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Date:         Tue, 26 Jan 1993 19:22:25 EST
Reply-To:     timk@ycrdi.com
From:         Tim King <timk@MFC.YCRDI.COM>
Subject:      Re: Principles of Interpretation?

Two resources I can recommend are

  (1) A booklet published by InterVarsity Press entitled
      _ How To Study The Bible _

  (2) A book called _ Scripture Twisting _ (I don't know the author off
      the top of my head.)

These resources actually explain principles that, IMO, should be used in
interpreting any text, canonical or otherwise.


The following is a brief summary of (1), with my own personal comments
added:

The Bible is historical.  It was written in a different time and place,
and in order to understand it, we must understand the original recipients.
We often need to find information regarding about their history, culture,
geography, and problems.  Sometimes this information can be gleaned
from other Bible passages, but one should also have good reference
materials handy.  A Bible dictionary or encyclopedia can be invaluable.
There are many good commentaries available as well, but it is often
best to study the scripture yourself before resorting to one.

The Bible was written in a different language as well.  It has been
translated into English by skilled biblical scholars, and the text we have
today is no doubt extremely close to that of the original manuscripts.
This statement applies especially to the New Testament.  There are
three types of Bible translations:  Literal (NASB, RSV, NKJV), Dynamic-
equivalence (NIV, NEB), and Free (Living Bible, New Testament in Modern
English).

Literal translations use the original wording wherever possible, and often
sound awkward in English.  Dynamic-equivalence translations are
"phrase-by-phrase" translations that are accurate, yet readable.  Free
translations are written to sound as if the Bible were written in the
20'th century, and, as a result, the exact meaning suffers.  Each one of
these types has advantages and disadvantages.

We must also learn how to read literature, as the Bible itself is
literature.  This can be accomlished by
  (1) identifying the type of literature you're studying,
  (2) getting an overview of the entire book,
  (3) studying the book passage by passage,
  (4) being sensitive to the mood of the book or passage, and
  (5) comparing your answers with one or two good commentaries.

Perhaps the most important rule of biblical interpretation is to let
the Bible speak to you.  Don't begin with a preconceived notion and
try to get the Bible to agree with you.  Enjoy exploring the various
possibilities of what the intended meaning is, but always do so with
an open mind.

After understanding the message the Bible writers were trying to get
across, we can then apply this message to our own lives.  This should
always be done carefully and prayerfully.  Meditating on the word of
God is invaluable in understanding its intricacies, and its application
to our lives can only enhance our existence.

-TimK

--
Tim King                  <>    |-_       A poorly-documented feature is not
timk@ycrdi.com            |     |  |      really there.  A poorly-documented
Young Chang R&D Inst.     | >  <>  |      limitation is far too present.
Makers of Kurzweil Music  |/      <>
Systems technology              *** Original material (C) 1992 J. T. King ***
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU