Bible Interpretations
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Typical Question
Typical Question
Are There Different Interpretations of The Bible?
Introduction: This is NOT an effort to disqualify the English language concerning the Word of God. There are many English translations and we would want you to know there are differences and that the King James Version has been recognized as the most literally accurate English version and based on the most reliable original sources.
Translations: The English version of the King James and New King James Bible was translated from the oldest original Greek and Hebrew texts. This large group of 47-60 very experienced leading scolar translators produced the most accurate literal version of the English language Bible. Even though in some minor cases both have used some words and phrases that may not be the best representation of the original text, you can rest assured their intrepretation is not grossly lost. In 1604, England's King James I authorized a new translation of the Bible for the Church of England aimed at settling some thorny religious differences he considered in his kingdom and to solidifying his own power. King James I gave instructions to ensure episcopal structure and his belief in ordained clergy. The Old Testament was translated from the Hebrew language while the New Testament was translated from the Greek language. The King James version is considered the most accurate, but for many it is sometimes difficult to read and comprehend. For this reason, the New King James text was used here in 30MinuteBibleStudy.org. Without getting into endless details, the other English translations are NOT recommended. The King James Bible has a lot of similarity to the Geneva Bible of which its translators died to preserve the Geneva Bible.
The King James Bible version (KJV) is considered to be the most accurate english translation, however it too is considered to have some very minor insignificant interpretation questions and mostly with choice and selection of some words. Some English tranlations have serious problems with choices of words, phrases and sentences. The following KJV translated words are some examples of minor choices:
Exodus 12:35 In this verse, consider the word is not "borrowed" it is really "asked". A minor difference.
More examples to come.
The Word of God in the original language, is the most accurate source for the Bible. Translators and so called theologians, no matter how smart they claim to be, chose to translate words, sentences and meanings in different ways. With the King James version as the most accurate bench mark, the following verse of 2 Tim. 2:15 is a clear interpretation sample as compared to a few other common Bible interpretation versions:
King James version: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
New King James version: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
New International version (NIV): Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
New American Standard: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
Amplified Bible version: Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.
Amplified Bible, Classic edition version: Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
New Revised Standard Version, Catholic version: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
Living Bible version: Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means.
Parallel Reference Bibles: As can be seen there are differences. Although you get most of what the verse means, which version you study can influence you to what the interpreters perceived differently. So if you are not willing to change to the KJV or the NKJV it is recommend you get a parallel version with the KJV on the side of your translation so you can compare translations as you study.
Interpretation of Subjects/Issues: Are there many interpretations of the Bible? Unfortunately yes there are . . . even some prople or groups interpretations are outright deceptive, others are suttle and some are for selfish gains and power. But we would have you to know this, the Bible is its own best interpreter, by connecting Bible verse to verse and comparing scripture with scripture. Search the Bible verses, connect and compare and the truth comes out. When searching, slow down and use a Bible with many cross references to find applicable scripture verses. An example of how the Bible can teaches us how it interpretates itself is as follows:
"interpretations belong to God" (Gen 40:8) 8 “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
"searched the Scriptures", study - 10 the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. (Acts 17:10-12)
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15, KJV)
Apostle Paul-God's Mysteries (secrets) :
"rightly dividing the Word of Truth" - The Bible is its own best interpreter by using thorough verse to verse cross reference studying and also according to the Apostle Paul's "rightly dividing the Word of Truth". (2 Timothy 2:13) Once you have gathered enough applicable scripture verses concerning a particular issue, you must "rightly divide the Word of Truth" and consider the following factors: to who was or is this teaching direct to and what, when, where and why.
“What do you mean by Rightly Dividing?” A good Biblical comparison is found in Israel’s approach to God for salvation in Exodus 40 versus Paul’s gospel in I Corinthians 15:1-4. In Exodus we have an altar, animal sacrifice, and an instrument for carrying it out. By contrast after Christ resurrection, the simple plan of salvation for us today is found in I Corinthians, we must believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For another example, read Peter’s gospel for Israel in Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Compare again to Paul’s Gospel to the church today, I Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and Rom 10:8-13 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” You cannot mix these! This is rightly dividing according to II Timothy 2:15!!
"dispensation of the fullness of times" - Lets look at God's dispensation and the big picture of human history of God revealing His will and mysteries. Eph 1:10 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. Also; Eph 3:2-7 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
Pay particular attention that God does something different as human history rolls along. Notice the changes God implements for each period of human history. There was a significant change when Adam and Eve was sent out of the Garden of Eden, a change occured with the flood, another major change occured after the Tower of Babel, another change occured with Moses and yes the Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice set in motion with the Apostle Paul a change we have during the Body of Christ period (the Church). So carefully notice, that there are no contradictions, just a change in the situation. Certain things applied then and due to certain events they no longer apply. However some things still do apply. So recognize God's progressive Biblical revelations which is according to the Apostle Paul's "rightly dividing the word of truth" in IITimothy 2:13 .
In order to more fully understand "studying" along with "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" and "dispensation of the fullness of times", the following short video lessons will show scripture is divided into periods from the beginning to the end of the Word of God (the Bible):
"rightly dividing the Word of Truth" Timeline (18-2-1)
rightly dividing human history & scripture verses
Literal Meaning verses Alegorical Theroies: Literally, does the Bible mean what it says and says what it means, you better believe it does! Pay particular attention to who was the scripture written to, what was the subject matter, when was the scripture happening, where did the subject matter take place and why was the scripture presented. The Bible has many specific records of events and can be used to teach us of God, and His truths, morals and ethics. Keep studying and repeat lessons, not to potentially get a different meaning, but because of distractions and with increased understanding you will pickup on something you missed. Meditate on this, repeat and repeat for the mind of Christ to sink in and become part of you.
1 Cor. 4: 6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. (bold shown only for emphasis)
Symbolism: While the Bible uses some symbolism throughtout the Bible, there are also three Bible books which uses a lot of symbolism; Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation. However the whole Bible is not symbolism, so much of the Bible literally says what it means and means what it says.
Again, be careful of alegorical theroies that were started and introduced by the so called "early church fathers" 200 years after the Apostles. They developed and introduced abstract concepts and what they think are hidden meanings of scripture. Yes, we can apply scripture as lessons for our learning, however don't fall for alegorical therories to take the place of scripture, people and events.
Stories/Parables: Isn't the Bible just stories? Yes there are stories in the Bible. However most of the Bible is not a story; it contains history, lessons written to learn from, commands to live by, etc. For various reasons the Lord Jesus Christ sometimes taught using parables (stories) to enable people to more easily comprehend God's truth about life, salvation, morals and ethics.
Prophecy: There's also prophecy, to prove God (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the way, truth and the life, the prophets accurately foretold the future. "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21)
"rightly divide the Word of Truth" Explained
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"rightly divide the Word of Truth" Detailed
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