In my last article, I challenged you to take a short multiple-choice quiz to see how much you know about how the Bible was produced and translated (see it at: http://www.marketfaith.org/the-christian-worldview). In this installment we will again take a quiz on the Bible, but this time it will deal with the more practical dimension of studying the Bible. Many Christians read and study Scripture daily, which is very good. However, just reading it, or even casually studying, may not be adequate for understanding its meaning and how it should affect our personal lives.
So take this quiz. Later we correctly answer and examine each question.
1. The supernatural process by which the Holy Spirit was involved with the writing of the biblical books through their human authors is called what?
a. Inspiration
b. Illumination
c. Interpretation
d. All of the above
2. The supernatural way that the Holy Spirit helps Christians to read and understand the meaning of Scripture is called what?
a. Inspiration
b. Illumination
c. Interpretation
d. All of the above
3. The process of carefully studying the words and grammar of the Scriptures (in their original languages if possible) to determine as closely as possible their meanings as written by the original authors is called what?
a. Inspiration
b. Illumination
c. Interpretation
d. All of the above
4. The only real honest and accurate way to interpret the Bible’s meaning is what?
a. Literal Interpretation
b. Metaphysical Interpretation
c. “Spiritual” Interpretation
d. Whatever it means to you
5. One important issue for studying and interpreting a Bible passage according to the Literal Principle is always to consider what?
a. The kind of literature it is
b. Its context
c. Its place in the history of God’s revelation
d. All of the above
6. To really understand the meaning of the Bible, one must do what?
a. Talk to an ordained minster
b. Read your church’s approved literature
c. Go to theological seminary
d. None of the above
7. A valuable resource tool for Christians to utilize to help them understand what the Bible says and means is what?
a. A good Bible commentary
b. A good Bible dictionary
c. A Bible concordance
d. All of the above
8. The process of researching the meaning of the words and grammar of the Bible books in their original languages in order to make them available to read in another language (English, for instance) is called what?
a. Transmission
b. Interpolation
c. Translation
d. Transcendental Meditation
9. Which of the following modern Bibles is the most accurate English translation of the Bible?
a. The Living Bible
b. The Message
c. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
d. None of the above
10. The ultimate purpose for Christian Bible study should be what?
a. Scholarly research
b. Personal application
c. To find the hidden “deeper truths”
d. To impress people
So now you have completed the quiz. Let’s see how you did. We will look at the correct answer for each question and explain why it is true.
Question 1: The correct answer is “a.”
The supernatural process by which the Holy Spirit was involved with the writing of the biblical books through their human authors is called “Inspiration.”
That term comes from 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness” (NASB). The word “inspired” in Greek is theopneustos and literally means “breathed-out by God.” It suggests the words of the Scriptures, as recorded in the original autographs, were imbued in the minds of the human authors by the very breath (Spirit/Pneuma) of God. This is what we call “verbal-inspiration.”
Now, this does not mean that the author’s minds were not part of the process. If that were true and the Bible was just dictated word for word with the authors only passive automatic writers, then it would all read exactly the same way. (That’s what Muslims claim about the Qur’an, that Muhammad only recorded exactly the words that were transmitted to him by the angel Gabriel.) The Holy Spirit, however, used the conscious thoughts and writing styles of the various authors to give the Bible a diverse readability and historical context. Thus we can say confidently that the Bible is indeed the infallible Word of God.
Question 2: The correct answer is “b.”
The supernatural way that the Holy Spirit helps Christians to read and understand the meaning of Scripture is called “Illumination.”
In I Corinthians 2:14-16 the Apostle Paul indicated that the natural minded person (non-Christian)… “does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” However, he then states that … “the spiritual minded person appraises all things.…” The point is that the same Holy Spirit who supernaturally inspired the Scriptures, also allows “illuminates” (enlightens) the mind of the Spirit-filled Christian to understand what it says.
We have access to a supernatural resource to guide us in reading and interpreting God’s Word. Jesus Himself promised that the “Helper” (Paracletos – AKA: “the Counselor”; “the Comforter”; “the Advocate”), the Holy Spirit, would lead us into the truth: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26 NASB). (See all of John 14-17).
Question 3: The correct answer is “c.”
The process of carefully studying the words and grammar of the Scriptures (in their original languages if possible) to determine as closely as possible their meanings as written by the original authors is called “Interpretation.”
The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB). The KJV translates that last phrase as… “rightly dividing the word of truth.” I personally like that rendering. The Greek term is orthotome, which literally means “to cut straight” or to set forth truthfully without perversion or distortion.
Honestly, however, we must admit that this is humanly very difficult. That’s why there are so many varying interpretations of many passages. Sincere and devout Christian scholars and denominations (even among conservative evangelicals) can read the same passages and come away with different understandings. Nonetheless, it is remarkable how, regarding the primary essential teachings and doctrines, Christians throughout history, and across denominations, have a basic consensus of biblical interpretation.
Question 4: The correct answer “a.”
The only real honest and accurate way to interpret the Bible’s meaning is Literal Interpretation.
In order to accomplish the above goal of discovering the right interpretation of any verse, passage, or book of Scripture, it is required that we establish and follow some legitimate principles for accurately doing so. It starts with the most basic principle which is the “Literal Principle.” That means that the aim of sound biblical interpretation is to determine, as closely as possible, what was literally in the mind of the original writer, and exactly what he meant when he wrote the passage.
Now that does not mean that we are to take every single passage “literally” as it was written. The biblical writers did not always intend for their words to be understood in that crass way. Otherwise, some passages would be ridiculous. For example, Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with His pinions (feathers), And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark” (NASB). Does that mean that God is some kind of divine bird? Of course not! The writer is using a metaphor or an allegory.
Jesus used the same sort of metaphorical language in Matthew 23:37: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling” (NASB). Surely Jesus was not implying that He was, Himself, a giant chicken. The literal principle in these kinds of cases means that we understand the metaphorical language the Bible writer expected his readers to recognize.
That being said, there are illegitimate ways to interpret Scripture. One such is the “Metaphysical” interpretation.” That is how some cultists and occultists use the Bible to justify their unchristian teachings. They claim that the real meaning of Scripture is not what it literally says, but some mystical and hidden meaning that is disguised by the actual words. The same can be said for those who claim a “Spiritual” interpretation. One movement that utilizes those fallacious interpretative methods is Christian Science. That group claims that its founder, Mary Baker Eddy, discovered the metaphysical truths that lie beneath the actual biblical words.
Another problematic way even many sincere Christians try to interpret the Bible is by saying it means “whatever it means to you.” I have known of many Bible studies in which the leaders simply read a passage, then went around the group asking what it means to each of them. That is actually a dangerous way to handle Scripture and should never be how one studies the Bible, either individually or as a group. We must strive, with God’s help, to find the authentic meanings of the Word.
Question 5: The correct answer is “d.”
All of the issues listed are important for studying and interpreting a Bible passage according to the Literal Principle.
We have shown that the literal principle is the only authentic way to interpret the Bible. So now we turn to the factors that must be considered for doing so. The following three points are key to making a valid interpretation of a passage.
First, we must take into consideration the particular passage’s or book’s type of literature. The Bible contains all sorts and varieties of literature. They include historical texts, poetry, wisdom, epistles or letters, apocalyptic writings, and so on. Knowing the form of literature directly determines how we understand its meaning. Historical books, like 1 and 2 Kings, are very different than, say, a poetic one like Psalms. But neither of those can be understood in the same way as epistles or letters, like 1 and 2 Corinthians. Further, Daniel and Revelation are apocalyptic books and must be viewed with a totally different lens than the others. The sort of literature a book represents determines how we understand what the writer’s purpose and intended meaning was when he wrote it.
Second, each Scripture’s historical setting, and the time it was written in the progress of God’s revelation, impacts its meaning and how we interpret it. The Bible books were not written in a vacuum. A book written around 1200 BC and set in ancient Israel has a very different historical perspective than one written in the First Century AD. The writer’s words and meanings can be best known by understanding when, where, and to whom he was addressing, and the issues they were facing at that time and place. For instance, when Peter wrote his letters (1 and 2 Peter) he was writing to churches in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) to encourage them in the very real possibility of immanent persecution. Also, God provided greater revelation over the centuries, so some passages in the Old Testament must be looked at in light of the New Testament and the person Jesus Christ. This is what is known as “progressive revelation.”
Third, and perhaps most important, Bible passages must be analyzed with consideration for their context. This actually involves two contextual dimensions.
Dimension one is the general context of the passage. This refers to where it is located in the specific book where it is written. All Bible books have overarching purposes for their composition. Understanding the writer’s ultimate theme helps us know the relevancy of any one verse or passage. For example, when Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, he was concerned about the growing influence in their midst of Judaizers who were distorting the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.
The other contextual dimension involves locating a word, phrase, or passage in the specific context of the chapter and other verses surrounding it. One of the worse ways some cultists twist Scripture is to quote verses out of their context. In some cases they can make it appear to mean something that was never intended by the author. For instance, some groups like to quote John 3:5 as proof that baptism is necessary for salvation: “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God’” (NASB). Yet when we look at that verse’s immediate context of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), it says absolutely nothing about baptism.
Question 6: The correct answer is “d.”
To really understand the meaning of the Bible a reader does not have to do any of the options listed.
It is simply not necessary to talk to an ordained minster, read only your church’s approved literature, or go to a theological seminary to understand the Bible accurately. Now that is not to say that any of those actions is bad. In fact, in many cases it is advisable to ask a trustworthy pastor, or to read the literature of a biblically sound denomination, to get their view on a specific passage.
Likewise, going to theological seminary is a worthy undertaking, especially for those who feel called to vocational ministry. However, it is important to know that not all seminaries are the same. Some are so liberal that they do more damage than good for someone desiring to teach and preach the Bible. Other seminaries, or Bible colleges, do not have a legitimate academic standing, and may be little more than degree mills.
The point is, we are capable of reading, studying, and understanding the Bible for ourselves. That being said, as Peter warned in 2 Peter 1:20, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (NASB). Before jumping to any conclusion about the meaning of a passage of Scripture, it is wise to see what other sound teachers and readers have to say about it. That leads us to next question and answer.
Question 7: The correct answer is “d.”
All of the listed resources are valuable tools for Christians to utilize to help them understand what the Bible says and means.
In all of Christian history, there has never been a time when more good resources were available for the serious Bible student to consult than in this generation. Therefore, we should take advantage of the many excellent aids available in our day to help accomplish the goal of accurate interpretation. Bible commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, handbooks, and atlases, written by competent evangelical scholars, are essential tools for the modern Bible interpreter. Here’s what those terms mean.
A Bible commentary is a book, often in a series, that examines verse by verse (or in some cases word by word) the meanings of the texts. Again, not all commentaries are the same. Some are what would be called “devotional commentaries” which focus more the personal meanings of a passage for the reader today. Others are called “critical commentaries” (this does not necessarily mean “critical” in the negative sense of being skeptical). These commentary types examine in-depth the meanings of the words and grammar (often as written in the original languages) of the sentences in a passage to extract the meaning as written by the author.
Both of those commentary types are helpful and should be studied. For the serious Bible teacher, it is suggested that he or she consult several different commentaries to get a broad analysis from various perspectives. It is not a good idea to rely only on one particular writer or commentary in all cases.
Bible dictionaries define and explain words, names, places, etc. They are usually done in alphabetical order. How in-depth it goes depends on the dictionary itself. Some only give brief meanings, while others go into great detail.
Concordances (which are included in some Bible editions) list in alphabetical order biblical words, names, and places, and lists every passage where it is found in Scripture. Differences in concordances often depend on which Bible version it references. For instance, the popular Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance uses the KJV and is difficult to use with modern translations.
Bible handbooks are reference volumes that generally give background information on specific Bible books, and usually only provide general outlines of the texts. Bible atlases, of course, are books of maps of biblical locations and countries that are usually dated to specific eras of Bible history.
Question 8: The correct answer is “c.”
The process of researching the meaning of the words and grammar of the Bible books in their original languages to make them available to read in another language (English, for instance) is called “Translation.”
Now obviously, few of us have the ability to read Greek and Hebrew. That is why it is imperative that we use reliable translations. Many people are content to use only the King James Version (KJV). Some are dogmatic about it. The KJV is one of the greatest pieces of literature in the English language, but we must look at it honestly. It contains numerous examples of archaic English, and is not based on the best ancient Greek and Hebrew manuscripts which have been discovered since it was first published in 1611.
Therefore, the serious biblical interpreter should use translations that are current in both their language usage and textual reliability. Several excellent modern evangelical English translations include The New American Standard Bible (NASB), The New International Version (NIV), The New King James Version, and the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB).
The term “transmission” refers, in this case, not to the gear system of your car, but to the process by which the Bible came to us from antiquity. Interpolation is the process of taking a biblical principle, based on sound interpretation, and applying it to other situations.
Question 9: The correct answer is “d.”
None of the modern Bibles listed is the most accurate English translation of the Bible.
Both the Living Bible (originally written by Kenneth Taylor in the early 1970s) and The Message (originally written by Eugene Peterson in the 1990s) are technically not translations at all. They are actually paraphrases designed to capture the general meaning of a passage using contemporary words and idioms. That is not to say they are not good Bible versions. In fact, they are excellent for young readers and new Christians.
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is the only Bible translation used by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society which claims it is the most accurate modern translation. However, credible Bible scholars universally agree that it is one of the most biased and distorted translations ever made.
So what is the most accurate English translation? That’s a good question that has no definite answer. The various translations all have some strengths and some weaknesses. That’s why using a diversity of translations is helpful for Bible study. (See answer to question 8 above.)
Question 10: The correct answer is “b.”
The ultimate purpose for Christian Bible study should be personal application.
Scholarly research of the Bible is a good thing. It helps us to get to the real meanings of Scripture. Nonetheless, that kind of Bible study is incomplete for the devout Christian. His or her primary motive for learning the Bible is to determine how it applies to their lives. While there may be only one correct interpretation of any passage, it may actually have many applications depending on the situations of life.
Occasionally I hear Christians say they want to find the hidden or secret “deeper truths” of Scripture. And, some Bible teachers claim they have discovered the hidden “keys” to really understanding the meaning of the Bible. The Bible, however, is not a “hidden” book. There are no “deeper truths” to be found. The Scriptures should be studied looking for the clear and plain meanings of the words and phrases. Difficult passages, and there are some, should be interpreted in light of the obvious passages.
And finally, no one should study the Bible just to impress people. If someone has that attitude, it means they haven’t actually read it very well.
So how did you do? If you answered most of the questions correctly you have a good grasp of how to read and study the Bible. My great hope is that this exercise has helped you learn some important principles of how to go about “rightly dividing the word of truth.”
© 2016 Tal Davis