Things Which Help One to Correctly Interpret the Bible, Part Three Review: Four “laws” which govern the proper interpretation of written information: The “Law” of Harmony. The “Law” of Background. When Possible, interpret according to the known purpose of the writer. Consider the immediate context of a verse.

Approach A Study of the Scriptures with the Proper Attitude! Have an “Honest and a Good heart,” Luke 8:15. cf. John 3:1-2; 7: Have a sincere love for the truth, 2 Thessalonians 2: Remember that “God Cannot Lie,” Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18. Remember that God is “not the Author of Confusion,” I Corinthians 14:33.

“Rule” One: All words are to be understood in the literal sense, unless the evident meaning in the context forbids the literal. Figurative language is the exception. Illus. “Water” in John 3:5, 23. The Golden rule of interpretation: “when the plain sense makes common sense, seek no other sense.”

“Rule” Two: Caution must be exercised not to make literal what is figurative in nature, as defined by the context. Note anthropomorphic terms used with reference to God, I Peter 3:12; Isa. 59:1-2 To make God “once like we are” (Mormons) is to violate “the law of harmony” concerning what the Bible says about the nature of God! John 4:24; Lk. 24:39.

“Rule” Three: Commands are generally to be understood in a Literal Sense. A General rarely issues orders in figurative language! Christ, our “captain” (Hebrews 2:10) rarely issues an order in figurative language.

“Rule” Four: Words of Definite Action can have but one meaning. Examples: Jump, sit, dip, sprinkle, etc. are words of definite action. Bible Examples of words of definite action: –“Baptize,” Matthew 28:19. –“Sing,” I Corinthians 14:15.

“Rule” Five: The Writer’s Own Explanation is the best definition that can be found. Example: –“Immanuel” – “God with us,” Matthew 1:23. –Jesus was indeed “God with us!” John 10:30; John 8:58; 14:8-9.

“Rule” Six: The Proper Definition of a word may be used in the place of a word. Worded differently: the true meaning of a word will give the same sense as the word itself. Examples: –The “called out” for “church,” I Cor. 1:1-2. –“Immersed” for “baptized,” Romans 6:3-4.

“Rule” Seven: Illustrations (or Parables) may give the peculiar sense in which a word is to be understood. –Note “Love” and “neighbor,” as used in Luke 10: The meaning of both words illustrated in the Parable in Luke 10: –Note: “Beware of covetousness,” Lk. 12:16. The meaning of covetousness illustrated in the parable in Lk. 12:16-21.

Conclusion: It is good to be aware of “the rules of interpretation” as it relates to communica- tion, whether verbal or written. But when it comes to the Bible, after we learn all the “rules of interpretation,” remember there is no substitute for hard work! 2 Peter 3:16. It is good to “know the truth,” John 8:32, but knowledge apart from obedience is not sufficient! James 1:21.