TOPIC: INTERPRETING, UNDERSTANDING THE INTENTS OF BIBLE WORDS

 




 INTRODUCTION:

 Anyone who reads or wants to teach the Bible faces the challenge of knowing and comprehending the exact meaning of its words. Therefore, it is essential for them to acquire knowledge of the fundamentals and method for comprehending the correct meanings of Bible words and passages.

In this article, we'll try to understand two concepts: who said the words being read? To what purpose were the words spoken?

Who the spoken words?

The Bible is God's word. Furthermore, the Bible is inspired. However, the Bible speaks of inspired men, evil men, and even the Devil. Therefore, knowing WHO spoke the word that is being read is essential to comprehension of the Scriptures.

The following is written in Luke 11:15: Beelzebub, the demon's ruler, helps him expel demons. Is this a Bible-based teaching? Is this what God wants people to think about Jesus's miracles? Absolutely not! It is a quote from slanderous, dishonest individuals attempting to discredit Jesus. However, one must know who spoke it and why in order to comprehend it.

According to Psalm 14:1, "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God," They are dishonest, they do terrible things, and no one is good. Is the verse's content a single person's statement? Absolutely not! First, a devoted Christian presents the words of the fool, who typically asserts that there is no God within himself. He then describes the fools, saying that they are corrupt, that they do terrible things, and that none of them are good.

TO WHAT PURPOSE WERE THE WORDS SPOKEN?

Asking yourself or trying to figure out what the words mean is another way to interpret and comprehend the Bible. In order to interpret or comprehend the Bible, one must ask the following questions because of this principle:

 Why did the word get out?

  What was their purpose, what was their intention?

 If you hear someone say, "You are so sweet," the tone of voice will help you figure out how to interpret or understand what they mean because it could be a compliment or an insult. The statement is negative if the voice oozes sarcasm: The statement reflects the speaker's genuine emotion if the voice is warm and sincere. In order to interpret or comprehend written material where these voice inflections cannot be heard, it is necessary to identify the statement's purpose through other means in order to comprehend what is being said.

In chapter 2:19, James wrote, "You believe that God is one, you do well." Even the demons have faith—and tremble! Is James implying that demons and believers alike believe in God? Absolutely not! He is implying that a demon's belief in the existence of God is comparable to a believer's empty belief in God. James is implying that such beliefs do not distinguish men from demons! Furthermore, the statement is full of sarcasm. What made him say that? When he speaks these words, what is his and the Holy Spirit's purpose? When the entire passage (vs. 14–26) is read, the statement can be understood because James is arguing against "faith alone" without works of faith. James advises against "believing" without putting it into practice.

In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter states, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God." Does this imply that preachers and believers are also oracles of God? Absolutely not! According to other versions of the Bible and parallel passages, Peter meant that anyone speaking in the name of God should say exactly what God says. Accord Acts 7:38; Rom.3:2; Heb.5:12.

Conclusion

The essence of these principles is that if we observe them while attempting to interpret or comprehend the Bible, they will direct us toward intelligent interpretation. We would be able to read our doctrine from the Bible rather than reading doctrine into the Bible if we strictly adhered to these tenets.