BARK OF INTERPRETATION

2 Peter 1:16-21
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.


Have you heard of Bowlingual? It's a new gadget that lets dog owners know what their pooch is proclaiming. An 8cm microphone transmits his barks and growls to a palm-size console.

The computerized console interprets the noises and classifies the sounds into emotional categories. Messages are then spelled out on the screen for the pet owner to read.

Here's a sampling: "I am sad." "I want to play." "I am super angry."

Is this gadget needed? If Balto scratches at the door or brings you his leash, I think you know what he wants.

From the bark of interpretation, let's move on to the art of biblical interpretation. We don't need some techno-gizmo to understand specific passages of Scripture. The following two tasks will get us there:

1. Exegesis: We have to carefully, systematically study a portion of the Bible to discover its original, intended meaning. This entails asking the following questions:

What was the time and culture of the author and his readers? What was the occasion and purpose for the book? What's the point of every paragraph, sentence, phrase, and word? What is he saying and why is he saying it here?

2. Hermeneutics: We need to figure out what--if anything--the text is saying to Christians today. This includes: Using a good Bible translation, not a paraphrase, as your primary study source. Determining the context of the text. Understanding that the different types of Bible books--narrative, poetry, epistles, apocalyptic--have their own rules for interpretation. Applying the practices and principles meant for believers of this age.

This probably sounds super difficult. Let's take a look at three kinds of books that will help you study the Book: 1. A good Bible dictionary. 2. A good Bible handbook. 3. Some good commentaries.

After you have read and reread the passage you're striving to interpret--beginning your exegesis, use these sources to continue your exegesis, and head into hermeneutics.

This isn't as easy as reading a palm-size console, but good interpretation of the Bible will open up a world of true biblical meaning to you. --Tom Felten

DESTINATION POINTS

* Why is it so important to learn to interpret Scripture correctly?
* How can I begin to go deeper in my study of the Bible?

bottom line: True interpretation leads to true application.

soul journey