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Study and Interpretation of the Bible

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 8.

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Study and Interpretation of the Bible

By M. G. CONGER

M. G. CONGER
In the study of the Word of God, certain underlying principles present themselves to the mind of the reader. The Bible is an inspired book, “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” Heb. 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:15, 16. Being of divine authorship, it does not contradict itself, but is consistent in every particular. John 1:1, 14; Heb. 13:8; Mal. 3:6. Since this Book teaches but one view regarding each subject considered, we must conclude that the fact that different individuals base opposing views upon its contents does not prove the Bible to be contradictory, but demonstrates the erring, finite side of human nature. 2 Peter 1:20; Rom. 8:7; 3:4. Every important Christian doctrine taught in the Bible is clearly explained by various references giving every necessary detail. Isa. 28:9, 10; Luke 24:27. The Word of God is the standard by which we shall be judged in the day of final reckoning; therefore doctrines which we advocate should be tested by it. James 2:8-12; 1 Thess. 5:21; Isa. 8:20.
Every Christian is exhorted to “study” and “search” the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15, first part; John 5:39), and a blessing is pronounced upon those who thus seek diligently for its hidden treasures. Rev. 1:3; Luke 11:28; Ps. 1:1, 2. Would you have success in your labor for the salvation of souls? Study the Bible, for “then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:6, 7, 8; Ps. 1:3, last part. This Book of God directs the learner along the paths of knowledge, and those who heed its precepts become “wise unto salvation.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

Bible Interpretation

There is a right and a wrong method in Bible interpretation. That some follow the wrong method is evident from the words found in 2 Peter 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:8, 9; 2 Cor. 2:17. A warning is given to this class of Bible students in Matt. 15:9, 13; Rev. 22:18, 19, and the result of pursuing this method of study is failure in the Christian life, and eternal death at last.
In speaking of the right method of Scripture interpretation the Lord directs that care be taken to “give the sense.” Neh. 8:8; 2 Tim. 2:15. The consistent student of the Word of God must have a desire to know the truth (John 3:21; 8:31, 32), a love for the truth (Ps. 51:6), a willingness to learn the truth (John 7:17), and ability to tell the truth (2 Tim. 2:2). This method of study will bring to the student Heaven’s approval (Gen. 39:2-5; Dan. 5:22-28; 10:19), and success in service (Joshua 1:7, 8). Then, if one would interpret Scripture correctly, he must read the context; ascertain the meaning of the words in English at the time the Bible was first printed, and, if possible, study them in the original text; read all related scriptures; and constantly keep in mind the general trend of Bible teaching.
Take, for example, Isa. 2:3, 4: “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” A cursory reading of this scripture would lead one to think that the prophet is predicting a time of peace and safety, but a careful consideration of the context shows that it is not the Lord but “many people” who say these things will take place.
James 1:13-15 declares that God tempts no man, but in Gen. 22:1 it is plainly stated that “God did tempt Abraham.” A comparison with the American Revised Version shows that in this case to tempt meant to prove, and so God did not tempt Abraham in the common meaning of that word, but “proved” him. Ex. 15:25; 16:4.
Rev. 20:10 declares that the wicked will be tormented forever, but this text studied in comparison with Matt. 13:40; Obadiah 16; Job 20:5-8; Ps. 37:20; 47:3-5; and Mal. 4:1-3, gives a true, well-balanced knowledge of the destiny of the wicked.
In Luke 14:26 we read: “If any man . . . hate not his father, and mother.” What does the word hate mean to you? Why, the opposite of love, but the general trend of Bible teaching is not to this end. We are admonished: “Honor thy father and thy mother;” “Let love be without dissimulation;” “Love thy neighbor as thyself;” “Beloved, let us love one another.” Read in this connection 1 John 3:15; 4:16-21. From the general trend of these scriptures one sees that Luke 14:26 does not and cannot mean hate as we know the meaning of the word, nor as John knew it. In the primitive English this word meant “to love less.”
Washington (D. C.) Missionary College.