Scripture Interpretation Question?

Question

As believers, we know that the Scriptures do not lie.....ever.
We also know that when it comes to basic interpretation while studying (exegesis), there are times when we need to read into it as literal, symbolic, metaphoric & as hyperbole. But I've also heard this said before:

"Scripture will interpret Scripture"

For as much as I believe that to be true, can you tell me in your own words what exactly that phrase means? I tend to use it alot......but not knowing fully what that means when we say, "Scripture will interpret Scripture"

Thanks,

Primo

Answer 1

"Scripture will interpret Scripture"



Another way of putting this is "Expositional Constancy".



Here is an example. Jesus told the parable of The Sower, and in a rare moment, He also gave the interpretation. Jesus also said something quite provocative. He said, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?"



In other words, the interpretation of various items in this parable, would apply also to others--ie "The Seed" is the Word of God, "The Soil" is the individual heart, "Birds" are evil minions (later needed for Kingdom parables), etc.



Over the years I have generated a list of such idioms here...

http://www.schneblin.com/studies/pdfs/deciphering_the_code.pdf



Jesus used scripture from the Tonakh to show the role of Messiah. When you study the passage in depth, there is even more to the application than what you see on the surface. Here is a great example...

http://www.schneblin.com/studies/pdfs/the_brazen_serpent.pdf



Also realize that those who do not understand or cannot properly grasp the book of Revelation is because they do not realize that from chapter 4-22, the book of Revelation is no longer a New Testament book, but an Old Testament book Without a firm grasp of Old Testament terminology and comparison, you essentially would be lost in your own private interpretation, which is condemned in 2 Peter 1:20.

http://www.schneblin.com/studies/pdfs/introduction_to_revelation.pdf



Not comparing scripture with scripture in personal Bible study is why the JWs, LDS and SDA fall into such error. One needs to be like the Bereans and prove all teachings to see whether they be true or not. Comparing scripture with scripture is the key, because the Bible comes to us by 66 writers from the mind of One eternal God.

Answer 2

To add to some of the comments already written:



I believe part of what that means is not to always rely so much on our own interpretation of Scripture but let the Word speak to us.



Seven Christians can read the same passage and have a different interpretation - How is that possible?



We interpret based on our culture, the books we've read, the preachers we've listened to, our denomination, etc. Truly, the interpretation of Scripture should come from the Holy Spirit - we give more "opinions" of Scripture than listening to God. We even get insulted if people don't agree with what is so obvious in Scripture!



It's extremely important to have the revelation that "You may be wrong about your interpretation"...........

Answer 3

Good question. Basically that idea means that what is unclear in one part of Scripture may be explained by looking at another Scripture. We have to look at Scripture as a whole and not isolate one Scripture from another. Some Scriptures might give the impression that baptism is necessary for salvation (Acts 2:38. Mark 16:15) but by comparing that with other Scriptures (even in Acts (4:12; 13:48; 26:18) and others (Romans 3:22-24; Ephesians 2:8-9) etc. we clearly see that physical baptism cannot take away sin, only the death of Christ received by faith. The same can be said of believing in one God who eternally exists in three persons. Yes, we are monotheists, but that does not mean we reject the Trinity. It does compel us to reject polytheism and modalism (the belief that there in one God who expresses Himself in different modes (Monday: Father, Tuesday: Son, Wednesday: Holy Spirit. etc).

This method of Scripture study also believes that the best commentary on Scripture is Scripture.

Answer 4

The saying is the best way to test other verses that may not always make sense. If one takes a broad view of a scripture such as the virgin birth in Isaiah, one can view that in many ways. However that view must be limited because the verse is quoted in Matthew 1:23 and the meaning is revealed. This is an example of using scripture to interpret scripture. It is allowing the word of God to teach us about the word of God. This enables us to understand passages and prophecy and also to understand what has been fulfilled and what has yet to come to pass.

Answer 5

One Biblical Concept will validate the other clearly that's exegesis... Isogesis of scripture means you are placing your own Spin on it. Example: Leviticus 19:16, 2nd Samuel 14:14 in the Old Testament and add Acts 10:34 in the New is one concept and Is Exegesis. Isegesis you read it and then say, well, that's not what it means.

Answer 6

Jesus said , "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also" (John 14:7).



"Scripture will interpret Scripture" just means that the Word of God speaks for itself. Add nothing, and take nothing away. It is essential to develope "scripture literally".



I hate it when a minister makes a bold statement, stretching bible words into a more extrordinary statement that "MIGHT" be inspired by the Holy Spirit (or not).



I believe He can inspire new thoughts that springboard from scriptures, but these "feelings inspired" resumtions are NOT scriptural.



One must recognize that what a passage means is fixed by the author, or the inspiring Holy Spirit, and is NOT subject to "alteration" by we, the readers.



Meaning is determined by the author, or the inspiring Holy Spirit; it is only discovered by we, the readers.



No verse of Scripture can be divorced from the verses around it.



Interpreting a verse apart from its context is like trying to analyze a painting by looking at just one single square inch of the painting.



The context is absolutely critical to properly interpreting Bible verses



The word "method" comes from the Greek word methodos, which literally means "a way or path of transit."



Methodology in Bible study is therefore concerned with "the proper path to be taken in order to arrive at Scriptural truth."



Scripture yields two basic principles for its own interpretation.



The first is that the proper, natural sense of each passage!



Scripture statements must be interpreted in the light of the rules of grammar and discourse on the one hand, and of their own place in history on the other.



The 2nd is the point you brought up. "Scripture will interpret Scripture"!!!



The Reformers termed this principle the "analogy of Scripture".



Is the creation description, flood and whale analogy, parable, or "historical documents" as they called TV shows on Tim Allen's sci fi film "Space Quest".



The Westminster Confession states: “The infallible rule of interpretation of scripture is the scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any scripture, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.”

Answer 7

Scripture does not say one thing in the old testament and something else in the new testament. The old must be interpreted through the new while the new does not contradict the old. The Bible is a complete book giving all the knowledge required for humankind to be saved. I hope this helps.

Answer 8

Primo, another similar phrase is to look at the obscure passage in the light of what the more clear teaching of Scripture is.



For example, we know from the Bible that God never changes, so when we read in Noah's time that the Lord was sorry he had made man since man did only evil continually, we are not to build a whole theology on that Genesis verbiage (as some have done, i.e. the "openness of God theology"). We are to understand that in passages such as these, God (through his human agents) is using terms we understand.



Does this example get to what you're looking for?

Answer 9

By heck, some of your respondents write faster than superman - next time I look someone will have written an entire book in the space of five minutes! Hee hee!



Re: Scripture will interpret scripture - I think it's analogous to the 'room of requirement' in the Harry Potter stories - go to the scriptures with your questions and your needs, and they will guide you - 'accommodate you' - accordingly.



The same line of scripture can mean so very many things to so very many readers, yet still be true, divinely inspired and filled with the 'breath' of God.



Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (not the precise wording - from memory).



oty

Answer 10

Just as you have a history, present and future, so does the Bible. It is all about one thing, Jesus. So even though we don't fully understand why it is so, Scrpiture can interpret Scripture because it is all on one mind. Who can explain any event better but the one who saw it all. God sees things we do not, told of things we have not yet seen. He will show it all to us one day, but it is not our right to know the whole story yet. Only his, because it is his story. I hope you understand where I'm coming from with this answer.

Answer 11

It means that you can't take just one verse and use it to build a complete doctrine. Basically, if you read a verse or passage that isn't fully clear, read the context. Read the chapters before and after it. Use cross-references to other passages in the Bible that speak of the same topic. That's what it means - it means that if you examine all the verses in the Bible on a given topic you will get a full picture of what they mean. Make sense?

Answer 12

I like what Kait said. The entire time reading all of these answers, I had the words "Cross reference" in my mind. For the entire word of God is like a big puzzle in a way..it all comes together. And it is good to study its entirety, with cross referencing other verses that go along with the verse you read- and of course to stay in context of what you are reading, VERY important. I have this Study Bible, and it is actually written in order...so it gives you more understanding of the time periods, and like for instance when Paul was traveling and evangelizing-- I will be reading 2 Thessalonians and then it will show me Acts right away to show me that was the same time period when he wrote some letters to Thessalonica ( So then it will just bring it all together) But we should always pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us, sometimes I will read something and feel as if I learned nothing- other times I will jump for joy because I learned something I never saw there before. It is crucial to be in a good bible teaching church as well, who leans on the Holy Spirit to teach, and one that does not defer from the Bible (like a pastor who goes off on his own conclusions or thoughts without bringing the Bible into it)

And last but not least, we should study the word of God on our own as well, at home! Everyday! Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is here to lead us into all truth....therefore we must pray for HIS wisdom, and understanding--and bible study books are also good- infact Bible study is good! I need to get back into Bible study at church.

Answer 13

Scripture in interprets Scripture is shown in things like Peter explaining what the prophet Joel had spoken. It is in agreement with itself and not contradictory. And confirms what it says it true.

Answer 14

As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches by first filtering it through what we know the Bible teaches on the subject at hand.

Chain reference Bibles are very good for doing a thorough study on one topic at a time.

Answer 15

The key is context. Context with the overall theme of the Bible (every verse is about Jesus and His salvation is a free gift and only by grace). And context with the surrounding verses.



If you don't apply that to every verse you read, then you will misinterpret.

Answer 16

To help your understanding let me give you an example.



Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.



Matthew 7:24,25 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who build his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat on that house; it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.



We build the church on the rock by listening to the directions of the Lord Jesus Christ to build the house ie the church so that it is He who build His church as its Head and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it..



God bless you.

Answer 17

The bible is full of crap that people don't agree with, so they look for loopholes in other texts - and always find them.



Scripture will interpret scripture merely describes the Christian ability to twist any bible text until it is telling them exactly what they want to hear.



...and the next day they can reinterpret the same text until it says exactly the opposite and they won't even notice the contradiction.



Isn't God amazing?



*

Answer 18

I'm careful when adopting unBiblical phrases to apply to my understanding of the Bible.



If all scripture interpreted scripture, then carry around with you the Book of Jasher, Jubilees, and Enoch. Because they are mentioned in scripture.



If you don't have a problem with those books, then your interpretation suits you. If you do have a problem with those books, then perhaps that phrase will not work in all cases.

Answer 19

This is too hard to discuss theoretically. Applied practically, it clarifies that the Savior is named YAHOSHUA (and no other name will help) That the 7th day is still the Sabbath. That unclean foods are still unclean. That there is no place of perpetual torment. That baptism follows teaching, and is to be done by immersion.- thus sprinkling of infants is ridiculous.

Answer 20

It means that when a sentence or idea in the bible seems like it is unintelligible babble, which should be just about every sentence, that you can find another part of the scripture which you can reference to twist the words aroud to fit the meaning you are trying to come up with.

Answer 21

it means



don't read one verse and listen to it alone



read it all and it will come together nicely

Answer 22

Interpret the bible to suit your own view - this is exactly what Christians seem to do anyway. This is why there are so many denominations with so many different interpretations.

Answer 23

The doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible means that the Bible in the original documents is God-breathed, that it is a divine product, and, because it is divine, the original documents are inerrant. The copies of those documents are not inspired. We have copies of inspired documents.



2 Tim. 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." Paul who wrote this epistle was obviously referring to the entirety of the Old Testament as being inspired. The word "inspired" is literally "God-breathed." This is an interesting phrase, since it implies that the Scriptures are from the mouth of God. Likewise, Peter says in 2 Pet. 1:21, "for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." Notice that Peter is stating that prophecy is not the product of human will. Instead, prophecy occurs by those moved by the Holy Spirit.



Furthermore, we can easily see that the Old Testament Scriptures are full of statements and phrases claiming to be the Word of God.



"Thus says the Lord" occurs 418 times in the NASB, 413 in the KJV

Exodus 4:22, "Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the Lord, 'Israel is My son, My first-born.'"

1 Kings 11:31, "And he said to Jeroboam, 'Take for yourself ten pieces; for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes.'"

Isaiah 7:7, "thus says the Lord God, 'It shall not stand nor shall it come to pass.'"

"God said" occurs 46 times in both the NASB and the KJV

Genesis 1:3, "Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light."

Exodus 3:14, "And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent me to you."

Exodus 6:2-3, "God spoke further to Moses and said to him, 'I am the Lord; and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, Lord, I did not make Myself known to them.'"

God spoke through prophets

1 Kings 14:18, "And all Israel buried him and mourned for him, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through His servant Ahijah the prophet."

2 Sam. 24:11-12, "When David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, 12 'Go and speak to David, Thus the Lord says, "I am offering you three things; choose for yourself one of them, which I may do to you."'"

Zech. 7:7, "Are not these the words which the Lord proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous with its cities around it, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?"

The Spirit of the Lord spoke through people

2 Sam. 23:2, "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue."

1 Kings 22:24, "Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, 'How did the Spirit of the Lord pass from me to speak to you?'"

2 Chron. 20:14, "Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; 15 and he said, 'Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's.'"

As you can see, the Old Testament Scriptures are clearly full of statements showing the inspiration of God through the writers. The Old Testament assumes and speaks from the perspective of divine inspiration. Should we do any less?



What about the New Testament?

We see that the Old Testament is repeatedly spoken of as being inspired via the numerous references cited above, but what about the New Testament? Are the New Testament books inspired as well?



The Christian church has always considered the New Testament documents to be inspired. Though in the early church there were some debates on which New Testament books to include in the Bible, God worked through the Christian church to recognize those inspired works. Therefore we now have 27 inspired books for the New Testament.



In 1 Cor. 14:37 Paul said, "If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment." In 2 Pet. 3:16 Peter said, "as also in all [Paul's] letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction." Also, Jesus said in John 14:26, "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." This means that the Lord has commissioned the apostles to accurately record what Jesus had said because the Holy Spirit would be working in them.



So, we can see that Jesus promised direction from the Holy Spirit, that Paul considered what he wrote to be the commands of God, and that Peter recognized Paul's writings as Scripture. In addition, since the Christian Church recognizes the 27 books of the New Testament are inspired, and since we see internal claims of inspiration in the New Testament, we conclude that inspiration applies to the New Testament documents as well.







Objections



Inspiration violates free will.

Inspiration does not violate free will. What if the person through whom God is working has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and desires to have the Lord speak through him? Would this negate the ability of God to inerrantly speak through such a person? Would it also mean that the person has no free will if he has voluntarily subjected his will to the will of God?

Certainly, God has the ability to work through individuals to bring them to a place where they can record inerrant statements. Cannot God manifest himself to someone, deliver to him a verbal message, and have that person record it? Would that statement not be inspired of God?

Prov. 21:1,"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever He wishes." This verse clearly states that God is able to work through an individual's "free will" to bring about what God desires.

What about the numerous contradictions in the Bible?

It is true that there are difficulties with in the Word of God. But these are due to copying errors through the centuries. As more and more historical, archaeological, and manuscript evidence is uncovered, the fewer Bible difficulties there are. Nevertheless, for an examination of answers to the alleged Bible contradictions, please see Bible Difficulties.

The manuscript evidence doesn't support inerrancy of the originals.

This is a subjective conclusion. The more I have studied about the ancient manuscripts, the more I have concluded that the original documents were indeed inspired and inerrant.

The logical implication of the statements within the Bible is that they are inerrant since they claim to be offered from God. They either are or are not inspired of God. If they are not, then their claims of speaking for God are lies.

Inspiration applies to scripture, not people.



God works sovereignly through people to inspire his documents. It is the people whom God indwells with his spirit and it is the people who are inspired by God to write his word. If inspiration only refers to Scripture, and somehow means that people are not themselves inspired, the Scriptures are still God-breathed and necessarily inerrant.