Bible Interpretation New Testament. The principles of interpretation of the Bible (4 gold rules of the reader). Cultural or universal truth

"(Interpretation of the Bible), was published edited by prof. (1852-1904). The first twelve edition went to S. Petersburg, from 1904 to 1913, in the form of a free app to the magazine "Wanderer". Every year it was printed one by one, and in 1912 and 1913 - two volumes.

The beginning of the publication of the "explanatory Bible" was announced in the October issue of the "Wanderer" for 1903. In the abstract of the upcoming edition, in particular, it was said that starting to this publication, the editors believed that she was going towards the most persistent and urgent need of our clergy and the whole society. Every year the Bible is increasingly distributed in society, and in the clergy, and not far at the time when it becomes a desk book in every pious home. To give the shepherds of the Church, as well as all generally lovers of reading the Word of God, allowance for the correct understanding of the Bible, the acquisition and protection of truth from distorting with its false teachers, as well as a guide to the understanding of many unclear places in it - this is the purpose of this publication. "

"The Cleaner Bible" is, in this way, it does not constitute a strict scientific publication, for the desire of the authors to the spiritual editing of readers, as well as the desire to refresh the authenticity of the Bible with reference to the data of positive science. The ratio of a scientific and spiritual and educational approach, as well as the level of comments, differ from the book to the book, for the writing of them participated a large number of different in their scientific levels and the vision of the problems of the authors.

Work on the supplement Bible began under the editors of Professor Alexander Pavlovich Lopukhin. But, unfortunately, Alexander Pavlovich died at the dawn of creative forces in August 1904 and his successors continued to work on this unique edition. The last Tom managed to get out less than a year before the First World War.

The death of a scientist, fortunately, did not lead to the termination of its main publishing projects. Continued by successors A.P. Lopukhina Edition of the "explanatory Bible" ended in 1913. For ten years, twelve volumes were published, consistently offering the reader comments and the interpretation of biblical texts on all books of the Old and New Testament.

Alexander Pavlovich Lopukhin himself managed to prepare only a comment on the pentateuch of Moiseevo, who was the first volume of the "explanatory Bible." Starting from the historical books of the Old Testament of the Bible (Book of Joshua Navina, judges, Ruth, the books of kingdoms), the work took over the outstanding Russian biblebists, Professor of the Kiev Spirit, Professor Alexander Alexandrovich Glagolov, Professor of St. Petersburg Theological Academy Fyodor Gerasimovich Eleonsky, Professor of the Kazan Spiritual Academy of Vasily Ivanovich Protopopov, Professor of the St. Petersburg Spiritual Academy Ivan Gavrilovich Troitsky, Professor Archimandrite (subsequently Bishop) Joseph, Master of theology, Petrovsky, Professor of the Kiev Spiritual Academy, Professor Vasily Nikanovich Muscinov, Professor Moscow Academy Alexander Ivanovich Pokrovsky, Professor of the Kiev Spiritan Academy Mikhail Nikolayevich Skaballanovich, teacher of the Moscow spiritual seminary Nikolai Petrovich Rozanov, teacher of the St. Petersburg seminary Pavel Smaragdovich Tychinin, Priest Dmitry Christmas, N. Abolelensky, Priest Mikhail Fewansky, Ph.D. Familic, Archpriest Nikolai Orlov.

"Azbuka Faith" expresses appreciation to the publishing house "Dar" for the provided text of the interpretation of the "New Testament". Getting Started in 2005 to reprint of this classical labor of Lopukhin, the publishing house sought to offer his reader in a new, more convenient and corrected form. For this purpose, comments on this or that place of the Holy Scripture are followed directly behind the biblical text (in the original they are placed at the bottom of the page small, uncomfortable font). In an effort to preserve the text of the original in all the uniqueness, the editors eliminated only obvious flaws and typos, in large numbers of 1988, and reproduced in the Stockholm edition of 1988. Solid editing of the Greek and Latin words and expressions, in a large number of comments found in the text, Since in them, unfortunately, the number of errors initially exceeds any permissible measure. At the same time, in the new edition, it was decided to abandon the leading of the Hebrew words in their original writing and use Cyrillic transcription, if possible, the exact sound of the Words of the Hebrew language.

Moreover, an attempt was made to withdraw numerous (about 50,000) references to various sacred scriptures, occurring in the course of the comment, and correct the inaccuracy of the first edition of the explanatory Bible of Lopukhin (the number of which was very significant).

Thus, the interpretation of the Bible of the Lopukhin in the new edition is one of the best at the moment.

Hello, Brother Ivan!

I first had the same thing. But the more time I gave God: to the ministry and his word, the more understandable it became me. I wrote about this in the chapter "The Bible must be studied" my book "returning to the origins of Christian creed." To correctly understand the Bible, you need to follow certain rules when it is interpreted, which you can read by clicking on the link. However, knowing how important this question is, we grow up a little more about him.

Interpretation of the Bible - Not a simple matter. Scripture must be analyzed and understood in context. Today, many Christians have accustomed to pay attention to individual poems of the Bible and even often the doctrine is built on some unit text. However, often these poems talk about each other, if you look at them, taking into account the context of nearby chapters or messages in general. Previously, there was no division of texts on poems and chapters, they read by indivisible books (scrolls). Therefore, rarely on separate verses without taking into account the message accentuated. Also, when interpreting the Bible, it is necessary to take into account that these words were pronounced in a different historical setting. Gazettes of God spoke not only by future generations, but also directly to whom they turned. Real people spoke with real people in their language, taking into account their mentality, which inherent time and the terrain, and naturally understood each other. So, for us, for the correct understanding (interpretation) of the Bible, you need to be inserted into the nuances of their life and life as much as possible. And then much will become more understandable.

Therefore, my advice to you: seriously study the Bible, not forgetting to get acquainted with the history of the peoples, which she narrates. And at the same time, not "looping" on individual texts, but to look at them exclusively taking into account the context. And of course it prays before reading the Bible asking God to give wisdom to the interpretation of the Bible, understanding and memorizing his words.

Today, spiritual authorities of common churches argue that only them owns the right to interpret the Bible. They say, such an important thing as an understanding of the Scriptures is possible solely inside the church of its faithful holy subject. And of course, each confession believes that only their spiritual teachers are correctly interpreted by the Bible. The flock of these churches believes with its spiritual mentors that they exactly understand the word of God, and other Christian churches are mistaken. It turns out a strange picture: a lot of churches, in them, like a lot of positive "saints" people ... But they all interpret the Bible in different ways. It seems that it is not possible to understand the Holy Scripture in general, since so many educated theologians argue about his texts.

However, it is not. The whole thing is to the authority - in the arrangement of priorities. Not in vain Jesus warned to believe believers to be considered their true teacher and mentor (see Matt. 23 chapters) not any person (or a group of people), and directly God is his word. Then the believers studying the Bible would be difficult to knock off the way, since their spiritual mentors would not be an authority for them, but the Lord. Meanwhile, the interpretation of the Bible has taken "sinful" mortals, and other people recognized them with this right. As a result, different teachers took their flocks in different directions. Such a problem is not new for Christianity, she was inherent in the Jews. Remember how Jesus repeatedly reproached the spiritual mentors of the Jewish people (Pharisees, Saddukeev and scribes) for the fact that they misinterpret Scripture. Then (and so far) any Jew, expressing his idea about the teachings and the text of the Holy Scriptures, it was necessary to refer to the words of any famous rabbi. Does it remind you anything? Today, in common churches, it is also customary to quote Holy Fathers to confirm their statements about the teachings of the Bible. So it turns out that people themselves have little to delve into the essence of the Word of God, and they trust each of their spiritual mentors. It is also worth noting that both before and so far in Judaism there are many trends led by each of their teachers. In the New Testament mentioned Pharisees, Sadduki. Also in those days there were large religious groups of Zelotov and Isseys. So the division of denominations is not new to Christianity.

Meanwhile, both the Old Testament and the new were given not to teachers for teaching and interpretation to the flock, but a simple believer. The Word of God should have studied all - kings and ordinary people, including women and children. All this is clearly seen from the texts of the Old and New Testaments, which is considered in Chapter the Word of God you need to know. How to learn the sacred Scripture of the book "Returning to the origins of Christian creed"). The interpretation of the Bible is not a magical and esoteric secret maintenance, but the result of a simple knowledge of all the books of Scripture and analyzing their texts, taking into account the fact that to interpret the biblical controversial phrases must necessarily taking into account the context of the entire message, understanding that the Bible is united and can not contradict. That is, with an understanding of the Holy Scripture, it is extremely important that its texts in the interpretation did not conflict with his other texts. After all, the Bible isnun, and the author is one, "which has no change and shade of change" (Iac. 1:17).

Valery Tatarkin

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Tags: Understanding the Holy Scriptures, Interpretation of the Bible

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Title: Clear Bible. Old Testament and New Testament

About the book "The Cleaner Bible. Old Testament and New Testament »Alexander Lopukhin

"Clear Bible. The Old Testament and the New Testament "is a twelve work of the Russian Orthodox writer, Bibleist, the Theologian, the Translator, the researcher, as well as the interpreter of the Holy Scripture of Alexander Lopukhin. Easy and accessible written, this book explains the wonders described in the Bible and binds them to historical events. To date, the work was reissued more than 20 times.

The author of the book was born in the family of a priest. After graduating from the seminary, Alexander Lopukhin became a student of the Spiritual Academy of St. Petersburg. Two years he was a psaller at the Church of the Russian Embassy in New York. Then he returned to his homeland, defended his thesis and took up teaching and literary activities.

Critics note that each work of the writer is both literary and scientific value. So, in the book "The Cleaner Bible. The Old Testament and the New Testament "occurs incredibly deep understanding of biblical history. The writer proves that the stories about the creation of a person, the fall, the flood, the mixing of languages \u200b\u200bhave a real historical basis. This book provides many explanations of life, realities, the traditions of the time when the Bible was created. They help to understand the depth and meaning of the biblical scripture.

In addition, the creator of the work sought to explain those or other events of biblical history and from scientific positions, that is, with a loan to these modern author (ie, pre-revolutionary) biology, physics, geology, archeology, history and other sciences. However, it is worth remembering that, first of all, this book acts as a peculiar spiritual editing to the reader, and references to the sciences serve only the confirmation of the reliability of the stories presented in the Bible.

The author himself noted that this book is intended for a wide range of readers. After all, he believed that the biblical history would be the best "teacher" for every sensible person. The work was created in order to clarify particularly incomprehensible places in the Bible, as well as to avoid "lzetcott".

Please note that in the book of Alexander Lopukhin "The Cleaner Bible. The Old Testament and the New Testament "you will find wonderful Gustava Dore engravings - an unsurpassed masters of their business, whose works are decorated with many ancient works on history and religion.

On our site about LIFEINBOOKS.NET books you can download free without registering or reading the online book "Cleaner Bible. Old Testament and New Testament »Alexander Lopukhin in EPUB, FB2, TXT, RTF, PDF formats for iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle. The book will give you a lot of pleasant moments and the true pleasure of reading. You can buy the full version from our partner. Also, we will find the latest news from the literary world, find out the biography of your favorite authors. For beginner writers there is a separate section with useful advice and recommendations, interesting articles, thanks to which you yourself will be able to try your hand in literary skills.

Contains more than 20,000 high-quality notes and explanations concerning almost the entire spectrum of the text of the Holy Scriptures. Particular attention is paid to the interpretation of difficult places of the Bible. The educational bible with the comments of John Mc Arthur is a unique work that collected the studies of the Holy Scriptures, which Dr. MacArtur has been engaged in 30 years.

This translation of the Bible marked the special page in the history of the approximation of Russian-speaking people to the "verbs of eternal life", set forth in the Word of God. It is this text that is used in the Russian edition of the educational bible with comments Mc Arthur. It made many corrections on the text of the educational Bible with the comments of B. Getz, as well as corrections on the text of the Bible, published by the Missionary Union "Light in the East". In the above-mentioned editions of the Russian Bible, many inaccuracies and mechanical errors made in its first editions were eliminated.

The synodal translation is one of the best and most accurate, but there are many words and phrases in it, borrowed from other languages: Jewish, Aramaic and Greek - and, as a rule, difficult to understand the modern reader. These words and expressions are replaced with accurate equivalents or explained by the notes in the column of cross-referenced. Many old Slavonic words were replaced, which became the first edition of the synodal translation of the archaic.

Special design of the educational Bible is intended to improve understanding and encouraging to serious reflection on the sacred scriptures.

Thematic headlines help the reader easily navigate the text of the Bible on topics or the main storylines
Verse numbers are digrasted easily distinguished font
Italic They scored words or phrases that are not in the original and added by translators of the Bible for clarity and speech connectivity
Inclined Font in the New Testament highlighted quotes from the Old Testament
Prose combined into paragraphs, displaying text structure
Poetry is framed as poetic text, reflecting the poetic shape and beauty of verse in the original language
Direct speech is taken in quotes for greater clarity and expressiveness.
The punctuation marks are arranged in accordance with the general arch of the pantcutu rules of the modern Russian language, as far as it seemed possible due to the outdated system of proposals and vocabulary of the synodular text of the Bible

Not only interesting, but also the right ... The Bible is important not easy to read, but also correctly understand. Today we want to introduce you to the chapter from the book of Steve Kinnard.

Principles of interpretation of the Bible

"God's Word in the Bible, like a soul in the body." Peter Taylor Forsight, theologian Congregationist

When my family and I lived in Jerusalem during the year, I communicated with many archaeologists living there. I talked with a geologist who studied new tunnel data from Siliam. I spoke with the main archaeologist on the excavations of the Palestinian Caesarea. I talked with an archaeologist who oversawed work in Beth-Bus in the summer. Archaeologists often face difficulties in excavations. They find data in separate layers of land, which contradict already existing theses. When they fall into such a dead end, they have a tested method find a solution of the dilemma - dig deeper. In archeology, when you need an answer, you dig up deeper.

The same applies to the study of the Bible. When you find the material in the text that you do not understand - dig deeper. But what tools do we have to use to delve into the Bible? Below are four principles for interpretation (interpretation) of the Bible, which will help you delve into the text. To clarify these principles, examples are given. Pleasant dive!

The first principle of interpretation of the Bible:
Interpret the excerpt in the light of its context

An excerpt of Scripture should always be considered in its context. The elderly village preacher once told me: "An excerpt that escaped from context is an excuse" 1. You can prove anything, pulling out excerpts from context. Perhaps you heard a story about a person who told God that he would open the Bible and pushing his finger to three disboot. That they would not say those passages, a man was going to prove his faith in God, immediately obeying the three random passages. In the first attempt, his finger pointed to the passage, which says Judas "came out, went and walked." The second opened: "Go, and you do the same." The third attempt pointed out the sinister words: "What do you do rather than". Moral of this story: We "remove" yourself, pulling out the passages from the context.

Middle Context

When reading the passage, first of all, consider the passages directly surrounding the verse. This simple procedure will often help you understand the meaning of the verse. Isaiah 58:11 can be used to say that if a person is part of God's kingdom, his trouble will end. I heard the religious Israelis use similar verses, arguing that God himself found that the Israelites should control the territory of Palestine.

"The Lord will always lead you, he will satisfy your soul in the lands of dry and give strength, you will see the garden in water, as if the stream that never dries." 2.

But when you consider the direct context, you will see that this promise is based on the conditions set forth in verses 9B-10. Attentive reading the near context can help clarify this verse:

"You should no longer bring people to the troubles, should not blame others and say bitter words. You must feel compassion for hungry and give them bread, you have to help people who fell in misfortune, then your light will shine in the darkness, your sadness will pass, and you will shine like the midday sun. " (Isaiah 58: 9b-10)

Far context

"Far context" is the context of the entire Bible entirely. Think about how this passage or verse fits into its entire context. Verses 16-17 of the 4th chapter of the 1st Message to thesalonians often use as evidence that two resurrection will occur: one for the righteous and later another for wicked. They are also used as evidence that after the first resurrection, the remaining on Earth will face testing and disasters. However, it is necessary to consider the neighbor and far context of these poems.

In the near context, we see that Paul appeals to the question put forward by the early church about what would happen to their dead brothers and sisters. He says that at first they will be resurrected in Christ. Then everyone who is alive will be raised with them on the clouds. In other words, there will be one resurrection for the dead and living. First, the dead will be resurrected, then the living will be taken to meet God. Continuing reading the following verses (5: 1-3), we see that in the same "Day of the Lord" - "suddenly overstuting them (ie - wicked) death." In context, it is clear that the resurrection of the righteous and the court of wicked will occur on the same day, and that no one will remain on Earth. Now compare this passage with its remote context in the rest of the Bible. Describes the resurrection in John 5: 28-29 as a single resurrection and wicked and righteous. Jesus says:

"Do not be surprised to this, for the time is approaching when all those lying in the grave will hear the voice of the Son of Human and rise from their graves. Those who peered righteous affairs will resurrect for life, the same who chosen evil will rise to be judged "(John 5: 28-29)

The remote context of the feedback supports the assertion that there will be one resurrection, and not two. Therefore, the 1st Fassalonians 4: 16-17 should fit into the context of the rest of the Bible.

When we talk about the consideration of the Scripture in the light of the remote context, we advocate that Scripture interpreted by Scripture. Here are some basic principles:

No passage of scriptures can be interpreted so to contradict another. Always interpret the less clear passage in the light of more understandable.
Read the Bible a lot and explore it regularly so that you know its main ideas.
Perhaps the most important question that needs to be asked constantly when studying Scripture is a context question: "What does this passage mean in its context?" If you answer this question, the most difficult poems will become clear.

The second principle of interpretation of the Bible:
Interpret in accordance with the correct meaning of words

Words can have several values. For example, the word "heaven" can mean the sky above us, or imply an eternal house for righteous. To interpret the Scriptures correctly, we must understand the correct definition of words in the passage.

Unlawful change of concept

Matthew 24:34 - basic verse for understanding the teachings of Jesus about the end of time. If you carefully examine Matthew 24, you will see that Jesus responds to two questions: (1) What are the signs of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem; and (2) What will be the signs of the end of time? Jesus answers the first question and then moves to the answer to the second. Verse 34 This is the transition from the first question to the second. Jesus says: "True I say: all this will happen during the lifetime of this generation." "Generation" is a thirty-forty-year period. That is how this word is consistently used throughout the Bible. All signs that precede this verse - wars and military rumors, hunger and earthquakes - belong to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which occurred in the 70th year of our era.

Supporters of the theory of the thousand-year reign of Christ 3 include the aforementioned signs of the second issue of the end of times. They constantly monitor political events around the world, trying to predict when Jesus appears and establish what they call him the "millennial kingdom" on earth. However, 34 verse creates a problem. If the signs preceding 34 verses belong to the generation of the first students, they cannot be applied by the end of the time. Therefore, they gave another definition of the word "generation." For them, the "generation" becomes the distribution of historical periods 4. They reject the usual, normal definition of the term (definition that makes sense in the context of Scripture) and revise it to fit into their doctrine. This is an example of how the game of words can lead to a false doctrine. But what are the basic principles for defining words?

Context, context, context

Often the context (words directly preceding or going after the word under consideration) gives the word definition. For example, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 in the Synodal Translation Sounds:

All Scripture is violently and useful for learning, for chin, for correction, to instruct in righteousness, and God will be made to all kind of good cause.

What does the word "perfect" 5 mean here? The usual definition would be "impeccable, unmistakable". Does the Bible make us unmistakable? No - even with the Bible, we are still sin and not worthy of glory of God. The context defines the word. The verse says: "Improved ... to any kind of good cause." In the context, the word "perfect" means that the Bible fully arms us to follow God. Modern translation 6 clarifies this by translating this phrase as: "In order for the man of God to fulfill everything that is required from him, and armed was to make good deeds." As you can see, a look at the context helps to define the word.

Parallelism

Jewish poetry was built more in parallel images than on rhymes. The two most common types of parallelism in Scripture is synonymous and opposite parallelism.

Synonymous parallelism is when two similar thoughts are expressed together. One idea closely follows after another. The second clarifies and expands the first. For example, Psalm 7:14 says: "He took the weapon of death, prepared last minute arrows!" 7. The first thought, the "death weapon" is explained and determined by the second parallel idea - "burning arrows." Although this passage does not represent a deep doctrinal question, it shows the thinking of Jewish authors, typically expressing his ideas through parallelism.

The opposite parallelism is when two opposite thoughts are expressed in parallel. One idea helps to characterize the other, claiming the opposite of the previous one. For example, Proverbs 15: 1 They say: "The meek response is humble anger, but rudely incites it." The second idea reflects the inverse first. At the same time, it helps to determine and explain what is approved in the first idea. Proverb book contains many examples of such parallelism.

Another example of the opposite parallelism is in Genesis 29:17, where the daughters of Lavana - Leah and Rachel are compared. In the synodal translation, they are described in this way: "Leah was weak with his eyes, and Rachel was beautiful, and beautiful face" 8. What does "weak eyes" mean? We usually do not use such a definition to describe people. If you look at the description of Rachel, then you will see the opposite of weak eyes: "Beautiful mill and beautiful face." "Weak eyes" is euphemism for "not beautiful." It was a delicate way to say that Leah was not a pretty sister; But Rachel was.

Important terms

« Hermenevics"- study the principles of the correct interpretation of Scripture. In other words, hermeneutics studies how to interpret.
« Exegesis"- The practical application of the principles of the correct biblical interpretation. It should be what we do whenever we study the Bible.
« Exposition"- Transfer the interpretation of Scripture to others. This happens whenever we preach or teach the scriptures.

Understanding Jewish parallelism is very useful for understanding the Scriptures. These were simple, light examples that do not affect the doctrine. But other examples can be given, which show how to understand the Jewish parallelism can help clarify important issues of Scripture. What is meant by the word "faith" in the Gospel of John? In the modern world, "faith" means to take something like the truth. Does John "faith" define the same way? He uses Jewish parallelism in John 3:36 to clarify its value "faith". Synodal translation reflects it is not so clearly:

The believer in his son has an eternal life, and not a believer in his son will not see life, but the wrath of God is in him.

Consider the option in the modern translation of the RBO, which is much closer to Greek meaning:

The one who believes in his son gained eternal life, and who will not obey their son, will never see life: God's anger on it will be forever.

John expresses his thought through the opposite parallelism - if you believe, you will have eternal life, but if you do not obey, you will not see Life. The opposite parallel between faith and disobedience.

The idea that faith and obedience is one thing - permeates the entire Gospel from John. For John faith, it is more than just accepting something for the truth. Faith implies obedience. John 3:16 must be explained in the ratio from John 3:36.

For God so loved the world, which gave the son of his only society, so that every believer in him, did not die, but had eternal life. nine

Understanding Jewish parallelism helps us see John used the word "faith" in his gospel.

Words in a remote context

Biblical symphonies give a list of the use of words throughout the Bible. Using complete symphony, you can find definitions in the light of how they are used in other parts of the Bible. (Just do not forget to always pay attention to the immediate context). Symphones are also great for thematic learning. You can make learning on the topic "Grace" with their help and consider how this word is used throughout the Bible. Full symphonies include each passage to the list where the word is used. There are many editions for a synodal translation. Computerized versions of symphony are available from a variety of sources in the form of search engines on the Internet and biblical programs. Such easy to use resources are excellent tools in order to help quickly locate useful information.

Jewish and Greek definitions

Since the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, ancient Greek and part of the Old Warely Languages, the explanatory dictionary in our native language is not very useful in determining biblical terms. He can help us give an explanation to the words of translation, but he will not demonstrate what was implied in the language of the original. Whenever I hear that the preacher says: "I watched this word in the dictionary, and it means ..." - I go. The dictionary does not define biblical terms. You must go from our language to the original word in ancient Greek or Hebrew. How can a person without acceptable knowledge of these languages \u200b\u200bdo so? It is not easy, but here are some useful offers.

First, it is possible to explore the Greek and Jewish alphabet and use substitting (interlinear) translations, in addition to the current translation, words are given in the initial text. Reading a synodal or other translation, you can find the original word used in the scripture. In John 3:16: "For God's world loved so much ..." You can see that, the word "world" is Kosmon. Then you can find Kosmon in the Greek dictionary and various ways to use it. Some of the more complex electronic symphony make it possible to switch to a substitution transfer after you have found the text in your favorite version in your native language.

Secondly, there are many biblical dictionaries, which are compiled in accordance with the words in their native language. Using them, you can move from the native language to the initial word on an ancient Greek or Hebrew. For example, for English, one of the best is the four-member The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. A good book for Jewish words - the two-volume work Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Barclay's comments often give a useful study of words at the initial language. His edition of New Testament Words will also be useful in this.

If you study words, basify on the original word, not a translation. A word should always give it a literal meaning, as long as other arguments do not impede it. The big finger rule when studying the Bible is to always make the literal meaning of the verse. If the verse makes sense in his literal value, then you need to stop at this value. If the verse contradicts others or comes against the biblical understanding of God and its character, then you need to look for another value instead of literally. Also, if the verse does not make sense when it is understood literally, then you need to look for another value.

Consider an example from Luke 14:26. Jesus said:

If anyone comes to me and will not hate his father and mother, and wives and children, and brothers and sisters, and with his life itself, he can not be mine. eleven

Almost every time I studied this verse with someone, they saw here an obvious contradiction between the words of Jesus and his character. Literally, Jesus says that his disciples must hate their families and themselves. But the literal interpretation of this passage contradicts everything we know about Jesus. How to explain the use of here to "hate" here? Jesus knew that our closest relationships and our selfish characters would be the main deterrent in relation to the discount. If one does not touch us, then another. Jesus uses a sharp, harsh word to make us awaken and draw attention to what he says. It uses a speech figure, called hyperbole: bright exaggeration. He does not imply that we literally need to hate (that is, being fierce, offended or vengeful) our families or themselves. Jesus teaches us everywhere - even our enemies. But he wants us to realize the strong influence of relations and egoism. 12

Grammar 13.

When you read the Bible, you read it on a specific language. Each language has its own rules of grammar. Knowing these rules can help you understand what has been written and facilitated interpretation. For example, KJV translates 1 Corinthians 11:27 This: Wherefore Whosoever Shall Eat This Bread, And Drink This Cup of the Lord, Unworthily, SHALL BE GUILTY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF THE LORD.

In the context of Paul writes about the lord of the Lord in the churches. Some use this passage as proof that our should be "closed", literally that only the disciples of Christ can participate in communion. Can this passage be used to confirm this idea? Does the word "unworthily" of a person who participates in communion describes? No, does not describe. "Unworthily" is an adverb and not adjective. It does not describe the person, the place, the subject or idea is doing adjective. Advanced modifies verb. "Unworthily" describes how we are communion. We must check your hearts and communion in a fit - focusing on the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus. Other translations help in this case by transferring "Unworthily" as "in an unworthy manner". This makes it clear that there is an adverb, and not adjective.

The third principle of interpretation of the Bible:
Interpret Scripture in the light of historical, geographical and cultural context

Of all the principles, the interpretation of the Scriptures in the light of the historical, geographical and cultural context of biblical times is the difficult for practicing. This means to go beyond the Bible and delve into the texts about the history, geography and culture of biblical times. This requires time and work, but this one can bring the greatest dividends from all the principles of the Bible. The Bible can come around for us more than ever. For example, when we realize how Abraham lived or the political climate of the Palestine of the first century or, as a crucifixion occurred in the first century - all this significantly enhances our understanding of the Scriptures.

Distorting glasses

For an ordinary reader of the Bible today, the most likely the biggest problem is that we read the Bible through the glasses of Western thinking at the twenty-first century. The Bible is an east book, written between 1500 BC. And 100 of our era. To correctly understand the Bible, we must turn off our 21st century, critical, historical, western thinking and plunge into the world of the ancient Middle East. John Stott, Protestant writer, argues that we need to go back in time to understand the Bible. Life in the first century was different. They differed their views on the world, science, history and society. Of course, their culture and everyday life are sharply returned with our. If we are aware of these differences, we will be able to approach understanding that the Bible tells in its context.

A good illustration of our tendency to interpret the Bible through our own context is a wonderful picture of Leonardo da Vinci "Last Supper". Da Vinci depicted the apostles sitting around Jesus at the table on the chairs enjoying a joint dinner. In the first century, people were headed on the pillows during a meal. Tables were no more than 45-60 centimeters from the floor. Yes Vinci took the biblical history and entered it into his own context. We must act right on the contrary. We must leave our situation and enter the context of biblical history.

Valuable details

When we deepen in the context of biblical history, the Bible comes to life. Consider the story about Rich and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31) in the light of some historical details. In the parable name named Lazaror is rich. It crareshes eating crumbs that fall from the table. Historically, we know that some of these falling pieces are yesterday's bread that was used as napkins: people wip their face. They could take these pieces and throw their psam. That's what I wanted to eat Lazar. In addition, the tables were about 45-60 cm. Floor. Lazar wanted to crawl under one of such tables and there are crumbs and used "napkins" rich - food intended by dogs. Dogs, but did not interest such food. They were more interested in licking wounds Lazar. To eat Lazar, it was necessary to fight off the dogs to get to food. This is a pathetic hopeless picture. However, the rich is not regretting Lazar. He turned away from his needs. In addition to the rest, the end of the story shows the condemnation of such people.

Why do we need time to study the socio-historical background of the Bible? The Bible was written in a cultural context. God decided to give universal truths by placing them into a specific cultural framework. We must be able to separate cultural phenomena from the universal truth, but when we separate the images of the Bible from their cultural framing, it is similar to how to snatch the play from her historic context - the play will lose its meaning. John Stott noticed:

Although the revelation of God is addressed to all people at all times and in all countries, each part of it first of all was addressed to specific people at specific times, in a particular country. Therefore, the unchanged and universal writing can be understood only in the light of the circumstances in which it was initially given. fourteen

History and politics

What should we take into account when approaching the Bible from a historical and socio-political point of view? We must take into account the history of the group to which the excerpt is originally addressed. We can better understand the ceremonies of the Israelis when we have an understanding of their historical circumstances. It is necessary to study the physical and material parts of the environment. Knowledge of the Geography of the Holy Land is very useful and can add to our study of the Scriptures. Language and material culture (houses, home items, tools for work and tools for food, clothing, weapons, vehicles and other items used in everyday life by people) are also subject to study.

We must take into account the political climate of those days. We need to know whether Israel is free or enslaved in the books of small prophets. We must explore the economy - what was the economic situation of the Jerusalem Church in the first century? We must explore the religious, moral and philosophy. All these aspects should be taken into account when studying historical installations of biblical stories.
What principles should be observed when studying the historical circumstances of the background? Here is some of them:

Cultural differences inside the Bible. Turning from one book to another, we must change one cultural environment to another. For example, we must be familiar with the changes in Judaism during the Babylonian captivity. Judaism of the first century of our era was significantly different from Judaism until 586 to our era, the time of destruction of the temple.
Biblical culture in comparison with modern. We must compare the culture of the studied text with modern. Comparing these two different cultures, we will be able to separate the cultural manifestations from universal truth. Undoubtedly, there will be some ambiguities and gray areas, but a serious explorer of the Bible should look for universal principles among cultural phenomena.
Unclear and tangled places. Contact external sources to find out the value of an unknown term. Look for a direct, internal written certificate to determine specific cultural terms or identify historical sites or events.
Initial, historical circumstances. Place yourself in the history of the text to determine what this excerpt meant for people in those times. Only after that you can take a pass to apply an excerpt to your modern life. It is a very important step. If we miss it, we misinterpret Scripture.
Strive to understand how this value is applied to modern culture, and do it. If we are going to change our lives and influence our society the word of God, we must open the truth from the Bible and apply it.

Useful tips. T. Norton Sterrett in his wonderful book "How to Understand Your Bible" gives the following useful ideas for determining the cultural, historical circumstances of the biblical material:

Learn the Bible. Read, read, read it. The more you are familiar with the whole Bible, the more you will have knowledge that help you understand it.
Enter the records as your reading. Record details about biblical figures, customs and features of countries.
If you have a Bible with parallel links or indexes - use them.
Use cards in your Bible to locate geographic points.
If there are other books at your disposal - use them. The first is biblical dictionaries. They explain many cultural terms. fifteen

Cultural or universal truth

One of the most important problems facing the Bible researcher is the need to recognize the differences between temporary, cultural phenomena and the unchanged universal truth. God decided to open his commandments through people in a certain cultural environment. The studying should distinguish cultural obligations to the universal failure. Must separate cultural manifestations from universal truth, for which it is necessary to investigate the cultural medium.

We must understand cultural phenomena in the Bible not to transfer such teachings from the history of Israel as the obligation of modern people. How can studying cultural teaching from universal? One of the resources required for use with common sense. Another thumb rule is to remember that if the prescription is associated with cultural phenomena, then it is temporarily in nature. When the prescription is given in the intercultural language - it is constantly.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 11, Paul uses cultural terms to convey the general principle. It uses phrases and terms like "Pokrov", "Own head", "Hair - Honor" 16 and other cultural phenomena to show that there are various roles in society that men and women should take. Men must be husbands and fathers, and women wives and mothers. When these roles are confused - everything falls apart.

Pokrov in Corinth of the first century was a long piece of fabric, which sometimes reached the earth. It was similar to the covers that are women in many Islamic communities today. They were used to show chader and respect for power. If we said that women should wear them today, we must be consistent and wear the same covers as in the first century. A modern example of women from some denominations wearing a fabric size with a small napkin on the head is not even close to what they wore then.

What about the length of our hair? Prostitutes Corinth did not wear covers. They often walked heads or were forced to shave them. This became a sign of their activities. Women in the church should not have to want to look like such ritual prostitutes. Therefore, in Corinth of the first century, long hair was glory women. The same is true for some societies in the world today.

Paul uses cultural elements and customs (cover and hair length) to teach a universal principle (women should be decenable). Note that he declares that nature or customs teach that the hair is glory, and that society teaches that the cover is glory. Both necessarily only in Corinth of the first century. Today in most countries where students live, we do not have the traditions of equivalent to cover or the length of hair, but the universal truth will certainly apply to God's people. Such types of cultural problems are important for our understanding when reading the Bible.

Fourth Bible Interpretation Principle:
Look for practical use of a passage: "What does the passage tell me today?"

"One thing to say that the Bible has power, because it is inspired, and the other feel that the heart jumps and comprehends his truth." Leslie Weatherhad, British Minister and Writer.

Imagine a person who addressed to the doctor due to a disease that causes a huge pain. The doctor does not detect the cause of pain and appoints a number of analyzes, trying to find both the source of pain and the remedy for it. After numerous tests, the doctor finally determines the source of the pain and prescribes a pill that will eliminate the problem and will help the patient. Now imagine that the patient who transferred all the tests paid medical bills and spent time on the doctor, forgot to take a pill and continues to suffer. A question arose - there is no masochist if he is striving for pain. It is strange - to expose all tests to ignore the treatment.

Similarly, it is ridiculous to spend time and effort to explore the Bible and then do not apply the Bible to your life. I passed through the seminary - and the Claims on the Bible of the Doctoral Level, taught by professors who knew about the Bible much more than I ever hope to find out. They possessed the knowledge of the Bible on Hebrew and Ancient Greek. They wrote books about the Bible. But according to the lives of many of them, you would never know that they have ever concerned the Bible. For them, the study of the Bible was only academic discipline. They could not apply the Bible to their own lives.

The study of the Bible should end with the application of the Scriptures. Ask yourself: "What am I going to change today from this study of the Bible?" During the day, take time to reflect on your Bible, study and allow it to change your life. In the end, the purpose of studying the Bible should be a modified life.

Why worry?

We live in the world, torn by religious differences and split. There are hundreds of denominations that are taught by the unrequisite ideas about the Bible. Sometimes they look like trivial questions, but after a closer study, they are not so trivial. Churches are divided into the exercises on the salvation, baptism, the essence of God, Divinity, the inspiration of the Bible, the work of the Holy Spirit and the importance of the Church.

How to pave the path in such stormy waters? Based on the Bible. If we know that the Bible says, then we can confidently declare what we believe in the doctrine. Paul said Timothy:

Do all that in your power to earn God's approval, as an employee who has nothing to be ashamed and who presents the word of truth with all the directness. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Jesus said:

"You will comprehend the truth, and the truth will bring you liberation" (John 8:32).

He also said:

I am rejecting me and not accepting my words to condemn something else: my word will judge him on the last day. (From John 12:48)

We can make three conclusions from these poems. First, there is a correct and incorrect way to interpret the word of truth. We must be attentive to handle it right. Secondly, we can know the truth. Thirdly, the Scriptures apply to us because we will be tried on them (also, Acts 17: 30-31). Since the word of Jesus will judge us on the last day, doesn't it make sense to live in accordance with his word every day?

1 "A Scripture Taken Out of Context IS A Pretext" - approx. per.
2 here and further - if not specified other - modern translation of the WBTC - approxper
3 The doctrine of premiumarism - approx.per.
4 Teaching of dispensationalism - Prim.per
5 i.e. - "Perfect" - Prim.per
6 Translation published by the World Biblical Translation Center (WBTC).
7 Translation RBO 2011. - Prim.per
8 In modern translation, it sounds like: "Rachel was a beauties of Lii, a meek gaze". - Prim.per
9 Synodal Translation - Prim.per
10 The rule of the thumb - the decision-making rule, in accordance with which the decisions are accepted, based on the best available option. - Prim.per
11 Synodal translation - approxper
12 The popular explanation of this passage is that the word "hate" used here is GARTER means "to love less". This is not true. Comparing this text with Matthew 10:37 It could lead to this conclusion, but in Luke 14, Jesus uses the usual word "hate", but in an exaggerated manner. - Prim.per
13 In this section, the translator leaves examples in English without analogy in Russian. - Prim.per
14 John R.W.Stott, Understanding The Bible (Minneapolis: World Wide Publication, 1972), 224.
15 T. Norton Sterrett, How to Understand Your Bible (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973), 81.
16 These specific terms from my own translation. (Approx. Author)

Steve Kinnard

Head from the Bible "Getting The Most From The Bible"

Translation: Alexey Chernikhan

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