It is so bewildering that so many people misuse and misquote Scripture. When reading an ordinary textbook, a science book, a novel or some other book, people would somehow generally agree what that particular book means but when it comes to the Bible, a lot of confusion is generated and a lot of people claim that only they have the correct interpretation of Scripture. Surely, God is not the author of confusion!
Pretext - Text without Context
"A text without context is pretext" so said one of my professors in Biblical Studies. This is a good reminder that if someone quotes Scripture without considering its surrounding context, then the quoted part of Scripture must have been quoted in pretext. This means that, that someone is misusing that part of Scripture without really understanding the surrounding background behind the quote. Oftentimes, a part of Scripture is quoted with an already-formed conclusion in mind. The Scripture is only used to support a preconceived idea and it's not really what that part of Scripture is really saying.
The Surrounding Context
One of the most important lessons -- a basic lesson for students of Bible interpretation -- is the matter of considering the surrounding context of that part of Scripture which is being quoted. It is a must -- if we are to accurately interpret Scripture -- not to lift Scripture out of its surrounding context. Let me discuss two points here: 1) the immediate context and, 2) the larger context.
Proper Interpretation -- Common Sense
A good interpretation is one that makes sense -- common sense -- of the text quoted. It normally doesn't need to be explained by other books of the Bible. It makes sense right within its immediate context and larger context.
Immediate Context
Immediate context means that we have to check and consider one or two verses before the quoted text and also consider one or two verses after the quoted text to find out what is being talked about. Check its immediate background -- immediate context. It should make good sense -- common sense -- to the text. Oftentimes, the immediate context will help clarify the verse under discussion and there is no need to quote other books of Scripture to help explain the verse. The immediate context explains itself. It should fit. It should make sense.
The Larger Context
Sometimes, if we have some difficulty understanding the immediate context, the larger context will help us greatly in our understanding of the text under discussion. This means that aside from checking the verses before and the verses after the text in question (immediate context), we also need to go backwards several chapters and forwards several chapters to get the "larger context." We can broaden our search for understanding by reading the whole book if need be. "That's the larger context." And then, go to other books of the Bible related to the topic under discussion if need be.
Don't just interpret Scripture with just one verse without considering its immediate and larger contexts. This will help us become more accurate in our understanding and interpretation of Scripture.
Read Through the Books
Do not just rely on the interpretations of your pastor or others. Read the Bible yourself. It is also good to read through the books of the Bible. And as you read, here's an important reminder. In the original Bible or manuscripts of the Bible, there were no chapters and verses. The numbering system in the Bible was made by a monk during the early centuries to make it easy for us to use the Bible and that's good. But it can also confuse us if we're not aware of this information.
No Verses & Chapters in Original
For example, in the King James version of 1611, there is no paragraphing and it can be confusing at times to get the main thought -- context. In the New International Version on the other hand, there is paragraphing. It can be helpful but sometimes, because of where the paragraphs and chapters begin and end, it may convey a different meaning to the reader.
Get Main Thoughts and Ideas
Therefore, try to figure out where it makes good sense of the text. Make it a habit to read through the books of the Bible and get the main thoughts and ideas. Use common sense where chapters and paragraphs should begin and end. Just read through the books and you'll be surprised! And don't be afraid to consult Bible scholars and all available helps. They can help greatly too.
Who is Jesus Christ? - the Rule of Faith
And lastly and most importantly, I have learned that in order to properly interpret Scripture, it is the truth about Jesus Christ and who we are in him that should guide our interpretation of Scripture. If the truth about Jesus Christ is negated by one's interpretation, then that interpretation must be in error and not in accordance with the Bible. In the light of the whole revelation of Scripture about who Jesus is -- that is how we should interpret Scripture.
Let us pray that the Lord will guide us into all truth (John 16:13 ).
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