be helpful in understanding others. Prepare your own list with illustrations and say with David, "Make me to understand the way of thy precepts; so shall I talk of thy wonderous works." (Psm.119:27)

(The outline and some of the basic material for this message was from "CONCERNING INTERPRETATIONS" by David McPherson, 1978.)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (1Tim.3:16,17)

Interpret in the light of Doctrine

In dealing with the interpreting of scripture, we should consider the DOCTRINES which are definitely presented or clearly inferred.

After all, the foremost and PRIMARY reason the scriptures were given to us is for DOCTRINE. There can be no profit without correct doctrine. And after that, the scripture is profitable for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness: "That the man of God may be PERFECT, throughly furnished unto all good works." You should never forget that the END of all correct doctrine is correct practice!

Let us now consider seven general principles which should help to govern scriptural interpretation.

1. Determine what the passage actually SAYS.

Although this may seem elementary, it is SURPRISING how often people neglect this. You're not supposed to read YOUR doctrine INTO the word of God, but rather read the doctrine of the scripture OUT of the scripture!

Example. Suppose someone quotes: "Open thy mouth and I will fill it" (Psm.81:10 ??), and claims that as a doctrine for NOT studying or using notes, but just opening your mouth and preaching whatever happens to come out? But, is that what the passage actually SAID? No. Only the latter half of the passage was quoted, and a word left out. The word left out was "wide", that is, "open thy mouth WIDE, and I will fill it", (like when you're trying to get a BABY to eat something!). See what the passage really says, and don't make it say different!

2. Do not interpret a passage of scripture independently of its context, or apart from the general purpose and theme of the book in which it occurs, or of the teaching of the scripture as a whole.

For instance, Isaiah 1:5-6 is often quoted as being a perfect picture of LEPROSY, but careful reading of the passage, in its entirety, will show that there is no reference whatever to leprosy. It has to do with the LORD beating his children and letting the wounds remain, and yet they still stubbornly rebel; and He is wanting to know in effect, What more can I do? Why should he continue to correct those who REFUSE correction?

3. Take nothing for granted, whether it be the meaning of a word, the use of a phrase, or any such thing.

Your appreciation of the words: "God is holy", will depend upon whether you understand what is really meant by "holy" as applied to God. Too many people limit holiness to only mean sinlessness or purity, when the implications are far deeper and certainly more VITAL. Never judge a word in the Bible by the way it is used by the world, but rather judge the way the world uses a word, by the way the Bible uses it!

4. Consider what the passage meant to those who wrote or spoke.

Beware of reading PRESENT knowledge back into a passage. You may be able to make an "application" of the scripture that way, but not a correct "interpretation", which is different.

5. Doctrines should not be founded on far-fetched inferences.

You may have a certain measure of liberty of inference in non-essential doctrines, but no authority. You should avoid stretching your liberty.

6. You should be cautious of any interpretation which contradicts the general understanding of spiritually-minded men, and those which contradict universal Christian experience.

This is not to say that you may not be led to differ from the majority in some things; but merely that you should be VERY SURE of your ground if you do so. (Sinking Sand??)

7. Strange interpretation ("new light") should NOT be either hastily expressed or hastily accepted.

Too many people rush hastily into speech or print, and then later are faced with the necessity, either of defending, re-examining, or of abandoning their position; or, even of adopting an attitude of SELF-defense, and become FIXED in a FALSE DOCTRINE. Be not deceived!

Let us here let the matter rest. May the great Interpreter HIMSELF, give us understanding in all things, and impart to us the BALANCE and wisdom we need! Remember: Interpretations belong unto God! Receive only that which HE gives: Give the interpretation HE gives. (Use the Bible God uses: Authorized 1611 King James Version.)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your heart, in truth and in understanding for Jesus' sake. Amen. --Richard

(Richard Clark, P.O.Box 72292, Newport, Kentucky, USA, 41072-0292)
E-mail: RichClark7@aol.com

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