Determining Meaning in a Text

Who Determines the Meaning? The reader? The Author?

Reader Determined Meaning Often most common approach in Sunday Schools and Bible Studies. What does this passage mean to you? – The meaning to you will be filtered through your own experiences, background, and worldview. Let’s look at Matthew 25:14-30 “The parable of the talents” – Key question: What is a talent in the New Testament?

Author Determined Meaning The most obvious intention of our own writing! Why it is important to study the historical setting, recipients of the letter, and flow of argument through the book. Biblical authors themselves cite other biblical authors to make, prove, or build their point.

Can a text have more than one meaning? Yes, if the original author intended more than one meaning! Otherwise, no. There is a difference between meaning and implications of a text – Implications are those “applications” of the text that fall legitimately within the principle willed by the author. – Prov. 11:1 “The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.” Does this only apply to butchers? Implication: God delights in our honest business. Don’t cheat your customers. Don’t take a longer break than you are allowed and still get paid.

Finding meaning in the commands and laws of the Old Testament We need to make a distinction between covenant bound commands tied to the Mosaic Law that have been superseded by Christ and those commands that are still binding today. Helpful to read OT commands and ask if they refer to: – Civil (social) issues – Ceremonial (religious) practices – Moral (ethnical) commands

Finding meaning in the commands of the OT Laws relating to civil and ceremonial (social and religious) categories are fulfilled in Christ. – Examples are food laws, sacrifices, circumcision, cities of refuge, regulations for priests. – Let’s look at Deut. 14:22-29 on tithing. – Let’s read Mark 7 where Jesus talks about clean/unclean. – See also Acts 15:6-11 – These laws were primarily in place to keep God’s people separate, distinct, and untainted by the pagan cultures around them (Exodus 19:6).

Finding meaning in the commands of the OT Even the moral laws (do not practice homosexuality, love your neighbor, ect) find their fulfillment in Jesus. They are still in effect, but the Law is not our power to obey them. The Holy Spirit living in us is our power. So we still point to Christ when teaching these passages.

Finding meaning in the commands of the OT For moral commands, distinguish between those that easily transfer cross-culturally and commands that are culture bound, but illustrate a principle that applies to all cultures. – Lev. 19:11 “Do not steal.” Applies all times and all places. But, some cultures have different definitions of “private" property. – Eph. 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine.” Is it ok to get drunk on beer, it doesn’t seem to be prohibited? – 1 Cor. 11:5 “Women who pray with their head uncovered dishonor their head” and are shameful. What is really at work? The piece of fabric, or expressing submission to her husband?