TOPIC: OBSERVING THE PRINCIPLES OF CONTEXT IN INTERPRETATION.

INTRODUCTION:

One of the important principles of interpretation is to interpret according to the context of a verse or the passage that one is seeking to interpret.  It is in considering what the context to a verse or the passage says that would help one to understand the correct meaning of a verse or the passage. This point out the importance of context in interpreting and understanding the Bible.

THE CONTEXT

Context means the entire thought of which the verse or passage in question is a part. It is the whole situation, background or environment that concerns the event, person or the subject one seeks understand.

Considering the situation when interpreting a verse or passage

Jesus said to the leper whom He healed, “God and show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14). This is only understood when one understands the whole situation; i.e., that Jesus lived and taught and healed under the Mosaic Law, and that the law required a man healed of leprosy to go to the priest in order that the priest might officially declare him healed, and in order to present an offering for his healing (Lev. 14: 1-32). See.

Since the church is not under the Law of Moses, it will be incorrect for anyone to interpret or teach a doctrine or practice whatsoever from such passages.

 

Considering the verse or verses that precede or succeed the verse or passage

 Context also means that which is written just before and just after any particular statement and having to do with the same topic. Paul told the Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:1), As I directed the churches of the Galatians, so do you also. Without reading what is before and following this, no one would know what Paul wanted done. Again, in his second letter to the Corinthian (11:8), Paul wrote, I robbed other churches. What does such a shocking statement means? The context explain it: Paul had received money from other Churches to support him while he was preaching in Corinth: others had been paying without receiving the direct benefit of tat payment, and Paul merely puts this fact in an emphatic manner.

Considering the “immediate context” when interpreting or learning to understand the Bible

When interpreting or learning to understand the Bible, consider the "immediate context" The term "context" is used more frequently. It has been described as "what comes just before and a little bit after" the word, sentence, or other longer section that is the subject of the discussion. When attempting to interpret or comprehend a Bible word or passage, the "immediate context" must be taken into account. Otherwise, the meaning will either be incorrect or nonexistent.

Even though each of these was mentioned in a different way in the previous article, it is instructive to list them here in the order that helps one consider the "immediate context" properly.

 

• Who composed or uttered it?

• To whom was it written or said?

• Where was it said or what took place?

• What was mentioned?

• What was said or what took place?

• What took place as a result of the statement or the event?

• Does any other occurrence or expression that comes before or after the section under consideration shed any light on its purpose or meaning?

 

The importance of asking the suggested questions in order to determine the “immediate context.”

 

 The significance of asking the suggested questions is for the purpose of locating the "immediate context."

The fact that they will enable one to maintain an objective approach to learning to understand the Bible is the reason why it is important to ask the suggested questions in light of the immediate context.

• The purpose of the speaker or the statement, as well as the circumstances that led to the event, can be uncovered by asking why a statement, word, or event occurred. As a result, one will be able to begin comprehending some additional statements and words in the section or passage under consideration. 

• One can determine whether it was said, written, or occurred prior to the flood in Egypt, Babylon, Rome, or a prison, among other places, by asking where it was spoken or where it occurred. This will help one comprehend the author's intention for writing the statement or event as well as the historical context in which it was written.

• One can determine whether it was intended for the high priest, priests, or ordinary Israelites by asking who it was written to. See Exodus 30:23–38; Lev.21:18-21.

• By asking what the passage says, one can determine that it was a reported event, command, instruction, promise, or prophecy, among other things. One will be able to learn to interpret the passage in accordance with either history, command, or prophecy.

Conclusion:

 When learning to understand the Bible, one should avoid exaggeration and confusion by carefully observing the methods of determining the context that are briefly mentioned in this article.