Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be
accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass,
and to stand before the Son of man. - Luke 21:36
21 Mistakes not to make while studying your Bible:
Plus 17 rules and other guidelines to properly understand Scripture.
Table of Contents
By Jeff Barnes
Dedicated to my loving daughter Naomi who spent hours helping me put my thoughts into words.
Notes:
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Unless otherwise noted all emphasis is my own.
Introduction
A short while ago, I got into a friendly debate with a brother over a certain parable:
And again he [Jesus] said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
- Luke 13:20-21
The result of that debate was to realize how important it is for us to learn how to study the Scripture. We should all have an intense love for the Sacred Scripture; yet, if you study the Bible with others, you will soon discover that the Christian community is divided over the interpretation of many passages of scripture. Why do Christians disagree on so many points of doctrine? (Evidenced by the thousands of different sects.) I have concluded that in every case where there is a disagreement, one or both brothers have made a mistake in the way they interpret the Word of God.
One of the heaviest moments in my life comes when I hear a pastor misinterpret a passage of scripture. Seeing a congregation nod their head when hearing an interpretation that violates several rules of interpretation and as a result sounds like a wet rag is truly grieving. Knowing that the pastor will never change, though the Word when properly understood would be like a fire in our soul.
One way to find our way out of this morass is to look at the Bible passages which the Christian community is divided upon; then we must try to find the rule or principle that is being violated that causes the misunderstanding. Then we apply what we have learned in future Bible studies.
Our purpose here is not to interpret the Bible, there are books doing that already. Instead, after learning how to avoid common mistakes, the believer will have sound guidelines so that he himself can understand what God is saying.
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? - Jeremiah 23:28-29
Do not settle for the chaff! Learn how to thresh for the wheat. The only way for real unity in the church is for each of us to put away our own false doctrine. If you are part of Jesus’ real church, if you want his word to be as a fire, learn how to avoid common mistakes in interpreting God’s word.
All interpretations in this study are real examples, from real teachers. I deliberately give examples where Christians have commonly misinterpreted Scripture. My hope is not that you are offended, rather that you make sure your doctrines have a sure foundation. The Lord commanded:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. - Joshua 1:8
AND David affirms
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
- Psalm 1:2
Final Notes
You will need to know the definition of these two words in this study. Though they sound similar they have the opposite meaning.
Exegete: To understand doctrine from the study of scripture.
Eisegete: To read into scripture your understanding of doctrine.
It will also be helpful to, at least partially, understand the following doctrines as we study.
Eternal Security: The belief that a true believer cannot lose his salvation.
Eternal Punishment: A punishment for unbelievers that lasts forever.
Families saved by faith: The belief that if you have enough faith, your family will also be saved.
Israel in the end days: There is some controversy as to whether the prophets predicted Israel would return to their land in the End Days. [the author affirms that they did]
Pretribulation Rapture: The belief that the saints will meet the Lord in the air and thus escape the Great Tribulation.
The Mark of the Beast: The belief that at the end of the age, an antichrist will cause everyone to worship an image and receive a mark in order to buy or sell.
Soul Sleep: The belief that when you die, you are unconscious until the Judgment Day.
Russia's invasion of Israel: In chapter 38, Ezekiel predicted an invasion from the north in the last days.
The Great Tribulation: The last seven years of this age. A time of great distress as God punishes the nations..
Your position on these doctrines is not important, however, understanding them will help make the examples they are used in, easier to follow.
Table of Contents
Mistake #1: Not Being Born Again
Rule #1: You Must Have Humility
The Authorized King James Version vs. Modern Translations
Mistake #3: Not Being Well Versed With the Entire Bible
Mistake #4: Allowing Preconceived Ideas to Hinder Learning
Mistake #5: Reading the Bible to Prove Doctrine, Not to Learn It
Mistake #7: Reading Books on the Bible, Rather Than Reading the Bible
Mistake #8: Use a Commentary before Using a Concordance
Mistake #9: Not Recognizing or Avoiding Cults
Mistake #10: Depending on a Pastor to Understand the Bible
Mistake #11: Mistaking Good Stories for True Doctrine
Personal Mistakes to Avoid in Study
Mistake #13: Taking Scripture Verses Out of Context
Mistake #14: Twisting the Words Meaning
Mistake #15: Not Thinking! Some Interpretations Are Abominable
Mistake #16: Allowing a Verse’s Spiritual Meaning to Contradict Its Literal Meaning
Rule #5: Watch Out For Legalistic Interpretations
Mistake #18: Treating the Kingdom of God as a Democracy
Rule #7: Use Two or Three Witnesses to Develop Doctrine
Rule #8: Know Who is Speaking, and to Whom He is Speaking
Rule #9: The Flow of Thought Should Harmonize
Rule #10: A short ungrammar lesson?
Mistake #21: Not Understanding That Words Lose Meaning in Translation
Rule #11: Use the Bible to Define Words in the Bible
Rule #14: God Knows the End From the Beginning
Rule #15: Prophecy is a Jigsaw Puzzle
To Get Started
Mistake #1: Not Being Born Again
Before you start on your quest to understand the Bible, you must have a relationship with God. This is because the Scriptures themselves say:
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away, - 2nd Corinthians 3:15-16
AND
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14
Many people have entered into a relationship with God simply by reading the Scripture. However, a new believer will still need to study carefully; otherwise, he will fall for false doctrine brought in by different sects of the church. While the new believer in Jesus should share his newfound faith, he is not yet qualified to teach. Paul, talking about appointing elders in the church, said:
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
- 1 Timothy 3:6
Moreover, to timothy he added:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
The way to the kingdom is clear. To be born again, (receive His Holy Spirit) we must believe in Jesus.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the. kingdom of God. - John 3:3
There are no other good works involved. Jesus paid the price for our sins in full, it cost him his life. He made this atonement for us with his own blood. Three days later, he rose from the dead.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: - John 1:12
AND
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. - John 20:31
AND
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
AND
For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 2:2
What hinders our belief?
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. - John 3:19-20
To him that overcomes, God has given many promises, including:
If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. - John 14:23
AND
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. - John 14:15-17
So, the very first requirement to understand the Bible is to be born again and then in communion with him, he will guide you into all truth.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. - John 16:13
Without the Holy Spirit, there is no system of interpretation that will properly expound the Bible. Peter warned of unbelievers trying to interpret the Scripture.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:16
Your pride will hide the truth from you, lest you should stop sinning. We would all like to understand the Bible this is why there are so many 'best sellers' interpreting it for us. We must be careful lest we begin following someone else’s false doctrines. If you are proud, do not expect Jesus to bail you out, for He said:
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. - Matthew 15:14
Yet if we humbly seek the Lord in all our studying, he will direct our steps, for the apostle John said:
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. - 1 John 2:27
Many Christian leaders stress the importance of seminary training or a degree in theology. Some stress the importance of learning Hebrew and Greek. There is a benefit in studying the Scriptures in their original tongue. However, Jesus rather than stressing the need for education, stressed the importance of the Spirit leading.
And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
- John 7:15-17
While an education does have its value, that alone does not mean you have understanding. In fact, the professors in many universities are obsessed with destroying the Christian faith. Actually, this has been a problem since the beginning.
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people [Speaking of those who followed Jesus.] who knoweth not the law are cursed. - John 7:47-49
AND later, the apostle Paul who could have been speaking about modern education said:
[Refering to the last days,] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 2 Timothy 3:7
Here is an example of how we follow the Lord’s leading in order to understand spiritual things. A while back, studying the Bible with an amillennialist friend, we came across a verse that read:
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: - Matthew 24:29
My friend said that he was certain we could not take this passage literally; rather we should try to understand it poetically. He believed the lights went out for Israel in 70 AD and thereby fulfilled this verse. When I asked him, if he were standing before the Lord right now, could he honestly say that this verse should not be taken literally? He answered that he was not sure. He was being honest, we must bring all our understanding before the Lord; otherwise, our own hearts will deceive us.
If you are not certain you have a relationship with Jesus, take our Two Question Test - Are You Going to Heaven? It will get you started.
Rule #1: You Must Have Humility
If you would like to see what the Lord says about proud people, look up all the verses with the word proud and then for comparison look up the verses with humble or humility in them. Look up these verses in the a concordance, or there is Bible software that makes this an easy task. Here are two verses to get you started.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: - 1 Peter 5:5-6
AND
. . . Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
- James 4:6
The fact is there are no verses in the Bible that extol pride as a virtue. Conversely, there are many passages in the Bible praising the truly humble one. In the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul points out something most of us have found to be true.
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: - Galatians 2:6
A proud Christian teacher may be worse than useless. In his Epistle to Timothy, Paul addresses false doctrine taught by some teachers. The very first attribute Paul uses to describe these teachers is proud.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. - 1 Timothy 6:3-5
And, as Paul suggests, let us withdraw ourselves from such people. The Apostle John also implied that it was the Pharisees’ pride that kept them from recognizing their Messiah. Even though they claimed to be familiar with the scripture.
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
- John 7:47-49
The problem with pride is that it makes one unteachable and inclined to do foolish things. In the Book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar chose to eat grass for seven years rather than humble himself before God.
And at the end of [seven years] I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
[...]
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
- Daniel 4:34,37
Rule #2: You Must Have Patients
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.
- 2 Peter 1:19
As a new Christian, I was hungry for the Word of God, in my excitement I often believed the first (what seemed reasonable) interpretation of a verse that I heard. Big mistake, it is far easier to learn the truth if you do not think that you already know it. It is better not to understand a Bible passage, than in our impatience, to misunderstand the passage.
As also in all [Paul’s] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:16
God will teach those who are patient in His time, he has even determined that we should not learn it all at once. For Jesus said in Matthew:
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. - Matthew 13:52
To have old treasures implies that you have been collecting them for a long time. As a Christian, there are no shortcuts. Good understanding is a treasure we can have, if we seek it with all our hearts. Therefore, let us be patient with God, as God has been patient with us.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
AND
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. - Proverbs 2:3-5
I have seldom heard this patients being taught in church today. Rather, using topical Bible studies, the new believer will be quickly versed in the denomination’s beliefs, while he understands very little of the Word of God.
Rule #3: You Must Have Faith
As I grow in my faith, I find the word faith becomes easier to define. Now, for me, faith simply means, God does not lie. I do not need faith to believe that God is, or that the Bible is his revelation to us. Let me explain. First, the facts support existence of God, so that we do not need faith to believe.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they [and we] are without excuse: - Romans 1:20
AND
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. - Psalms 14:1b
If God did not lie, when we look at the scientific evidence objectively, there is no excuse for not believing in Him. If you will study the scientific evidence with an open mind, you will concur that there is sufficient evidence to prove in the existence God.
The second point, that the Bible is God’s revelation to us, also has sufficient evidence. Therefore, we do not need to take this by faith either. Jesus said:
If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. - John 15:24
Now I will be the first to admit, that for some there will never be sufficient evidence to believe that God gives revelations. Moses performed ten plagues (Exodus 6-12) on Egypt and even still, they did not believe that Moses spoke for God. It was only when their chariot wheels began coming off in the midst of the Red Sea that the Egyptians were finally starting to rethink their position.
As the miracles that God performed through Moses made Pharaoh without excuse. In the same way, the Bible's divine signature makes us without excuse. For example:
- There are many specific prophecies of Jesus in the Old Testament.
- Since the Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, they certainly did not corrupt their scriptures by inserting these verses in.
- We have manuscripts (like the Dead Sea Scrolls), which are old enough, to prove they predate Jesus.
- There are many specific prophecies of the end times. These too, prove the Bible has a supernatural author.
The Bible is full of prophecy for only one reason, “so that they [and we] are without excuse”. No other ‘religious’ book has this divine signature.
While Apologetics (showing the skeptics evidence that the Bible is God’s word) goes beyond the scope of this study; if you need some resources please email me.
So, when we see that there is physical evidence for the existence of God and that the Bible is God’s word, the only question left is does God lie?
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son
- 1 John 5:10
Therefore, it takes faith to understand the Bible. Here is an example. Imagine living in the early eighteen hundreds and reading the following passage from the book of Revelation.
And [the two witnesses]dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
- Revelation 11:8-10
A skeptic in the eighteen hundreds would have had a hay day with this passage of scripture.
- How could the people of the nations see the bodies of these two witnesses in less than three days?
- How could they that dwell upon the earth possibly know in three days, much less celebrate during that time?
Before the late eighteen hundreds, how could anyone possibly take this verse literally? Sure, the overwhelming majority of people believed in the existence of God. Sure, they believed that the Bible was the Word of God. However, it would have taken faith, the belief that God does not lie, and thereby understand the above passage.
Today it does not take much faith to believe that everyone in the world would get the news - see the dead bodies - and celebrate the end of these two troublemakers, all in only three days. However, it takes faith to believe much if not most of the Bible. Look what the Apostle Paul says to Timothy:
They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
- 2 Timothy 4:4
In order for Paul to call the scriptures truth, he would have to believe that God does not lie.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. - Luke 1:37
Mistake #2: Trying to be Amused
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. - Isaiah 53:1-3
The word muse means to think, ponder or cogitate. By adding the prefix 'a', we change the meaning to not-think. For instance, we turn on the TV to stop thinking, or to amuse ourselves. If you need to be amused, you will not enjoy the Bible. How many times can you read the geologies of Noah before you become board? The Bible will only fascinate those who seek understanding not those who seek entertainment.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; - Proverbs 2:2-14
The Authorized King James Version vs. Modern Translations
As most Bible students know, we do not have access to the original manuscripts. The English language has many versions of the sacred scriptures, each trying to translate the inspired words. In recent years, some Christians have shied away from the King James Version saying the words are too difficult to understand.
Though everything in this study applies to other versions, let us look at some of the issues you should consider before choosing a Bible.
Question #1: Who owns the words?
One major problem with modern translations is that the church has entrusted the guardianship of the sacred scriptures to big business. Is it not the church's responsibility to translate the scriptures and spread the Gospel?
However, when you buy a modern translation you are paying for a license to read the book. You own the paper and leather cover, but not the words. This means that in the modern translations you may make only partial quotes; you may not quote any book in its entirety without the publisher's prior written consent.
For example, you may not quote even one verse from the Amplified Bible without the publisher's prior written consent. The New International Version allows quotes up to 500 verses long, if the verses quoted amount to less than a whole book of the Bible and the verses quoted are 25% or less of the text of the work in which they are quoted, and you put their copyright notice on your finished work.
In other words, if you chose a modern translation, you are not free to go out and proclaim the whole Gospel. Knowing history, why would the church turn over the stewardship of the Word of God to commercial publishers?
Question #2: What is the Difference in Content?
As all quotes in this study are from the King James Version (KJV), either I do not have written permission from the legal owners of the other versions or, as you may guess, there are more reasons for choosing the King James Version.
Reason number one, there are about 3000 differences between the Received Text (from which we get the King James Version) and the Critical Text (the manuscript used for most modern translations).
If the Bible is the Word of God, it gives guidelines on salvation and warnings to those who reject them. To check these examples, get a King James and a modern version to compare the differences.1 The following words that are struck through are missing in the modern translations (excepting the New King James Version).
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. - Matthew 6:13
Did Jesus teach us to pray “the kingdom, and the power, and the glory” or didn’t he?
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. - Matthew 9:13
Did Jesus call “sinners to repentance” or didn’t he?
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. - Matthew 18:11
Did scribes add this passage to Matthew centuries later?
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. - Mark 6:11
Did Jesus warn, “It would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for” people who rejected these very words?
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. - Luke 4:4
Do men live by every word of God? Or is this too, a notion and false teaching of some zealous scribe?
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. - John 5:3-4
Was this miracle in the original manuscript? If so, why is it removed from the modern translations? If not, then the next question is, what other miracles were added to the Bible?
To look at over one hundred differences between the King James Version and the modern translations, and to see how the Critical Text was edited, (and how the editors themselves do not believe in the inerrancy of their manuscript) see: King James Version vs the Modern Translations.
While some of the 3000 differences may seem trivial, yet, in every single instance where there is a significant difference in doctrine; it is the Received Text or King James Version that:
- Calls to repentance and holiness.
- Teaches the virgin birth.
- Teaches the lordship, messiah-ship and preeminence of Jesus.
- Teaches the deity of Jesus Christ.
- Teaches that Jesus made an atonement for our sins with his blood.
- Teaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Warns of God’s judgment to come.
We must pick one of two choices, either those people who do not believe these doctrines would remove the above passages out of their Bible, Those who do believe these doctrines would put these passages into their Bible.
Proponents of the modern translations argue that every one of these fundamental Christian doctrines is found in their Bibles. This is true, still fundamental doctrines are missing in many passages and diluted in others. While it can be helpful to use more than one translation to help clarify a passage’s meaning, be careful, in using modern translations. Is the doctrine being clarified? Or is it being removed?
Some may still favor a modern version saying the KJV is too hard to understand. However, is the easiest way the best? It may take a little getting used to; however, it is far easier for everyone to use the KJV in a Bible study and follow along than when everyone is reading from a different modern version. Keeping to one version is especially useful for children, or when you are trying to memorize the scripture.
But does not the archaic language cause a problem? Actually, the archaic language of the KJV gives it an interesting advantage. In the KJV, the thee, thou and thine are singular, while all the ye, you and yours are in the plural (like you all). These singular and plural distinctions in the original manuscripts are missing in the modern translations. Here are two examples:
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, [singular] and comest thou to me? - Matthew 3:14
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you [plural] fishers of men.
- Matthew 4:19
Many good Christians disagree in their opinion of modern translations, and unless the Lord convicts them (I know I sure tried), they will have a hard time replacing their favorite Bible. In concluding, if you disagree with me, let us disagree charitably. I only ask that you pray as Jesus maybe taught in Luke 11:2: Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
For Young Christians
As a new Christian, you will have some hurdles to jump. Unfortunately, many older Christians have yet to jump these same hurdles, and for that reason, they never mature as a Christian. Let us look at these first, then we will look at some actual rules of interpretation.
Mistake #3: Not Being Well Versed With the Entire Bible
Most Christians have their favorite passages. This is good, unless these are the only ones they are familiar with. Of course, each denomination has a different list of favorite verses they will quote. Look at your own Bible. Have you worn out some pages, while there are other places (maybe even whole books) that you have never read?
Once upon a time...
There lived a beautiful young maiden, kind and gentle, as she was lovely. She had long been sought after, but there was only one who claimed her heart. A young man, diligent, comely. Seeing the beauty of the young woman, he likewise fell in love, and made bold to ask for her hand in marriage. Theirs was a beautiful courtship, each in love, with the wedding day fast approaching. The bride was long in preparing her gown. Every ribbon must be just so and none but her own hands were allowed to handle the delicate laces. The groom also was busy preparing; only his thoughts were turned toward the building of a lovely chateau in which to take his lady. At last, his house was built, and all that remained was for it to be tastefully furnished. As his bride had allowed no one to touch her gown, neither would he allow any but himself to finish his masterpiece.
"Darling" he said to his beloved, "I must take a trip to the city. It will take me only a short time to find just what I want. Can you wait for me? I will not tarry longer than necessary. For I must go to prepare a place for you." She wept; the short separation would seem an eternity.
"I cannot bear to have you leave"
"Do not weep, for I shall write to you, and it will seem but the blink of an eye before I am returned." So saying he kissed and cajoled her back to her happy self. When it was time to part, she bore a brave face and cheerfully waved her hand until he was out of sight.
The days did pass, and lo, the first letter came, for lovers must write letters. She kissed it and reverently laid it on her shelf. When visitors came, she proudly displayed it; however, some may have wondered why it was never opened.
More days and a second letter. This she passed on to a dear friend with the following note; "Darling, I beg a favor of you. Would you read this letter for me? For I cannot bear the sight of his handwriting and besides, I feel how thick the letter is and fear that it will be tedious to read. If you would just summarize his feelings for me I'd be so grateful!" The friend, though a little confused, did as she was bidden. Albeit, blushing over some of the words she felt sure were meant for the brides' eyes alone. Nevertheless, she sent a note to our bride; with the passage she liked the best. The bride, devoted to her beloved, memorized this verse and when out in public she would quote it often.
And the people loved to hear her lovely little saying. One man, studying for the clergy, asked to borrow her letters, "There is much hidden wisdom and beauty in your betrothed’s words. If I might have the privilege to expound on them, I know I could find the deeper meaning." Our bride was delighted and when his little booklet was written, she read it over and over. It seemed a gift from heaven to have others tell her what her husband had said and explain to her what his words meant.
For, she was sure that she could never have understood his letters without help. Yet she rather wondered at some of the things he did say, for sometimes it did not sound like him at all. Nevertheless, having complete faith in her teachers, so to speak, she felt blessed to have such resources. The third and fourth letters came, and since it became tedious to read a long thesis or the debates from these scholars, she soon gave up trying.
Feeling that she did owe him something however, she opened the sixth letter and made a practice of trying to read at least a few sentences a day. Our bride skipped the pages that seemed full of names and places that no one really cared about. After all, what did it matter that there was a ship named Artimus at the Port of Longsburg? So, she skimmed over some places, skipped others and generally only focused on his little poems, which always made her cry.
Upon the arrival of her seventh letter, she was too deep in the midst of her final preparations to be bothered to see what it said....
Here I will end the story and leave you to imagine what the groom thought when he was left waiting at the Port of Longsburg, five days, with no idea why his lady had not appeared. What did all the guests at the banquet think when no bride showed up to grace the feast given in her honor on board the Artimus? I leave you to imagine his feelings when he arrived at her house and saw his letters lying on a shelf - many still sealed. Was he consoled with his lady's assurance that she had read many little devotionals?
This story reminds me of the five foolish virgins.2 In light of the fact that our Lord will receive his church like a bride, this example is not imaginary. The fact is, most professing Christians have never read their Bible through.3 God calls the church his bride, this makes the Bible is a love letter sent from Him that we might watch and be ready when He comes.
If we want to master the Bible, we must read it. The Bible is made up of sixty-six individual books. A new believer should start with the New Testament (because he is entering into this New Testament). Reading the epistles, Romans through Hebrews, will open up the Old Testament making it much more profitable when you are ready to read it. The important thing is that if we want to understand the Bible, we should read the whole book. Moreover, as true lovers we would read it over and over (kissing it, crying over it, carrying it in our pocket).
Leaving my emotions behind, the reason that it is essential to be familiar with the entire Bible is that the different verses shed light on each other. In order to truly understand some passages, we need to be familiar with the other passages where the same thought, teaching or vision occurs.
Here is an example from the Gospel of Mark:
If thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. - Mark 9:43-44
Some denominations teach that when Jesus said hell (in Greek Gehenna); he meant the garbage dump outside of Jerusalem. Even Thayer’s Greek Definitions says of Gehenna,“This was originally the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned; a fit symbol of the wicked and their future destruction.” This seems clench it, that Jesus was talking about a garbage dump, where the worm dies not and the fire is not quenched. Unless you familiar with the last chapter and verse in Isaiah.
And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. - Isaiah 66:24
What difference does this make? If you believe Jesus was quoting Thayer’s, you can make an argument against the eternal fire, as the fire at the garbage dump finally did burn out. If you are familiar with Isaiah, you will realize that Jesus was quoting him, and then the argument against eternal fire is what looks ready for the garbage dump.
Though it is impossible for most of us to memorize the entire Bible. And even if we spent all our time memorizing it, that does not mean we will understand what we have memorized. Our standard for being well versed in the entire Bible should be this. When we here a verse being misquoted or taken out of context, we will notice this fact. And if we do not have a verse perfectly memorized, when we paraphrase it, at the very least the verse will still have the same meaning as the original author intended.
Mistake #4: Allowing Preconceived Ideas to Hinder Learning
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
- Isaiah 55:8
Unlike God, we do not know the end from the beginning, therefore a major obstacle that we must overcome to properly understand the Scripture is approaching it with our preconceived ideas. If we are honest, we all have them. One reason for our bias is the beliefs that we form when we grow up in a particular denomination. Though most Pastors are God-fearing men, they are simply men and still subject to errors. A sad fact is that the spiritual growth of countless Christians will never exceed that of their pastor. Their denominational creeds will determine their understanding of the Bible.
If denominational creeds are all that God expects, why did Paul suggest that we study to show ourselves approved?
Here is an example of a preconceived idea hindering the true understanding of scripture. Many Christians who believe it the pretribulation rapture use 2nd Thessalonians 2:7-8 to support their position. As we look at this passage, we will place [in brackets] the word’s meaning according to these pretribulationists.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:only he [the church] who now letteth will let [restrains evil], until he be taken out of the way [the rapture of the church].
And then shall that Wicked [the antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his [Second]coming:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8
I hope and pray that those who believe in the pretribulation rapture will not let preconceived ideas hinder the real meaning of verse three. Rather see how the preconceived ideas change the meaning of this passage. Let us look at this passage again, this time from the beginning. Only this time as we look at the passage, we will cross out a words old meaning and place [in brackets] the word’s new meaning according to the pretribulationists.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, [the rapture] that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come [before] a falling away first, and [before] that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? - 2 Thessalonians 2:4-5
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:only he [the church] who now letteth will let [restrains evil], until he be taken out of the way [the rapture of the church]. And then shall that Wicked [the antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his [Second]coming: - 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8
Our preconceived ideas set us up to misunderstand scripture. The preconceived ideas about scripture kept the religious leaders in Christ’s time from recognizing that He was the fulfillment the scripture, though he raised people from the dead!
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
- John 7:47-49
For years, I have shared the Gospel with Seventh Day Adventists (SDAs).4 In sharing with SDAs, I have found two absolute truths. First, they all absolutely agree with each other on every single one of their biblical doctrines. Unfortunately, this agreement does not come from studying the Bible; it comes from studying the teaching manuals produced by their church.
The second thing I have found is that no matter how clearly the scriptures show their false doctrine, they are unable to see it. The following is part of a true discussion on hell fire I had with a SDA in July of 2009.
SDA: No, we don’t believe the Bible teaches that there is an eternal fire. Even in the example of Sodom and Gomorrah [Jude 1:7], in their “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire”, the fire went out.
JB: OK, let me read this passage then. [I started reading in Revelation 14:9 stressing to him the bold font].
“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, [at this point my friend was shaking his head in disagreement] who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
JB [Continuing said]: You do not believe that.
SDA: No I don’t.
JB: So, you are saying that you do not believe the Bible?
SDA: [slightly shook up]: Wait, we believe the Bible, we just believe it differently.
We talked for an hour, and like the countless Seventh Day Adventists before him, he did not let any portion of scripture cause him to reconsider any of his preconceived ideas.
As I aspire to be an author (as good authors do), I will have an editor review my writing. The reason? The first draft of my papers will always have glaring mistakes that I myself miss. I often see what my paper should say, not what it actually says. The thoughts flow for me because I know where they are supposed to go. If my preconceived ideas hinder me from understanding my own writing, is it possible they could hinder me from understanding the writing of God?
The only cure is that we recognize that we are biased. (or blind?)
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. - John 9:41
Ok, so we admit we have a bias as we study the scripture, what do we do now? As you study, ask God questions like:
- Does my interpretation expound the passage of scripture (exegesis) I am studying, or does it explain the passage away (eisegesis)?
- What could this verse mean if my preconceived ideas did not make it impossible for it to mean that?
- What would this verse mean if it were read to a child?
[Jesus] said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:3
One main source for our preconceived ideas is the doctrine we learned from the person who led us to the Lord. Then we judge everything else by this standard. While we should esteem the person who showed us the narrow path, not even the Apostle Paul expected his followers to just believe his doctrine. For instance, the Bereans were commended for double-checking his doctrine.
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. - Acts 17:11
One reason preconceived ideas keep many from coming to the truth is that they have too much time, energy and pride (mostly pride) invested in their current beliefs to change. If someone tried to show you Biblical truth, different from what you already believe, can you receive it? God can (and it appears that he does) expect us admit it when we are wrong, even though it will be painful.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. - Matthew 21:44
Another reason that many cannot come to the truth is that they want to remain in good standing with their church. Some churches even demand that other family members shun those who depart from their religious beliefs. There are churches that hold such power, that (in an example from the New Testament) even when Jesus healed the blind, some people could not change their confession.
His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. - John 9:20-22
One of my daughters recently shared a sermon that was taught by Tim, an assistant pastor of her church. This was my daughters description of how preconceived Ideas caused her church to react.
During his sermon, Tim said something to the effect that faith alone was not sufficient to save us. Unfortunately, this upset many in the congregation, and some even felt it was their duty to interrupt him. As the church was becoming riled up, Tim stops his sermon and says:
Forget my opinion, it is not important, instead I will stop and ask you three questions.
First question, what did James actually say?
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? - James 2:14
AND
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? - James 2:20
Second question, does God believe James? Since no one was willing to correct God, his congregation became quiet at this point and Tim asked his third question.
Thirdly, Do you believe James and God? If you do not believe, James and God, where are you getting your doctrine? After asking these three questions, Tim was able to continue his sermon on in Hebrews 12:15.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
- Hebrews 12:14
I know that what I am saying can be easily misunderstood. I am not suggesting that we call into question the doctrines of salvation held by all fundamental Christians. Only look at the beliefs that separate your denomination from the other denominations. When there is a disagreement, one church or the other (or maybe both) are holding to false doctrine.
Some churches teach that we are to submit ourselves, including our thoughts, to our church leaders. However, Jesus himself and for the sake of his doctrine was willing to be cast out (very literally) from his own church.
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
[…]
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way, - Luke 4:16-30
If you want to please God, you will hold to the truth, even if it means that your church will excommunicate you.
Yet this does not mean we should believe every new thing. For the Bible also says:
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
AND
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. - 1 John 4:1
If your preconceived idea is true it will pass inspection. It is only the false doctrine that cannot stand up to the light.
Mistake #5: Reading the Bible to Prove Doctrine, Not to Learn It
The biggest offenders of this rule are Topical Bible studies. While topical studies are used to teach doctrine, they are also effectively teach false doctrine. First, the leader comes up with a premise, and then he looks for some Bible verses to prove it.
For example, suppose a Christian leader decides the doctrine of Hell fire seems too harsh. Perhaps he feels, as many do, that it keeps people from turning to God. In fact, since our God is a loving God, there could not possibly be a hell. Now all this preacher needs is a few scripture verses to prove this doctrine and he is set. How about these two:
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. - Ecclesiastes 9:5
AND
For the wages of sin is death [not Hell]... - Romans 6:23
There are more passages like these, anyone can find them if they look. If you want to prove there is no hell, you would only look for the Scripture verses that disprove it. When teaching this doctrine to new believers, you would ignore, and when you cannot ignore, eisegete passages like the following:
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. - Revelation 14:10-11
AND
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: - Mark 9:43
How can you tell if your church does not believe in a particular Bible doctrine? Listen carefully to the pastor when he expounds on any proof text. If you see his sermon rationalize the passages away, then you will know. When Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders, He said:
[You are]Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered. - Mark 7:13a
To sum it up, when you are only trying to prove a doctrine when reading the Bible, you have stopped learning. We all desire to try to prove ourselves right. We must overcome this, if we want to understand scripture properly.
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.
- Psalm 78:7-8
Mistake #6: Not Knowing When to Take a Verse Literally
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. - Matthew 13:10-15
There are many different ways to categorize the Scripture. We could divide the Old Testament into:
- The Law - Genesis through Deuteronomy
- History - Joshua through 2nd Chronicles
- Wisdom and poetry - Job through Song of Solomon
- Prophecy - Isaiah through Malachi
The New Testament Could be divided into:
- The Gospels - Matthew through John
- Early Church History - Acts of the Apostles
- Epistles or Instruction - Romans through Jude
- Prophecy: The Book of Revelation
However, to help understand a passage more clearly, in this chapter we will divide scripture into different groups by asking these questions:
- How do we recognize when a passage should be understood as a parable?
- When should we be careful to interpret the passage literally?
- When do we look for allegories or a Spiritual interpretation in the passage?
- When do we know a verse is speaking figuratively or symbolically?
The entire Bible: the Law, history, wisdom, prophecy and gospels, instruction will fit into at least one of the following four categories.
The first category for scripture is a parable:
A parable is a story that teaches moral, prophetic and spiritual truths. Yet how do we know, for instance, when something Jesus said is a parable? Like the story of Lazarus, is it a true story or a parable? Before we decide, let us look at it.
19 - There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 - And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 - And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 - And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23-24 And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 - But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26-31 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
[...]
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. - Luke 16:19-31
As I discuss this example I will assume you believe (or at least pretend that you believe) in soul sleep. From that position, this cannot be a true story; Since Lazarus, Abraham and the ‘rich man’ are asleep at this time, this is obviously a parable.
- Yet, when Jesus uses a parable that teaches consciousness after death, (if consciousness after death is a false doctrine) is he not teaching a false doctrine? Or, at least being misleading? Are there any other parables that use false premises to teach?
- And when Jesus said, “There was a certain beggar named Lazarus”, when there really was no beggar named Lazarus was he telling the truth?
- And when Jesus said, “Abraham said, ‘Son , remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things…,’ “ would that not be bearing false witness if Abraham, who was a real historical person, did not actually say those words?
Of course, Jesus can do and say anything he wants and I am not really going to accuse him, however, this does seem out of character for Jesus. Since the parables of Jesus are to teach hidden truths, 5 is there any reason to believe that any parable could not be a true story?
I expect that this is truer than most Christians realize. Is it not at least possible that Pharisee and Levite were in Jesus’ audience when He praised the behavior of the Good Samaritan? 6 Though there is insufficient information to prove that all the parables are true stories, I do believe that it is reasonable to expect the ones with specific information, to be true.
Even so, as in other real stories, when we meditate on them, the Lord can open up to us their spiritual truths. Like in Matthew 16:
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. - Matthew 16:6
The apostles believing his statement was to be taken literally, start thinking that it is because they brought no bread on their journey, when Jesus was really trying to teach them Spiritual truths. Since most of Jesus’ teachings are in parables, it is helpful to take the time to understand the actual story before we try to learn the Spiritual truth.
The second category for scripture is a literal interpretation:
Bible students can be divided into two groups, those who try to take the whole Bible literally and those who believe we should understand some passages more allegorically. The answers to the following questions show where these two groups often differ.
- Was Moses being literal when he said the earth is young? Did the Lord really create it in six day? Did God really take a rib from Adam's side to make his wife Eve?
- Are the miracles in the Old Testament literally real?
- Do the gospels record that Jesus literally rose from the dead?
- In the Book of Revelation, did John mean that there is going to be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ?
There are many other examples where these groups differ. It is also important to see that those who do not take all passages literally, do not agree among themselves as to which passages should be.
In deciding which passages should and shouldn't be taken literally is it not they, rather than the Bible, who become the final authority? Did God create the world in six day? If you are not a literalist, you can decide; whatever works best for you. However once you start down the path where you and not the Bible are the final authority, you can believe anything you want. And today, it is this mentality that has divided the church.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
For myself (this may be an oversimplification for some), if God can raise Jesus from the dead all the other miracles in the Bible are equally possible. However, does God expect us to take the Bible literally? Let us look at the Bible itself for an answer. Jesus himself said:
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? - John 5:45-47
Peter himself implied that he believed Moses literally and that he expects us to, when he said:
For this they [the scoffers] willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. - 2 Peter 3:5-6
Peter also earlier in the same letter rebukes false teachers (verse 2:1). In his rebuke, he compares them to Balaam, and in this comparison, he believes the ass literally rebuked the prophet.
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbade the madness [insanity] of the prophet. - 2 Peter 2:16
If the dumb ass did not really speak, who’s the one who’s mad? In one last example, Jesus is himself exalting the Scriptures. He would rather be crucified than to let these words fall to the ground. If this is so what does he expect us to do with the same words?
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? - Matthew 26:53-54
The truth is, if Jesus had called twelve legions of angels, all the scripture could still be fulfilled, just not literally. I know this starting to sound more like a sermon than hermeneutics, but to understand the Bible we must take it literally. Is the Bible your final authority? Either It is all, or it is nothing.
The third category is allegories:
For this study, I will define the word allegory to mean only; a true historical event that symbolizes a Spiritual truth or lives out prophetically some future event.
Paul gives an example of an allegory:
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. … Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which engendereth to bondage, which is Hagar. - Galatians 4:22-24
Here, we see a true historical event that as an allegory is being used to teach a spiritual lesson (freedom and slavery) and we see that it predicted a future event (the two future covenants).
When Christians try to understand the Bible literally, one of the fascinating things for them is finding the many allegories hidden in its passages. Allegories, like prophecy, testify to God’s authorship of the Bible, and are thus able to encourage us in our faith. Like this allegory, one of my favorites, in The Book of Genesis:
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. - Genesis 22:2-8
Though it was a tough day for Abraham, his willing sacrifice surly blesses us. For in it we see God's foreknowledge of the event on which all Christianity centers.
However, like any other single passage of scripture, one allegory alone, should never be used to teach doctrine, when used alone its meaning will be too easy to twist. For instance, as we see in the above allegory, Abraham did not end up sacrificing his son. Even when the allegory ended, the events in Abraham's life continued. While I would not use one allegory by itself to teach, they should be used to support what is plainly taught elsewhere in the Bible.
The fourth category is symbolic language:
The definition of Symbolic Language is, to speak metaphorically or figuratively to describe the object or subject of a prophetic vision or parable. Using symbolic language makes the passage more poetic.
Let us look at a passage in Daniel for an example of how symbolic language teaches prophetic and Spiritual truths.
2-3 Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
4 - The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
5 - And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
6 - After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
7 - After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. - Daniel 7:7
I have often struggled with how I would answer if asked: “If you take the Bible literally, why don’t you take the above passage literally? Why don’t you believe that these four beasts literally came out of a great sea?” At present, I have three answers.
The first reason is the passage’s context. This is not a historical account. To literally believe the Bible, means that we believe even the miraculous historical accounts when reported as a true story. This event was recorded as a vision, not an historical event. When the question of taking symbolic language literally arises, the symbols are always prophetic in nature.
The second reason we know that the above is a picture story, is that God gives us his interpretation of this vision, when the angle tells us the meaning of these beasts coming out of the sea.7 This interpretation can be useful to understand similar symbolic language in other visions and parables.
The third reason for symbolic language, is that it is necessary to overcome certain problems like those caused by the time barrier. For this example, let us look at one of the armies mentioned in the Book of Revelation:
And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. - Revelation 9:16-19
This literal army consists of 200,000,000 men. This is important enough that John said he did not make the number up. Yet with the early churches understanding of future technology, without using picture stories, how else could John describe their armament?
Conclusion
We can take all the miracles, prophecies, allegories and parables in the Bible literally. However, though there is symbolic language, we should be careful not to mistake literal events for them (this usually happens when one doubts the miracles). Rather (unless the context of a passage makes it clear otherwise), symbolic language is limited to describing a vision and in the interpretation of parables.
Bad Influences to Avoid
In the previous chapter, I discussed how to approach the Bible, from being well versed to taking its passages literally. In this chapter, we will look at some influences in the church to avoid, or at least be cautious of, if you really want to understand scripture.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? - 1 Corinthians 1:20
AND
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
Mistake #7: Reading Books on the Bible, Rather Than Reading the Bible
I have always enjoyed studying prophecy, especially prophecy of the last days. Yet in sharing with some believers, I have found those who have such completely different interpretation that it is hard to believe we are reading the same Bible.8 Neither do these Christians agree with each other. There are so many different views at our local interdenominational church that it is almost taboo to discuss eschatology for fear of offending somebody. On this topic of being deceived in the last days, Jesus said:
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. - Mark 13:22
Do not think Jesus is speaking rhetorically here, or that it is impossible for the elect to be deceived. Rather, He is warning us to not be. Many of the elect are already deceived, as evidenced by all the contradictory doctrines taught on this very chapter in Mark. If some of the elect are deceived today, what will happen when the false christs and prophets start showing us signs and wonders? Daniel Prophesied:
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. - Daniel 11:35
In searching for a cause, I believe the biggest problem today is that most Christians get their doctrine from books about the Bible, rather than prayerfully studying the Bible for themselves. You can often tell what a Christian believes, simply by looking at his personal library. The reason these books are a problem, is that it is human nature to believe the first thing we read. If the book is compelling, the reader may believe that he is well versed in a Bible passage that he has never even read.
A book that is ninety percent good teaching, for that reason, may be more dangerous than a book that is open heresy. Even rat poison is 99.5% good food; it is the tiny bit of poison that kills (one-half of one percent).
Have you ever noticed that Jesus never quoted an extra biblical rabbi or religious teacher as an authority on religious doctrine? In contrast all other religions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and in new age all quote from the Bible. The reason is, the Word of God is Powerful. The rat poison ( the doctrine of false teachers) has far more appeal when mixed with the truth of God’s word.
There are hundreds of religions, all competing with each other, all claiming to interpret the Bible correctly. Which one do you chose? The Apostle Paul said:
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius. - 1 Corinthians 1:14
Even before the New Testament was collated, Christians were already creating divisions among themselves. Though Paul calls them brothers, he is condemning their error. You are in the same danger, if you are following the teachings of some man (getting your doctrine from books on the Bible). No Godly Christian, not even Paul, would want to come between you and God.
Therefore, read the Bible (before you read other books about it) so that you can spot any verse the other books may take out of context. It is okay to read books about the Bible, but it is dangerous and foolish to use them as your major or only source of inspiration. When you are reading other books, always double check them to make sure the author does not teach doctrine by taking verses out of context.
Who decides which books are sound? And, who decides which books are safe to read? The truth is, they are all safe to read (so you can minister to the people deceived by them) but only after you are solidly founded in Biblical truth. There are many good books, by and for Christians, yet even these should not take the place of your personal Bible reading.
Mistake #8: Use a Commentary before Using a Concordance
As I already mentioned, Jesus never quoted any other source than the Sacred Scriptures. Nor did he, or his disciples, use another source to help interpret it. Bible commentaries have some value, yet how can you know which commentaries are doctrinally sound before you have learned sound doctrine?
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
AND
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? - 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
Though Paul condemned first century Christians for breaking up into different sects, Christians today do not see this as a problem. Nevertheless, I am not a disciple of Augustine, Luther or Calvin. Was Martin Luther crucified for me? Was I baptized in the name of John Calvin?
The disciple is not above his master [teacher]: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. - Luke 6:40
Why do some limit their understanding of God to commentaries or contemporary leaders, when we can go to the real source for inspiration ourselves? There are many useful study aids available to the serious Bible student. Yet, I would rather have access to one good Bible concordance than all the Bible commentaries put together.
Learn how to use a concordance (the instructions are inside the front cover) and you can find any Bible verse in only a few minutes. With a good concordance, you can see all the different English words translated from an original. In addition, you can find the definition of an ancient Greek word by seeing how the early church used it in other passages of scripture or a Hebrew word by seeing how the Jews used them in the Old Testament. I believe that looking at the words in the different passages, gives us the fullest and most accurate definitions of the ancient Hebrew and Greek words.
For example, look at the word castaway in this verse.
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - 1st Corinthians 9:27
Thayer's Definition of castaway:
1) not standing the test, not approved
1a) properly used of metals and coins
2) that which does not prove itself such as it ought
2a) unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate
This helps us understand it, yet if you wish to know the seriousness of Paul’s statement, let’s see how the word is used in some other passages of scripture.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; - Romans 1:28
AND
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
- 2 Corinthians 13:5-7
AND
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. - 2 Timothy 3:8
AND
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. - Titus 1:16
AND
But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. - Hebrews 6:8
One can see by the way the word castaway is used in other passages of scripture, the seriousness of Paul’s personal concern about being castaway.
Once you learn how to use it, a Bible concordance opens up much of the Greek and Hebrew languages, even to the young Bible student with no experience in these languages. However, there are three necessary cautions:
First, to receive all the fullness of the Greek or Hebrew you must be a Greek or Hebrew scholar. There are verb tenses, articles, and idioms that are always lost in translating. English has no equivalent for many Greek words.
Here is an example of the problem translating the Greek article ‘The’: (It often seems to me that the littlest words present the biggest problems.)
and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Uriah - Matthew 1:6b
In this example, the literal wording of the sentence is, "and [unexpressed article 'the'] David [unexpressed article 'and'] the king he begat the Solomon out of the the Uriah.” The words “the the” are not a typographical mistake, as the word the occurs twice in the Greek sentence.
The translators got the whole phrase “her that had been the wife” from the words, the the. How you may ask? The Greek language had twenty different ways of saying the. In the above verse, the first the is in the feminine, genitive case, the other the is in the genitive masculine case and these two put together would have the meaning "of the (female) of the (belonged to) Uriah."
The idioms are another problem in translating any foreign language:
In English, we would understand the phrase I enjoyed myself to mean I had a good time. A literal translation of I enjoyed myself into another language may sound like I received pleasure from myself”. Hence, a proper translation may need a dynamic equivalent to receiving joy rather than a literal word for word translation.
Translators can also go to far using dynamic equivalents, there is an idiom in the Bible, that refers to the 'evil eye'. Some modern translators not knowing its significance have chosen to interpret the verses rather then just translate them. When the evil eye is removed from some verses, then those verses can no longer shed light on other passages.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. - Proverbs 28:22
Getting back on topic, a second caution, in using a concordance, is using a concordance to look up key words in your study. Studying this way may create the illusion of knowing your Bible thoroughly; however, this method has a major flaw. Many important passages on a subject may not have the key words you looked up in your search. For example, suppose you are doing a study on the devil. Would looking up your key words in a concordance direct you to Isaiah 14:11-19 or Ezekiel 28:11-19?
The third caution relates to commentaries.
And again [Jesus] said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
- Luke 13:20-21
As mentioned in the Introduction, I once debated a good friend over the interpretation of this parable. During this time, we looked up this passage in many commentaries, about forty percent of the commentaries, some only partially, agreed with my interpretation. This means that:
- If my interpretation is right, about sixty percent of the commentaries are wrong.
- If my interpretation is wrong, still nearly half of the commentators are wrong.
Either way, as you can see, looking up this verse in a commentary did not resolve the issue satisfactorily. If you want to use a commentary to interpret the above passage how can you know which one has the right interpretation? Therefore when you do use a commentary, remember they are only the works of men.
Mistake #9: Not Recognizing or Avoiding Cults
The title says it all, the question is; how does one, especially a new believer, recognize a cult?
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a cor</li></li>rupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. - Matthew 7:15-20
Not only must we be aware of cults, unfortunately, some Christian denominations have cultic practices. After interviewing excult members, I have made a list of things to avoid when looking for a home church.
Avoid:
- Churches that believe that they alone, are the one true church? Does the church have a special place (like 144,000) in the Bible? Must you be a member of this church to get into Heaven?
- Churches look down on non-members. Does the Church learn anything from nonmembers?
- Churches separate family members.
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. - Exodus 20:12
- Churches that discourage or forbid members to read anything religious, without their leaders approval.
- Churches whose foundational doctrine come from an anointed cult leader. This could be someone contemporary or one of the more well known like E.G. White, T.R. Russell or J. Smith.
- Churches that need other sacred writings in order to understand the Bible. Especially if they equal to the Holy Bible in authority.
- Churches that have a prophet which is only recognized by their members. Especially if they believe you cannot interpret the Bible properly without their prophet.
- Churches where the leaders are not accountable to anyone. Especially if there are they equal to, or have more authority then the Bible.
- Churches where you are not allowed to think for yourself. For instance, does everyone in the church believe exactly the same thing?
- Churches where they are trying to work their way into Heaven.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
Many cults claim salvation is by grace, but after you join, you will find that the cult teaches that salvation is by doing the works prescribed by their leadership.
- Legalistic churches. To find out how legalistic a church is, compare their rules to the list in Acts chapter fifteen.
- Churchs with secret doctrines, doctrines that can be taught only to established members.
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. - John 18:20
Christianity may have doctrines that are foolish and hard to understand to an unbeliever, but they are not a secret kept from the unbeliever.
- Churches where the sermons are preoccupied with the doctrines that separate them from other Christians. The church should be lifting up the name of Jesus and inspiring believers to imitate Him.
The more of the above characteristics a church has, the more cultic it is. If a church has most of these characteristics, it may not even be Christian.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. - Acts 20:29-31
Mistake #10: Depending on a Pastor to Understand the Bible
Do you need a pastor to understand the Bible? No, actually, you do not. Like avoiding cultic influences, the scriptural admonition is to avoid a pastor (or anyone) who says you need them, or their organization, to understand God's Word. While a good pastor is a big help in understanding the Scripture, those who would elevate themselves over you are not obeying the Lord, if they are following Him at all. Let us look at a few scripture verses on this.
Neither be ye called masters [teachers]: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. - Matthew 23:10-12
AND
[Paul speaking of a conference he attended in Jerusalem,] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: - Galatians 2:6
AND
[Jesus himself said:] But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. - 1 John 2:27
AND
[Again Jesus said:] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth - John 16:13a
It is interesting that in the Bible, the word minister means servant. Today in many churches (and in the thesaurus) we have redefined the word minister as the leader or senior church member. We are all brothers. The brother who is qualified to lead a Bible study will also have a teachable spirit.
Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
- Mathew 13:52
Often Bible teachers, in trying to imitate Jesus, speak with authority.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
- Matthew 7:28-29
Unfortunately, some teachers who speak with authority have little or no understanding of the verse they are eisegeting. When a passage of scripture is not clear, you should speak humbly, when you are trying to expound on it, while also being open to correction. Speak with authority only when you are absolutely sure about the passage, and even then be careful.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. - 1 Corinthians 10:12
One final warning, some pastors have a stake in believing certain doctrines. It will be harder to persuade pastor of his error when his job depends on believing a false doctrine, than to wake a man who is pretending to sleep.
In closing, there are many faithful pastors; nothing I have said should be construed as opposing them, rather as Paul taught:
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. - 1 Timothy 5:17
Mistake #11: Mistaking Good Stories for True Doctrine
Often teachers, will make up stories or use examples from their own life. This is a good teaching aid as it helps us to memorize the lesson. I would not hesitate to use examples or tell a parable when it helps make the point. However, a good story should not to be mistaken for a true story. Nor should a true story be mistaken for good doctrine.
Perhaps a story I heard once can drive the point home:
A certain executive worked in the advertising department of a major soft drink company. He was very successful and proud, able to make great advertisements and bring in large sums of money for his company. One day the company worked out a deal to sell their product in an Islamic country. The company naturally had this man handle the advertising campaign. As he started his work, a young native of the country tried to offer him some advice. The executive cut him off, insulting the native with the words: "I have an education and experience, you have nothing, now get back and empty a garbage can, there is where you belong”. The finished products, large billboards with three scenes, were placed throughout the country. On the left side of the billboard, there was a tired man. He looked tired and sore with perspiration covering his face. In the middle panel of the billboard, he was drinking the company's soft drink. In the last scene, the man is completely rejuvenated with a huge smile of satisfaction. Oh! - If the executive had only been willing to listen to what the native tried to tell him, people in his country read from right to left.
This may be a good story to teach humility. Yet a psychologist (by leaving off the last sentence) could use this executive’s prior success as a case-study to teach that we must have high self esteem. For this reason, be careful with case studies, common in self-help books. As an author tells a story, he will call it a case study and present it as true. However, you must remember that the author is trying to sell you something.
During the summer of 2005, I attended ‘Biblical’ healing seminar. There they presented many case studies; some of them would bring tears to our eyes. However, upon a little reflection, some of the stories were silly (as was some of the doctrine they were using them to teach). Beware, on close examination, many case studies will bear little resemblance to the truth.
The problems with case studies:
- The person has an agenda; he will present only the stories that support it.
- You do not know the history of the case study.
- Was it a blind study? 9
- Did the person sharing the study have first hand information?
- Often they are just stories. Just the other day, heard some poetry I learned as a child, rewritten and told as a true story by a preacher on the radio.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Rule #4: Watch Out For Line Upon Line Instruction
One technique of teaching I call precept upon precept or line upon line instruction. With this method, the teacher does not produce all the evidence before he draws a conclusion. Rather he shows one verse of scripture and draws an inference, and then he shows another verse and builds on the previous inference, doing this as it were, line upon line.
One teacher when asked, quoted Isaiah to explain why he used this method.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: - Isaiah 28:10
However, he did not quote Isaiah 28:13.
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. - Isaiah 28:13
Before we decide which doctrine is truth, we should try to put all the verses on the table as it were.
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. - John 18:20
Teaching doctrine line upon line does not prove a doctrine is false; however, if a teacher cannot be up front about all his beliefs in the beginning of his study, it is likely he is not teaching the Gospel of Christ.
Mistake #12: Being Deceived by the Bait and Switch
The bait and switch is where an advertisement, the bait, gets you into the store. Yet, when you arrive, claiming they’re sold-out, the salesman switches the advertised product with another. If he is doing this on purpose, it is false advertising, and probably illegal.
The Bait and Switch is a normal tactic for cult leaders. And unfortunately, many respected Christian leaders do this same thing when teaching. Here is an example of bait and switching, Jesus warned:
And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: - Mark 9:45
Though Jesus said, “the fire that never shall be quenched” some teachers believe that the fire will go out anyway, and one of their prove-texts is in Jeremiah:
“I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. - Jeremiah 17:27
The argument is, that since the fire went out after it devoured the palaces, this passage proves that the fire Jesus talked about in Luke will also go out.
Did you notice the switch? The Jesus said never, Jeremiah only said not. Does changing a simple word like the word never to not, change the meaning of a sentence? The answer is yes, here are some examples:
| Column A | Column B | ||
| Does, | I did not lie. | Mean the same as, | I have never lied. |
| Or does, | I did not start a fire | Mean the same as, | I have never started a fire. |
| Or does, | I will not come over. | Mean the same as, | I will never come over. |
| Or does, |
The fire shall not be quenched. |
Mean the same as, |
The fire that never shall be quenched. |
Column A always refers to a definite, limited, time period, in the past or future.
Column B always refers to an infinitely long time period, into the past or into future.
In another example of bait and switch, we will see how some of these same teachers eisegete forever and ever in Revelation 14:11 and 20:10
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
- Revelation 14:11
AND
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever
- Revelation 20:10
To understand these two verses, they say, “We must let the Bible define the Bible” (the bait). Then they proceed to use these passages (the switch) out of the Old Testament.
Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him forever. - Exodus 21:6
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide forever. - 1 Samuel 1:22
In such a case, if a teacher were really using the Bible to define the Bible, he would look where the same Greek words forever and ever (esi ahee-ohn' ahee-ohn') are used. Passages like: Revelation chapters 1:6, vs.4:9-10, vs.5:13-14, vs.7:12, vs.10:6, vs.11:15, vs.15:7, and finally verse 22:5. If they would exegete these verses without the bait and switch, they would conclude that forever and ever does mean, forever and ever even when discussing punishment.
Often the smallest and least significant word in a passage gives it its thrust. For example in the Jehovah Witness Bible, they add the word “a” to John 1:1 Thus changing:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- John 1:1
TO,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was [a] God.
- John 1:1
This little switch has caused them to deny their Lord, though they claim He bought them.
One last example of the bait and switch: I have heard a charismatic preacher use this style more than once: “But what does God say? What does the Bible teach? . . ." Then they proceed to teach something unscriptural, without even bothering to give a scripture citation. This is a common bait and switch, replacing the Word of God, for the opinion of man.
Be careful if you teach that you do not bait and switch by accident and avoid any teacher who does it on purpose.
Personal Mistakes to Avoid in Study
In the previous chapter, we looked at how some pastors have been a poor influence. In this chapter, we will look at some personal errors that cause Christians to misunderstand scripture.
Mistake #13: Taking Scripture Verses Out of Context
Taking scripture out of context is the number one cause of false doctrine. This mistake is easy to correct and if we would just take it to heart, there would be another reformation.
Here is an example of taking a verse out of context; many devotionals have used the following scripture verse to comfort their readers.
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. - Psalm 50:10
However, the Psalmist did not write this verse for our comfort. Psalm 50 is a rebuke. Suppose you gave your son an angry rebuke. What would you think, if he was unmindful that you were scolding him, and went off singing your words as a little ditty?
Taking Bible passages out of context, is by far the biggest fault among Christian students and teachers. This point was brought home to me when, as a new Christian, I attended an eight-hour Bible study (at a local church) that taught the devil was our carnal mind.
To be honest, by the end of that long day, the charismatic teacher had me convinced. Fortunately, at the urgent prompting of a mature Christian brother, I got my notes out and privately restudied the same verses all over again. Since then, I have been on sort of a crusade against taking scripture verses out of context.
I have seen and heard hundreds examples of what I now call One Verse Theology. The most common way to be deceived by One Verse Theology is in a topical Bible study; where the teacher picks out single verses to prove what he is trying to teach. The big problem with topical Bible studies is that most Christian do not take the time to see if a verse is taken out of context. Using Scripture taken out of context, you can prove any doctrine you want. This is the how all cult leaders teach false doctrine.
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? - Luke 6:39
Topical studies have their place; however, a Topical Bible Study will be no better than the teacher’s overall comprehension of the entire Bible. If your teacher misunderstands the topic, even if you are a good student, so will you.
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
- Luke 6:40
Therefore, you should be very careful when you use them to study doctrine. Be assured, I would not be offended if you emailed me saying that you checked every scripture reference used in this study.
One verse theology is not limited to cult leaders; many of our renowned Christian leaders are also guilty. Here is a verse that is commonly used to teach a Pretribulation Rapture; the belief that Jesus will catch the church up to Himself before The Great Tribulation.
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
- Luke 17:34-36
This verse, taken out of context, has convinced many there will be a pretribulation rapture. Yet if you read the verse in context, the next verse says:
And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. - Luke 17:37
As we read Luke 17:34-37 together, we will find one shall be taken and the other left. The disciples then asked the question, ‘where Lord?’ Since those that are left, stay put, the disciples must be asking where the ones that will be taken are going. Jesus answers that the eagles (or vulture since eagles do not usually pursue carrion) will go to where the body is! If we study the above verses in context, it teaches, the wicked are the ones that will be taken.
But have we got it right yet? Did I really read it in context? No!! To see where I went wrong, and to learn how to take verses in contest, let us look at Luke seventeen more closely, we will start by looking at the first word in every verse.
Looking carefully, we see that nearly every verse, in this chapter, is connected to the one that precedes it.
Vs # 1st Word Comment
1. Then 'Then' is a continuation of time from the previous chapter.
2. It To know why there is an 'it', you need to read verse one.
3. Take 'Take' may be the start of a new thought.
4. And Connects to verse 3
5. And dittos
6. And dittos
7. But The word 'But' connects this verse with contrast to verse 6.
8. And Connects to previous verse.
9. Doth Connects to previous verse.
10. So Connects to previous verse.
11. And Though 'And' usually connects to a previous verse, this verse may actually be a new thought.
12. And The word 'And' connects to the previous verse.
13. And dittos
14. And dittos
15. And dittos
16. And dittos
17. And dittos
18. There Even without an And this continues the previous verse.
19. And Connects to previous verse.
20. And Though And usually connects to a previous verse, As in verse 11, this verse may actually be a new thought.
21. Neither 'Neither' continues the thought of the previous verse.
22. And The word 'And' connects to the previous verse.
23. And dittos
24. For dittos
25. But 'But' contrasts a thought with the previous verse.
26. And Although this verse is connected to 25, this 'And' compares thoughts
in verse 26.27. They Even without the And this continues the previous verse.
28. Likewise 'Likewise' continues the thought of the previous verse.
29. But 'But' contrasts a thought with the previous verse.
30. Even 'Even' continues the thought of the previous verse.
31. In 'In' continues the thought of the previous verse.
32. Remember 'Remember' returns to verse 28.
33. Whosoever Even without an And this verse continues the previous verse.
34. I tell you, in that night... What night? The 'that' connects to one of the previous verses.
35. Two Continues thought from verse 34
36. Two Continues thought from verse 34
37. And 'And' connects to previous verse.
If you are not familiar with the doctrine of a pretribulation rapture, the following example may be hard to follow; even so you can see how Luke 17 is really a couple of big thoughts rather than 37 little and distinct verses. Now back to the verse we were studying earlier.
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
- Luke 17:34-36
To understand this verse we must take it in context. It starts with, “I tell you, in that night”; what night is this? When taken in context, these verses are connected to the same day that Jesus mentioned three verses earlier.
In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
- Luke 17:31
This verse answers the question of when some will be taken and some will be left? If, (according to Daniel 9:27) the events in verse 31 happen in the middle of the tribulation. Then, taken in context of its chapter, Luke 17:34 cannot teach a pretribulation rapture. When you take the verse in context you will come closer to what Luke 17:34 is really teaching.
If you do not take the effort to study verses in context beware of the curse in 2nd Peter 3:16.
As also in all [Pauls] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:16
Mistake #14: Twisting the Words Meaning
Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk. - Exodus 34:26
About 30 years ago, as a new Christian, I misunderstood the above verse as; You shall not look on a child while he is breast-feeding. The word seethe seemed an old-fashioned way of saying see. Not growing up on a farm, kid interpreted nicely as child. The verse seemed to teach modesty, a theme in the Bible. Unfortunately, this is not what Moses was trying to teach at all. However, before I could figure that out I had to give the words the same meaning as the authors originally intended.
The fact that it is wrong to twist a word’s meaning should be obvious, yet even mature Christian writers do it so often that apparently it is not. If you knowingly twist a word's meaning in order to prove a doctrine, again you may be under the curse of 2 Peter 3:16.
Here is a common mistake, look at the following parable.
And again [Jesus] said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. - Luke 13:21
Many Christians believe that the woman is Jesus, the leaven is the gospel and the meal as the world. This parable seems to make sense to them with this interpretation.
Yet, is there a dictionary or lexicon (Greek, Hebrew or English) that defines the word woman as Jesus, leaven as the Gospel or meal as the world? Did Jesus, a prophet or apostle ever use any of the words woman, leaven or meal symbolically giving it a similar interpretation anywhere else in scripture?
If you wish to understand the above parable, first look at how a lexicon defines its words; next, see if and how the Holy Spirit may have defined the symbolic words in other portions of scripture, than apply the same definitions here. If we apply these rules, this parable we would understand the admonition Jesus is giving us. Our Lord knows what he wanted every word in every parable to mean. Prayerfully and carefully, seek only for those meanings.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Mistake #15: Not Thinking! Some Interpretations Are Abominable
We need to be careful in walking with God, this included our study of His word, that we bring Him glory. It should be obvious, to anyone who is born again, that the Scriptures will never lead us to find fault with anything of God. Here is a true story.
There once was a Christian, who decided it was God’s will for him to stop working; instead, he was devoting his time to, what he felt was, serving God. Even after his large family was starting to go hungry, he continued believing that it was the Lord’s will for him not to work. After watching this go on for a while, and believing that he was in error. I counseled him that God wants him to be the provider for his family. I even quoted him the following Scripture verse:
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. - 1 Timothy 5:8
This verse did not concern my friend in the least. He explained his 'spiritual' interpretation: If God did not provide for his own, he was worse than an infidel. As my friend's family was suffering because he would not work, slightly afraid, I warned him that any interpretation of scripture that implies our Lord is worse than an infidel is wicked. The Scripture says:
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. - Matthew 12:36
Since that time, I have heard many teachers proclaim other doctrines that were also abominable. Once a teacher said that if the Jews rebuilt their temple in Jerusalem, it would be an abomination to God. Another person dared compare the Law of God to witchcraft in his teaching that we are now under grace. Compare this to the scripture:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. - Matthew 5:17-18
Run from any teacher that accuses our Lord of practicing sorcery! Finally, in the Book of Mark we have an example, of an abominable interpretation, when the religious leaders taught that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of the devil. We should all take heed to Jesus’ response:
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: - Mark 3:29
A little prayer and honest reflecting would avoid these disrespectful errors. Yet, like in Jesus’ time, today many teachers are more given to fables.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Mistake #16: Allowing a Verse’s ‘Spiritual Meaning’ to Contradict Its Literal Meaning
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. - John 18:19-20
When some Christians believe they see a Spiritual meaning in a passage of Scripture, what they really mean is that they see an allegory or symbolic language. The Spiritual meaning of a verse is what God thinks the verse means. If God meant it to have literal interpretation (with no allegory intended), that is the real Spiritual meaning of the passage.
When we think we see an allegory taught in a passage of scripture, if it is true, it will not negate the plain or literal meaning of the passage. Using an earlier example:
But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. - 1 Timothy 5:8
The plain teaching is to provide for your family. Therefore, any other Spiritual meaning (if there is another one) will not remove the responsibility from the believer to provide for his family.
Let us look at another example. But first we must understand two common doctrines held by many Christians.
- Eternal security: Once a person has sincerely said the sinner's prayer he is truly saved, and his salvation can never be lost.
- All the lost burn in torment forever: Even a person who has never heard the Gospel will burn in horrible torment forever.
A while back, a Christian brother was teaching about the torment all unbelievers will receive in hell; as he was quoting Luke 12 in his teaching, it inspired me to use it as an example here.
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. - Luke 12:47-48
As many Christian hold to the above two doctrines, I pose these three questions to them.
- In the above parable, what does ‘[He] shall be beaten with many stripes’ mean?
- In the above parable, what does ‘[He] shall be beaten with few stripes’ mean?
- Why is a Christian, losing his reward called many stripes? And an unbeliever suffering eternal torment called few stripes?
Watch out so your spiritual interpretations do not negate the plain teachings of the scripture.
Rule #5: Watch Out For Legalistic Interpretations
Some interpretations of Scripture are more to the letter, then the law of the Medes and the Persians. One of the more humorous ones that I have heard is the interpretation of this passage:
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. - 1 Peter 3:3-4
A friend condemned me a few years ago, because my daughters plaited (braid) their hair. I tried to explain that he was taking this passage in Peter too legalistically. He got angry and could not understand how I could transgress a clear command in scripture so blatantly. Showing him the verse, I said, "If this verse condemns braiding of hair and if this verse condemns wearing of gold, then Peter also condemns women who wear clothing”. He stammered as he desperately tried to prove otherwise. He is still a very legalistic person; the New Testament is nothing more to this friend than another version of the Hammurabi Code.
Some denominations do not allow their women to wear jewelry, not even a wedding band, because of this verse. While I do not wear jewelry, I desire my wife to wear a wedding band, not to look worldly, rather to let other men know, that she is mine.
I believe the church is preoccupied with many erroneous doctrines. One rule of thumb I use to decide if a rule is important is to check and see if Jesus talked about it in the Gospels. If a dogma was not important enough for Jesus to expound on, then perhaps it is not important enough for the church to fight over.
For the sake of learning not to be legalistic, let us read this passage again.
Likewise, ye wives,
…
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. - 1 Peter 3:1, 3-4
Actually, this verse is not even talking to all women. If you take out your Bible and read the passage in context, Peter was talking to wives who are trying to convert their husbands to Christianity. Peter was not condemning “the putting on of apparel” or anything else. He is telling wives that they can be more effective in winning their husband by putting on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. To loosely paraphrase Peter; It is more important to adorn the inside then the outside.
Paul also mentions how women who profess godliness should dress. The idea is the same, while adding modesty, it is more important to adorn the inside then the outside. Judge this following case for yourself.
A young girl, professing to be a believer, spends two hours in the mirror each morning before school as she applies gobs of makeup. However, she does not technically violate the commands given in, 1st Peter 3:3 or
2nd Timothy 2:9.Another girl, professing to be a believer, braids her hair (to keep it out of the water) before she helps her mother with the dishes.
[Jesus speaking to the religious leaders:] Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
- Matthew 23:28
Do you possibly think Jesus is displeased with the second girl because she braded her hair?
In another example, some Christian sects believe it is a sin for a Christian to play a musical instrument. This is because the New Testament never mentions any one playing a musical instrument. * Never has there been more doctrine learned from fewer verses. Does it please our Lord to make such rules after he said:
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
- Mark 7:7
Is your Church legalistic on dress codes or on other practices in a way that Jesus never commanded nor forbade?
In the next example, the teacher (like an attorney who studying a binding contract) does not believe the scriptures to speak in symbolic language.
Roman Catholics and some Protestants believe that since our Lord said: "This is my body" when He held up the matzos during His last supper, that the bread is actually his body, and that a priest can now turn bread into the physical presence of our Lord.
If they are correct (the bread turns into the physical presence of Jesus), we should all be worshiping that wafer of bread. If they are mistaken, they are worshiping a piece of bread (idolatry), not God.
Is Jesus allowed to speak figuratively? In other verses, Jesus said:
He is the door (John 10:7).
He is the vine (John 15:1-5).
He is the corner stone (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17).
He is the rock (Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:8).
We should thank God that Christians do not go around trying to turn doors or rocks into … well I better not go down that road.
One last example of legalism. One time on Christian Radio, a pastor interpreting a passage of Scripture said, The word three (3) is not to be taken literally here. Let me give you an example… Then he proceeded to show a place in the Bible where some Israelite rounded off a number somewhere. (I do not remember where or what number, however, someone did round off a number somewhere.) Using this as a preface, he created a rule: Someone rounded off a number and this proves the Jews always round off numbers; therefore, their numbers must never to be taken precisely.
This rule is not only legalistic it is meaningless, most of us have both rounded off numbers and used numbers with precision.
Mistake #17: Verse Overkill
Just before writing the chapter, I served at a Christian rehab for about six months. During that time I attended a mandatory weekly Bible study for the students.
I have never attended a Bible study where the teacher so completely worked every word to death. This class looked for synonyms of each word; it looked for relationships between words and between thoughts. The teacher had the class go from studying every particle of speech to looking up nearly every word in six different dictionaries (not kidding). During the time I was there, the class never got out of the first chapter of Colossians. Nor did the class ever read two verses together! Many of the students went away frustrated, not being fed out of Colossians.
When Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians, he expected them to read it. Is not that what you expect when you write a letter?
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. - Colossians 4:16
Now some commentary is good. For instance, defining a Greek word or explaining a Hebrew tradition to make the text more clear is always welcome. However, do not dissect the scripture passage until it loses its God given inspiration. Pastors, is it is not always edifying to give a lengthy sermon on just one or two verses of Scripture. Many churches would come to life if they spent less time parsing every single verse and instead read more of God’s word.
Mistake #18: Treating the Kingdom of God as a Democracy
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:13-14
Did you ever hear someone expound on a Scripture saying, All leading scholars believe . . . or The church fathers all taught . . ., or maybe (Name of denomination) have always taught . . ..
For example, every person I have ever asked, who believes Amillennialism or a Pretribulation rapture, learned their doctrine from an extra biblical source,11 the main reason they believe either of these doctrines, is that is what everyone else in their church believes.
Many teachers imply that what most people believe (at least in their denomination) is the criteria for determining what is true. There was a time not long ago when most everyone thought the sun circled the earth. When Jesus was standing trial, the majority said, "Crucify him!" Just because most people believe something, that does not make it true or right. If we expect to hold to proper beliefs, we will need better proofs to believe.
Mistake #19: Finding Private Interpretations in Scripture
Of course, the pendulum can swing the other way. That is when someone believes God has personally given him a unique interpretation. Touching on this Peter said:
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. - 2 Peter 1:19-21
In this passage, the apostle Peter is making at least two points. First, a prophecy is not subject to the prophet's personal opinion. Second, the interpretation of a prophecy is not subject to our personal opinion. In other words, the Lord, will give his church one interpretation and we as individual Christians are to be patient and wait for that understanding. The Bible cannot mean something that it never meant; a private interpretation then, is an interpretation that did not come from the Bible.
Many church doctrines, specifically those that divide the church, come from what were once private interpretations held by church leaders. One way these leaders could have avoided their mistake (when testing their interpretation of a scripture passage) would have been to ask two questions: Have others come up with the same interpretation when studying this passage? And, have they done so completely separate from me?
Even when you use a Bible commentary, because others read the same commentary, you may all come to the same conclusion. It is in this way that most denominations interpret the Bible and pass down their creeds.
Here is one example; The Book of Revelation has a passage that describes placing a mark in the right hand or forehead.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. - Revelation 13:14-18
We need a little history before we continue. Faithful Seventh Day Adventists believe that the Roman Catholic Pope changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday. They also teach, that in the last days, the Pope will make Sunday church attendance mandatory (could this have been someone's private interpretation?). They continue by saying; in that day, worshiping on a Sunday will be the mark of the beast.
The Seventh Day Adventists admit that there is no way to get this interpretation by reading your Bible on your own. And though they would say it differently, this is the private interpretation of E.G. White. To justify it, they also believe she has a special anointing to interpret the Bible. Yet what saith the Scripture?
[Jesus said:]For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
- Matthew 24:5
AND
And [Jesus] said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. - Luke 21:8
AND
As [Paul speaking on behalf of the apostles] said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
- Galatians 1:9
From these three scripture verses, we should be able to see the urgency of avoiding anybody with a special anointing and by implication their private interpretation of scripture. An interpretation does not need to be popular to be correct; it just cannot be private.
Rule #6: Personal Application
A private interpretation is not the same thing as personal application. Once we understand scripture, we are expected to make personal applications in our own life and God can lead each of us in a different way thereby.
Peter seeing [John] saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? - John 21:21-23
It is in order to follow Jesus personally, that we study His word in the first place.
Mistake #20: Assuming Chronological Order in Scripture
The writers of the Bible did not always write in chronological order. Apparently, eastern thought does not assume chronological order. Let us look at a few different prophecies to see some examples of this eastern thought. We will begin with Ezekiel 26:1-14.
1-2 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:
3-4 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up. And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers:
4b-7 I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations. And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
8-11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers. By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.
12-13 And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water. And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.
14 And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. - Ezekiel 26:14
Shortly after the Babylonians invaded Israel, Ezekiel spoke this prophesy against the city of Tyrus. In verses 8 through 11, Ezekiel prophesied that Nebuchadnezzar would come and take the city. This is now an historical event. However, did Nebuchadnezzar scrape her dust from her and make her like the top of a rock (last half of verse 4)? No! That happened centuries later when Alexander the Great came and finished the job. He took the city on the mainland and used the stones for a causeway that he needed to capture the island 1,200 yards off her coast. When he ran out of stones, he continued by scraping the dirt off, right down to the bedrock! Today, thousands of years later, fishermen are spreading their nets on the rocks that used to be Tyrus (Verse 14).
Here in our present time we see this prophecy fulfilled completely. When you understand that chronological order is only a style of writing (that was ignored by Ezekiel) we see this prophecy fulfilled perfectly.
To see another example about time, look at Isaiah 61:1-6.
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
- Isaiah 61:1-6
Many years later, Luke records that Jesus stood up in his own synagogue and quoted the first paragraph of this prophecy. Then rolling up the scroll he said: “Today is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears”. Yet, did Jesus fulfill the whole prophecy in Isaiah 61 at that time? Read the last paragraph.
It is obvious that these events in the prophecy have not yet happened. The Prophets talk about events that are hundreds or thousands of years apart, and they talk, in any order they want, and they do not need to draw our attention to it. And not just the prophets, none of the inspired writers assumed a chronological order of their events. Therefore, when you are trying to figure out chronological order, you need to see actual connections, words like and after that,* or the next day, are useful to help draw a conclusion. It is a major goal of eschatology, to understand the chronological order of end-time prophecy.
Rules to Apply in Study
Up to this point, I have spent most of my time discussing errors in interpreting scripture. If the church avoided these errors, sound doctrine would follow; with that unity. However, beyond avoiding the mistakes, there are some rules that would help us in our understanding of God’s Word. I have found the following to be helpful in my studies.
Rule #7: Use Two or Three Witnesses to Develop Doctrine
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. - Matthew 18:16
"This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. - 2 Corinthians 13:1
One way to keep from misinterpreting the Bible is to have at least two or three passages, (two or three witnesses). If you look at all the passages on a particular subject, before you try to develop your doctrine, you will avoid many mistakes.
Example; some denominations teach that when you baptize, you must say the words in the name of Jesus. This doctrine came from this verse:
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. - Acts 2:38
Unfortunately, using only this verse for their doctrine, some say that baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son and Holy Spirit, does not count. Once a person has his one verse theology, it is useless to show them a second witness; they will only eisegete this next verse.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: - Matthew 28:19
If a particular verse in the Bible were talking about ‘just men’, would the verse be referring to honest men or only men? If the context of the passage does not answer the question, sometimes a look at other passages on a subject is necessary before we draw our conclusions. If we do not hear all the testimony, we will not have sound judgment or sound doctrine.
Rule #8: Know Who is Speaking, and to Whom He is Speaking
Before we start, let me share a short excerpt from Abbott and Costello's famous parody Who is on First.
Costello (acting as a popcorn vender): "When you pay off the first base man every month, who gets the money?"
Abbott (acting as a baseball player): "Every dollar of it. Why not? The man is entitled to it."
Costello: "Who is?"
Abbott: "Yeah!"
Costello: "So who gets it?"
Abbott: "Why shouldn't he? Sometimes his wife comes down and collects it."
Costello: "Whose wife?"
Abbott: "Yes, after all the man earns it."
Costello: "Who does?"
Abbott: "Absolutely!"
Costello: "All I'm trying to find out is, What is the guys name on first base?"
Abbott: "No. What is on second base!"
Costello: "I'm not asking you who is on second base."
Abbott: "Who is on first!"
Costello: "That's what I'm trying to find out!"
Abbott: "Don't change the players around!"
Costello: "I'm not changing nobody! What is the guys name on first base?"
Abbott: "What is on second!"
Costello: "I'm not asking you who is on second!"
The skit goes on like this until eventually Costello, without knowing what he is talking about, names all nine players on the baseball team.
If Lou Costello knew whom he was talking about, it would have ruined the skit. However, in most other cases it is essential we understand who is talking to whom. If the Bible student ignores this rule, false doctrine will soon creep in.
Christians often refer to the Bible as The Word of God. Amen! Yet the Bible records the words of countless other people, even angels. We must be careful that we know who is speaking in the different Bible passages so we can weigh their words properly.
In the next example, look at these verses from The Book of Job as he speaks wisdom and prophecy.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. - Job 19:25-27
In this passage, Job says that he believes in a living Redeemer. Job also expects God will resurrect his body and he will see God. This is all good stuff.
Now, a few chapters later, in the same book, Eliphaz is speaking:
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.
- Job 22:21-30
Eliphaz speaks of repentance and how the Lord builds us up. All of these words are right from the Bible, yet should we use this passage to teach Christian doctrine? God answers the question himself at the end of the book, when he compares the words of Eliphaz to the words of Job.
In the last chapter of Job we read:
And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. - Job 42:7
Since the Lord was angry at the words of Eliphaz, we would do well not to quote Eliphaz as an authority on our doctrine.
I used this example because teachers often quote The Book of Job without caring who is speaking. Yet before quoting someone in the Bible, we should look at his qualifications. Is he a prophet? Is the person speaking even walking with God? It may be true that an ignorant person will sometimes speak correctly. However, until we are sure the person has God's approval, we should not quote him as an authority.
It is equally important to find out to whom is the speaker is addressing. For instance, is the audience: Jewish or Gentile, an individual or a group, a believer or an unbeliever, an adult or child, man or woman, single or married? 12 All these questions have a bearing on our understanding and application of scripture.
To understand this significance, we will look at a few passages on the law. In the book of Matthew, Jesus said:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:17-19
Some important points for us to see.
- Jesus did not say; the law was until the start of the New Testament dispensation, He said the Law would not pass before the heaven and earth did.
- Jesus did not warn about breaking The Ten Commandments; he warned about breaking even one of the least of the commandments.
In spite of Jesus’ sermon, a few years later, the Apostle Paul comes teaching a doctrine that might appear, at first glance, to be completely opposite.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:23-26
AND
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? - Galatians 4:19-21
Why did Paul stand in doubt of the Galatian believers? Because they placed themselves under Mosaic Law. So, should we keep the law, or shouldn’t we? How can we deal with this apparent contradiction? Easy, Jesus is talking to the Jews; Paul is talking to the Gentiles. I used this example because the book of Acts will answer this question:
And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. - Acts 21:17-19
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
- Acts 21:20
And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. - Acts 21:21
What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
- Acts 21:22-23
Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
- Acts 21:24
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. - Acts 21:25
We all know Paul was a Jew, yet few realize that Paul kept the law (Acts21:24). However, Paul in his letter to the Gentiles warns them not to believe salvation comes by observing the law. Paul never contradicted Jesus by condemning the Jewish believers for keeping the law. (Acts 21:20-21)
In the next example, we see why it is important to know if the speaker is addressing an individual, or a multitude.
[Paul and Silas] said, [to the jailer] Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou13 shalt be saved, and thy house. - Acts 16:31
In this passage, Paul and Silas are replying to their jailer who just asked what he must do to be saved. When Paul and Silas spoke, did they imply, as some teach, that if we believe our families would be saved also? Or, were they simply promising the Jailer his family? The answer is, the Jailer was promised his family. This is because Paul was not writing this as an epistle to the church (plural), he was prophesying to an individual (singular), a prophecy that did come to pass. Compare Paul’s words to those of Jesus when he spoke to those who would come to believe on him, saying:
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. - Matthew 10:35-37
Rule #9: The Flow of Thought Should Harmonize
Another important principle as you try to understand a verse, look at how the thought of the verse flows with the rest of the passage. I will use the doctrine of soul sleep, for an example. Let us (at least pretend to) believe in soul sleep as we read a portion of 1st Peter to see how this works.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; - 1 Peter 3:17-4:1
This passage inspires two questions for those who of us who (are at least pretending to) believe in soul sleep.
The first question: What is the overall thought Peter is trying to communicate?
For me, I see is suffering. Trying to encourage us in our suffering, Peter at the beginning and end of this passage talks of Jesus' suffering for us, and then admonishes us, to be armed with the same mind.
Second question: What is the literal interpretation of the verse "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison" ?
Peter expounds on this verse with additional comments (the middle paragraph). Now, if you believe that he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, when Christ suffered for us, the thought in all these verses will flow together.
However, if you (really) believe in soul sleep, you would not believe that Jesus preached to the disobedient in Noah’s time, because they were sleeping. The third question becomes, why in the middle of discussing Jesus’ example of suffering, would Peter go off topic and discuss Noah's preaching during the time of the flood?
In using the flow of thought, like taking scripture in context, you should ask yourself if it is likely, or at least possible, that the author would be discussing your interpretation of a particular verse at that point in his dissertation.
The difference between using the flow of thought and taking a verse in context is when you look for context you look for connections with the surrounding passages. Words such as and, or, but, so, then, for and therefore. For thoughts to harmonize they do not need to have any of these actual connections, for instance in the introduction to his epistles, Paul (as well as in many of the other books of the Bible) often gives us a hint as to why he wrote the letter. Understanding his motives will help us to understand and apply his instructions.
Understanding the flow of thought is essential to understanding many passages of scripture.
Rule #10: A short ungrammar lesson?
Here is a copy of a page from the codex Sinaiticus, (an early Greek New Testament).
Notice that this early Greek manuscript is ALL CAPS, no spaces, not much punctuation.
Grammar and punctuation
Like this Greek manuscript, the ancient Hebrew Scriptures from Moses' time would be hard to compare to modern English.
The early Greek and Hebrew Scriptures do not differentiate between upper and lower case letters. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee." would have read something like: "PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM: THEY SHALL PROSPER THAT LOVE THEE."
The earliest Hebrew and Greek Scriptures did not place spaces between their words. These early manuscripts would read: "PRAYFORTHEPEACEOFJERUSALEM:THEYSHALLPROSPERTHATLOVETHEE."
Even the punctuation in the ancient manuscripts is missing;
now it reads PRAYFORTHEPEACEOFJERUSALEMTHEYSHALLPROSPERTHATLOVETHEE
The earliest Hebrew Scriptures, going even further, did not use vowels; these were added by scribes years later, now it looks like you will need a Scribe to understand PRYFRTHPCFJRSLMTHYSHLLPRSPRTHTLVTH
And if that were not enough the Hebrew reads HTVLTHTRPSRPLLHSYHTMLSRJFCPHTRFYRP that is from right to left).
Fortunately, their vocabulary was smaller than ours. And to make up for the lack of vowels in the Hebrew, there were enough consonants in a word to decipher it. In addition, some letters looked different when placed at the end (make that the beginning for the Hebrew) of a word. Moreover, the Greek used more inflections. For instance, a single Greek verb could have nearly 400 different spellings,13.5 today English replaces most of these inflections, using instead, fixed word location.
The important point of this ungrammar lesson is not to place too much emphasis on verse's grammar or punctuation. Capital letters, paragraph spacing, and other punctuation, may be subject to your sincere challenge. This is true in both the Old and New Testaments. Be careful therefore, as you trust your interpretation to a comma. For this example, we will look at a passage whose interpretation is debated by those who believe in soul sleep:
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
- Luke 23:42-43
Those Christians who believe in soul sleep, (knowing that early manuscripts are missing commas) move the comma (after the word thee) in the verse:
Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
TO (after the word today):
Verily I say unto thee today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Thus doing, they change the meaning of the verse from a promise of being in paradise later that day, to a promise of being in paradise in the future. This change is necessary to make the passage fit their doctrine of soul sleep.
However, where should we place the coma? Do we have a problem when a coma is missing from early manuscripts? Using the rule taught in the chapter Use two or three witnesses to develop doctrine let us see if we can find any clues to this puzzle.
- Fact 1: Jesus was recorded seventy-six other times saying: "Verily I say unto thee,"
- Fact 2: Jesus was never recorded in any other place saying: "Verily I say unto thee today,"
In the chapter The Flow of Thought Should Harmonize, we saw that if we understood a verse properly, the thoughts should flow in harmony.
If, in Luke’s account, Jesus said: Verily I say unto thee, … He was stressing the importance of the words that would follow.
If Jesus said: Verily I say unto thee today, (with the comma after today) shalt thou be with me in paradise. The word today did not add stress; (harmonize with the previous words) it only added confusion. And, the confusion of this one word has caused most Christians throughout the centuries to misunderstand the verse.
Getting back on topic, it is important that in the English language, a comma in the wrong spot can substantially change the meaning of a verse. While I do not have any special rules on grammar, you should be aware of the issue. With good hermeneutics,14 and prayer, you should be able to parse most grammatical structures in your Bible.
Jots and tittles
For verily I [Jesus] say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. - Matthew 5:18
In this statement, Jesus is assuring us that the least stroke of Moses’ pen will not pass from the Law. This promise refers to the faithful reproductions in the original language, not to every translation. For instance, with the evolution of our own language, we can see many differences in punctuation. For example, these two verses say the same thing; only the first one was penned, nearly four-hundred years later. The differences in punctuation are underlined.
But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations." - Genisis 48:19 NKJV
And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. - Genisis 48:19 KJV
Italicized words
The translators of the King James Version (and some other versions) added the italicized words to their translation to help smooth out the reading. However, since the italicized words are not in the original manuscript, they should not change the meaning of a sentence. Nevertheless, the translators italicized them to let you make the final decision. However, you must be careful in some modern translations, as many do not make any effort to help you discern between the translator’s additions and the original manuscript.
Paragraphs
Some Bibles have paragraph marks (¶) or bold verse numbers to indicate paragraph breaks. Today many modern Bibles do not even have these. I will confess that I made some paragraph breaks in this study to make the passages that were under scrutiny easier to follow.
As for the different Bible versions, let’s look at Mark chapter two which I picked at random: I have an older King James Version; its first paragraph break is at verse eleven. My New King James Version puts a paragraph break after verse four. The New International Version places the first paragraph break after verse five. As you can see, there is not much weight in the paragraph breaks.
Chapter and verse numbers
The copyists and translators added the chapter and verse numbers to the Bible manuscripts fairly recently.15 We should use them only for locating individual verses, not to divide a passage or thought. There are many passages where the thought continues into the next chapter.
Mistake #21: Not Understanding That Words Lose Meaning in Translation
Some Rabbis have opposed translating the Sacred Scripture from Hebrew into other languages because they feared some of the inspiration would be lost. It is difficult to translate poetry and idioms that are unique to a culture, that is for sure.
However, excepting poetical structure, you can understand many of the difficult passages properly with the aid of a good Bible concordance. This tool enables you to find any verse in the Bible in minutes. It also gives a simple definition and shows all the other places where the word is used in its original language for comparison (the instructions on how to use a concordance are in the front cover).
Here is an example of an idiom lost in translation. What is the evil eye Jesus is speaking of? 16
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! - Matthew 6:23
If you will look up the passages of scripture where it mentions an evil eye, two things will happen. First, when you see what the passages have in common, you will understand what the idiom of the evil eye refers to. Second, when you understand this idiom, it may clarify some of the more obscure passages where it is used. Unfortunately, some modern translations leave out the evil eye, not discerning the need in a literal translation.
In another example, let us look at a verse commonly misunderstood by the Jehovah’s witnesses (JW). Have you ever heard a JW try to prove that Jesus is a created being? If so, he may have used the following verse.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; - Revelation 3:14
To those who believe Jesus is a created being, this verse seems to imply just that. However, let us look at the word beginning a little closer before concurring.
Since words can lose or change their definition in translation, the serious Bible student is only concerned with the meaning intended by the original author. We will try to do this by looking up the word ‘beginning’ in our concordance. This word beginning in Revelation 3:14 is the Greek word ar-khay. The definition is, "A commencement, or chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank)”.17 Here are three other verses where the word (in bold font) ar-khay is used.
And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. - Luke 20:20
AND
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. - 1 Corinthians 15:24
AND
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: - Colossians 2:9-10
And, if you looked up the word ar-khay' yourself, you will see passages where it does mean first in time. If Jesus were a created being (though it is circular reasoning), this verse may help confirm it. However, since John used a word that has many meanings, this verse does not prove Jesus was a created being.
After studying how the apostles used the word ar-khay' in the first century, (rather than how the JWs use it in the twenty-first century). If Jesus is God the son, and our creator,18 the apostle John was glorifying Jesus in Revelation 3:14 when he said that Jesus is, “the faithful and true witness, the rule, principality and power of the creation of God”.
Another common problem in translating from an original language is that words often have two or more meanings. The word spirit in the Greek is pnyoo'-mah. The word spirit can also be translated: a current of air, a breath, a blast, a breeze. In the following, the three bold words have the same root-word.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. - John 3:8
Some Bible passages really come to life when we understand the fullness of the Greek or Hebrew words. This fullness comes when you look up and use a word’s original definition.
Words also change their meaning over time. For instance, when a young person says, “Hey, that's bad!”, he may be implying that he is excited. The word bad has come to have two meanings, bad and good. An example out of the King James Version of a word that has changed meaning:
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. - James 3:13
Today the word conversation means, to talk or to have a discussion. In 1611 when they translated the King James Version, the word meant behavior or conduct. Looking up archaic words will confirm your interpretations when you are right, and help correct you, when you are wrong.
Another tool to help you in translating is the Interlinear Bible.19 It places the original Hebrew or Greek words on top and a corresponding English word underneath (the Old Testament reads from right to left).
This next example shows how an Interlinear Bible can help recover a word’s original meaning. Since there is a lot of errors taught from a misunderstanding of Daniel's Seventy Weeks, we will use it in this important though lengthily example. The passage reads:
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. - Daniel 9:24
First, Daniel said there are Seventy weeks. After studying it, many Christians believe this prophecy was fulfilled. However the weeks are not weeks of days, rather they are weeks of years.
Daniel 10:1-4 (Reads from right to left)
The trouble comes, when teachers decide that the word week, was originally defined as seven days. Then, since these days really mean years, they will replace the word days for years when they interpret other Bible prophecies. However, if the day-year principle is wrong, these teachers will proceed to misinterpret other prophecy using the faulty Line upon Line method mentioned in an earlier chapter.
To show why this day-year principle does not work, using an interlinear Bible, look at the word weeks in chapter ten of Daniel.
Reading Hebrew from right to left, we see in chapter ten that Daniel literally said, “weeks of days” (actually using the word days). Next looking at Daniel 9:24, the literal translation is "Seventy sevens are determined upon thy people...". Because Daniel did not say weeks of days, as he did in chapter ten, it is wrong to teach that the weeks were weeks of days in chapter nine.
Today we use the word decade to describe a ten-year period, however, in ancient Israel, the decade was a seven-year time-period (and the Hebrew word for it was seven). The end of each seven years was supposed to be a Sabbath year. After seven sevens (49 years) there was to be a special Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25).
Daniel 9:23-25
Since the sevens were not sevens of days, the day-year principle is built on a false premise and any interpretation using it will be wrong.
While we do not want to work a scripture verse to death, we do want to spend more time on it if we are going to use the passage later to make a rule of interpretation or if the precise interpretation of any word is important for understanding.
After a Concordance and an interlinear Bible, you should have a lexicon.20 Will give a more detailed definition of the words than the dictionary in the Strong’s Concordance. In the following verse, the only way to define bow is to use a dictionary or lexicon, as this word is used only once in scripture. (Though Strong’s definition is interesting and should not be ignored.)
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. - Revelation 6:2
Rule #11: Use the Bible to Define Words in the Bible
As we seek a formula to understand scripture, we should keep in mind that it is God who enlightens us to understand spiritual truths. However, he often does that through the Bible. For instance, in some passages, like Daniel chapter seven, the angel himself will give us the proper interpretation. Yet what do we do with the other passages? For instance without the angel interpreting for us, how do we understand this vision of John in the book of Revelation?
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: - Revelation 12:1
To understand this passage properly, we must know how our Lord would define the words: woman, sun, moon and crown of twelve stars. To do this let us look at other passages to see how the same symbolic words are defined. Since some words have several meanings, we should be careful and thoroughly research a particular word before coming to a conclusion. With this in mind, let us look at other verses to how see they define the word woman.
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. - Isaiah 62:5
AND
I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. - Jeremiah 6:2
AND
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 11:2
In every parable where I saw a symbolic meaning, the woman represented Israel or the Church. Now, let’s look at verses containing sun and moon.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - Malachi 4:2
AND
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! - Isaiah 5:20
AND
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. - Isaiah 9:2
AND
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. - 1 Thessalonians 5:5
AND
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. - Genesis 1:16
From these verses I see a correlation between the sun (or light) and good. And between the moon (or darkness) and evil. Now let us search the scriptures for the crown of twelve stars. Where in the Bible do we see the number twelve used?
Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. - Matthew 19:28
Could each star represent a tribe of Israel? Could they represent each of the twelve apostles? The way the Scripture uses twelve implies it may be a special number that God uses when he describes his government.
Going back to the vision in Revelation 12:1, and using the Bible's own figurative language to define words, it reads:
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman [God's chosen people] clothed with the sun [walking in righteousness], and the moon under her feet [she has overcome Satan], and upon her head a crown of twelve stars [twelve, because she is reigning with God; stars because she does so in righteousness]: - Revelation 12:1
Rule #12: Understand the Topic Under Discussion
In order to understand a verse properly, we must understand the topic under discussion in the passage or even better the topic of the whole book. Does the Bible teach the earth is suspended on pillars?
Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. - Job 9:6
AND
. . . for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
- 1 Samuel 2:8
Some Bible skeptics use passages like these to prove the scriptures are not scientific or reliable. To see if this accusation has any merit, lets study it from two different perspectives.
The first perspective:
Do the above verses actually teach that the earth is set on pillars? The first verse is from Job, and the skeptic is selectively quoting from him, for a little later in his book Job will very specifically say:
He [the Lord] stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. - Job 26:7
As we try to learn from the scripture, here are some things we should try to remember. The first two points were covered in their own chapters.
- Beware of taking Scripture Verses Out of Context .
- Know Who is Speaking, and to Whom He is Speaking .
Then we must try to understand what a topic of the scripture passage is. For example:
Imagine that you see a beautiful sunset and it inspires you to cry out, "Wow, what a beautiful sunset.” Since your topic is the beauty of the evening sky, rather than astronomy, everyone should be able to understand you. Yet suppose some know-it-all says that you do not know what you are talking about. Everyone knows that the sun does not set; it’s the earth that rotates!
Now if you do not like to appear foolish, you could look up synonyms for the word sunset. In order to save you some time I looked up sunset in a thesaurus and found: evening, sundown, dusk, twilight, night, day's end and nightfall". Since none of these synonyms acknowledge that it is the earth that rotates, and not the sun that sets, paleontologists a thousand years from now can assume that our whole culture is ignorant of this basic cosmological truth. In the mean time, we can be content using the word sunset.
Any mindless person, who wishes, can deliberately misunderstand you. Their quoting your description of a sunset does not prove that you do not know that it is the earth rotating and not the sun setting.
This test will help you to see the importance of the topic when we are trying to understand scripture.
Question 1, In describing God's majesty, Job says:
Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.
- Job 9:61. He is describing God who can do things past finding out.
2. He is telling us he believes the Earth is on pillars.
3. He is describing the recent event of Noah’s flood.
3. He is describing the Battle of Armageddon.
Question 2, When Job says:
He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. - Job26:7
1. He is describing God who can do things past finding out.
2. He is telling us he believes the Earth is hung on nothing.
3. He is describing the creation week.
Question 3, When (Samuel’s mother) Hannah says:
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
- 1 Samuel 2:81. She is teaching a class in geology.
2. She is teaching a class in cosmology.
2. She is worshiping God when he answered her prayer.
Question 4, It says in the book of Joshua:
So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. - Joshua 10:13
1. Joshua is teaching us that the sun circles the earth.
2. The Book of Joshua is teaching that Joshua commanded the sun (and moon) not to move.
At this command, God did a miracle and (as we now understand) stopped the earth’s rotation.
Question 5, This chapter, Understanding the topic under discussion Teaches:
1. That you can use any verse to make doctrine as long as the doctrine makes sense.
2. That you cannot use the Bible as a scientific reference.
3. Caution against reading something into a passage that the writer never intended.
4. Not to read your own topic into a passage of scripture.
The second perspective, Remember; at the beginning of the chapter, I said there were two perspectives. The second is that the earth really is set on pillars:
Perhaps God did establish the earth on pillars. One theory that makes sense in contemporary understanding implies that there is a subterranean water system. The theory includes pillars that separate the earth’s core from the earth’s crust. Some verses out of Psalms that may hint at this are: Psalm 18:15, Psalm 24:2, Psalm 104:3 and Psalm 136:6.
While this theory is too involved to go into here, I recommend Walt Brown’s creation science website www.creationscience.com
/onlinebook/. At this website, Dr. Brown Ph.D. proposes a hydro-plate theory that shows the connection between much of the natural phenomena we see today and Noah’s flood. And that Job may have been scientifically accurate when he said pillars after all.
Rule #13: Be Consistent in Your Application of Rules
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17
Though being consistent is essential to sound doctrine, it is obvious that consistency by itself is nothing. It should go without saying, that if you are applying foolish principles, applying them consistently will be of no value. On the other hand, if you cannot apply a rule of interpretation consistently, then you not the rule become the final arbiter. Therefore, you should discard any rule that does not work consistently.
Rules for Studying Prophecy
Prophecy is a special portion of the scripture. It is in the fulfilled prophecy that we see the divine signature. And, it is in the unfulfilled prophecy that we usually see most contradictions in interpretations. Therefore, here are some special rules to apply in your study of eschatology.
Rule #14: God Knows the End From the Beginning
Be careful not to fall into the trap of saying or thinking: This prophecy cannot come to pass. God knew the end at the beginning. All prophecy from God will happen exactly as he has spoken it since the beginning.
If thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. - Deuteronomy 18:21
Concerning prophecy, God says it is all or nothing. Now let us look at an example. Many professing Christians believe the nation of Israel is no longer Gods chosen people. With their preconceived idea, the following passages in Zechariah are completely lost to them.
Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
- Zechariah 12:2-3
AND
Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. - Zechariah 14:1-3
In discussing the end days with many Christian brothers, I have often heard (and read), “This prophecy cannot come to pass”, rather, they believe that many of God’s prophecies are conditional.
It is true that when God’s prophesies to an individual, it may be conditional. This was actually the mission of the prophet, using his gift of prophecy; he tried to turn people from their sin, and to thereby avert the very doom he predicted. One example is when God sent Jonah to Nineveh. Some have suggested, that Jonah’s prophecy failed (Nineveh was not destroyed); when exactly the opposite is true (Jonah’s preaching caused the people to repent).
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. - Jonah 3:4
AND
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. - Ezekiel 3:18
While the purpose of prophecy will always be to turn people from their sin, there are two types that are never conditional. The prophecies of Jesus’ first coming were not conditional; rather the time and events prophesied were absolute. This same rule goes for prophecies concerning the end days. They should turn us from sin and they are absolute.
Remember this, and show yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
- Isaiah 46:8-10
AND
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. - Luke 21:36
It is the absolute and unconditional-nature of the Messianic prophecies that turn people from their sin. The question is, will we understand them and thereby make a proper application in our own lives? Only if you believe that God knows the end from the beginning.
Rule #15: Prophecy is a Jigsaw Puzzle
If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold. - Numbers 12:6b-8a
The Hebrew word for dark is khee-daw'. It translates as a puzzle; hence a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.17
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
- Proverbs 25:2
In The Book of Numbers, the Lord tells Aaron and Miriam that he differentiates between Moses and other prophets. To Moses the Law Giver, He would speak plainly. To the other prophets (and reading them will confirm this truth) he spoke in parables, using symbolic language.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. - Matthew 13:10-11
Some points about a jigsaw puzzle:
- If you use enough force, you can get the wrong pieces to fit together.
- If you put the wrong pieces together the picture will not be what the artist intended.
- When the right pieces are fit, they will just snap together!
To be honest, for some Christians, studying the Bible is not very exciting. Where there should be a magnificent sunrise, they see modern art. While excitement is not perfect evidence that what you believe is true, if there is no excitement in your Bible studies (assuming you have a relationship with the Lord) you may have some puzzle pieces in the wrong place.
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbor. - Jeremiah 23:29-30
So how can you tell if your puzzle pieces are in the right place? You practice by studying the fulfilled prophecies of the Lord’s first coming in the Old Testament. As you study these prophecies, though a little like puzzle pieces, they read plainly. In fact so plainly, that there is little disagreement among Christians on their interpretation. Once you have studied Jesus’ first coming, then try studying prophecy about the end times. Does your interpretation read as plainly as the prophecies of Jesus' first coming?
An example is in Ezekiel 38. A common interpretation of this prophecy is that Russia will invade Israel immediately before or just after the start of the Great Tribulation period. Let us test this theory. However, before you do this exercise, read all of Ezekiel 38:1 to verse 39:29.
If these events happen shortly after the start of the Great Tribulation, will:
And you shall go up, coming like a storm. You shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you and all your bands, and many peoples with you. - Ezekiel 38:9
Will these nations recover to come up against Israel again seven years later at the end of the Great Tribulation?
While other prophets predict a huge multitude of people come to the battle of Armageddon at the end of The Great Tribulation, do any other prophets predict a huge multitude will come up to Israel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation?
And you shall come up on My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It shall be in the last days, and I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I shall be sanctified in you, O Gog, before their eyes. - Ezekiel 38:16
Will the nations come to know the Lord right before the Great Tribulation?
For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great quaking in the land of Israel, so that the fish of the sea, and the birds of the heavens, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all the men on the face of the earth, shall quake at My presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
- Ezekiel 38:19-20
When do the other prophets say these events will happen? Before or after the Great Tribulation?
So I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself. And I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am Jehovah. - Ezekiel 38:23
If the Lord were to make himself known in the eyes of many nations, will they still take the mark of the beast?
And again, will they come up to the battle of Armageddon only seven years later?
You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your bands, and the people with you. I will give you for food to the birds of prey of every kind, and to the beasts of the field.
- Ezekiel 39:4
When does another prophet say the Lord will feed the birds in this manner?
And I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel. And I will not let them profane My holy name any more. And the nations shall know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel. - Ezekiel 39:7
When do any other prophets predict that Israel will come to know the Lord Jehovah?
And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years: - Ezekiel 39:9
As I read the portion of scripture surrounding verse nine, it sounds like a seven-year celebration, could this really be happening at the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
As I hope you saw, the pieces do not fit very well. If Russia invaded Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation; would the pieces of the puzzle fit better when answering the above questions?
One final point in concluding, though we study diligently, we may not understand all prophecy until after the Lord’s return. For an example of why it may be necessary to wait until then, look at this prophecy in the book of Jeremiah:
Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. - Jeremiah 31:15
Many years later, during the Roman occupation of Israel, Matthew records:
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. - Matthew 2:16-18
Before Herod's reign, it would have impossible to predict from Jeremiah’s prophecy that Herod was going to massacre the children of Bethlehem. Now, after the fulfillment, this prophecy, though morbid, is easy to understand. Perhaps we shall not finish the whole puzzle before we get to heaven, for as Paul said:
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. - 1 Corinthians 13:12
Even so, there are many prophecies of the end times that we can understand. For instance:
Men [will be] fainting from fear, and expecting those things which have come on the earth. For the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. - Luke 21:26
When these things happen, they will terrify the unbelieving world, even as predicted. Even so, because Jesus prophesied it, these events will encourage the saints that God is in control.
Rule #16: Prophecy May Have Multiple Fulfillments
Once a prophecy has been fulfilled, it may still have an even greater fulfillment in the future. Why twice? And why in a greater fulfillment the second time?
- First, we have a prophecy.
- Then we see its first fulfillment.
- We then see a second, even greater, fulfillment.
- Looking back, the first fulfillment was really an allegory of the second and more important fulfillment.
There are a handful of really spectacular events that have happened in history. Noah’s flood, Moses leading the Hebrews out of Egypt, The Lord’s first coming and finally the Lord’s second coming at the end of the age. Stories in the Bible are often allegories of one of these last two events. If this sounds confusing, let us look at an example of David, he wanted to build a temple to the Lord (however, the prophet Nathan forbade him).
1. First, we have a prophecy of Nathan. (Pay particular attention to the bold print in this passage.)
… Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall he children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever. - 2 Samuel 7:8-13
2. Then we see its first fulfillment.
Both David and Solomon believed by Nathan’s prophecy that Solomon would build the temple. We see this in Solomon's prayer at the dedication of temple.
And [Solomon] said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying, Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel. And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name. And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me. - 1 Kings 8:15-25
Solomon plainly understood that it was he himself who fulfilled this prophecy; however, this is not the end of the matter.
3. We now see a second, even greater, fulfillment. It was Jesus the Messiah, in building his church
that fulfilled this prophecy in a greater way.
a. He is the son of David.
b. He reigns now as the King of kings.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. - Matthew 28:18
c. He is building his temple the church.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
- Ephesians 2:19-22d. His kingdom will have no end.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. - Luke 1:32-33
4. Looking back, it is easy to see that Solomon’s first temple was really an allegory of the second and more important fulfillment, God’s church.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
We can see in Solomon’s life, and throughout much of the Old Testament, many allegories and prophecy that have their greatest fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Rule #17: Understand the Time Barrier
The prophets of God are the only people who have seen into the future. Still they have a time barrier to overcome.
For example, the prophet Daniel received a vision that will not be underrstood before the end times (even he did not understand it).
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
- Daniel 12:8-10
Since the Lord sealed the vision until the time of the end, all the interpretations prior to the time of end are nothing more than guesses. If we are now at the time of the end, those that are wise may understand.
However, in contrast, the book of Revelation was not sealed. The saints could understand the book of Revelation since the time of its writing. This means that any interpretation we have today, was also possible in the latter half of the first century.
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. - Revelation 22:10
Even so John had a problem of the time barrier, and the problem is in language.
While many prophets speak of the Battle of Armageddon, how would a prophet technically describe the events?
Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. - Joel 2:8
In this verse, he seems to speak of a bullet proof vest, however, I must be careful as I try interpret Bible prophesy in light of contemporary thought. Every generation since Christ, has had those who thought they were the final generation. Joel may not be talking about bulletproof vests in this verse, he may be prophesying about military technology that we have not yet conceived.
Just suppose for a moment you were a prophet of God two thousand years ago and you had a vision that included things like jet aircraft, computers, televisions and modern military weapons. How would you describe these modern marvels with a vocabulary void of our modern technological terms?
Aircraft:
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. - Joel 2:5
OR maybe
And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hooves shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
- Isaiah 5:26-28
Computers or televisions:
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. - Revelation 13:15
Military weapons:
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone [brimstone is an ingredient in gunpowder]. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. - Revelation 9:17-19
If a prophet had a vision of our modern technology, he would have had at least two problems. First, he had no prior education to understand it. Second, he does not have the words necessary to describe our technology in his vocabulary. He must use the words, if not the thought patterns, with which he was familiar.
A second problem we have because of the time barrier is that we ourselves cannot see into the future. Events written by the prophets may seem impossible to take literally. However the future alignment of nations, future inventions, etc, may make some passages that seem impossible today, and therefore hard to believe, easy to understand and easy for God to execute in the future.
Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. - Mark 9:24b
Applying What We Have Learned
Again he [Jesus] said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. - Luke 13:20-21
The above verse is one of the most commonly misunderstood verses in the New Testament.
As I mentioned in the introduction, a brother and myself got into a particularly long debate over the interpretation of the above verse. We went so far as to take a poll and see how other Christians interpreted this verse. In this poll, I lost unanimously. Therefore, this will be a perfect verse to apply techniques learned in this study.
Most of the Christians we polled interpreted this parable something like this. Jesus is teaching about the kingdom of God. It is like leaven [the Gospel] that the woman [Jesus or the church] took and hid in three measures of meal [the church or the world] until the whole was leavened [the Gospel had spread through the whole world].
The minority interpretation of this passage is this: Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God. It is like leaven [false doctrine] that the woman [the church] took and hid in three measures of meal [the word] until the whole was leavened, [the false doctrine had spread through the whole church]. Jesus was warning us to beware of false doctrine entering the church. Today we see the result of this ignorance, as many denominations teach doctrines that are contrary to the Word of God.
Since these two interpretations are contradictory, at least one of them must be wrong. Based on our poll, it is likely my reader, will agree with the majority’s interpretation. So if you have a teachable spirit, please apply the rules (at least the ones you believe are sound) and avoid the mistakes as we look at the above verse.
First, In Order to Understand Any Passage of Scripture:
You must be born again
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14
Please take our Two Question Test if you are not born again.
You must have Humility
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. - James 4:6
You must have Patients
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. - James 5:7
You must have Faith
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
You must not expect to be amused
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
- Psalms 119:34
AND
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. - Isaiah 5:12
Mistakes that will hinder us from understanding the parable of the leaven
Mistake #3: Not Being Well Versed With the Entire Bible
Being well versed with the Bible is not the same as learning precept upon precept. Being well-versed means enables us to look at all passages of scripture on a topic before we make an interpretation.
Since we are not the ancient Jews to whom Jesus was speaking, becoming familiar with the Jewish culture will help as we try to understand His message. For example, when Jesus taught the Parable of the Good Samaritan, understanding what the Jews thought of Samaritans would be necessary to get the full impact of His lesson. This understanding comes only from being familiar with the Bible.
If you familiar with the Bible, you know it does not use leaven in any other parable or allegory to symbolize good, much less The Gospel.22 For this reason, we should not interpret leaven, in the above parable, as the gospel.
Mistake #4: Allowing Preconceived Ideas to Hinder Learning
Everyone we approached in our poll had preconceived ideas, as the verse was new to nobody. Some did not allow their preconceived ideas to hinder their learning, others were not open to correction.
Mistake #5: Reading the Bible to Prove Doctrine, Not to Learn It
This chapter warns the obvious, we must come to the scripture to learn. The secret is to not study only the passages of scripture which prove a doctrine that you already believe.
Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10b-11
In the book of Acts, Luke mentions the Christians in Berea, praising them for searching the scriptures to see if what Paul taught was true. What would God think of the Berians, if they had only listened to Paul to see if he agreed with what they already believed?
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
AND
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is hateful to my lips - Proverbs 8:7
Mistake #7: Reading Books on the Bible, Rather Than Reading the Bible
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Unfortunately, many books misquote the Bible. If you are reading devotionals, instead of studying the Bible, you have no checks or balances to protect you from false doctrine.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. - Acts 20:29-31
Mistake #8: Using a Commentary before Using a Concordance
Commentaries have their place and we can glean inspiration from them. However, when we looked at the parable of the woman and the leaven in the different commentaries, we had a dilemma. The commentaries had different and sometimes contradictory interpretations of this verse.
Many of the people who depend on commentaries for their primary source of inspiration will get this passage wrong. A better way to tackle this verse is to use a concordance and see how the words are used elsewhere. Using those definitions we can understand what the parable really means.
Mistake #13: Taking Scripture Verses Out of Context
To understand the parable of the woman and her leaven, it will be helpful to see if and how these verses are connected to the previous ones. (Does it start with an And, Then or Therefore?) I believe a careful study will show that this parable connects back at least as far as verse 10. If so, could these connections imply that this parable is addressing the religious leader who was mentioned earlier in verse fourteen?
Mistake #14: Twisting the Words Meaning
As I noted earlier, the popular interpretation had leaven meaning the Gospel and the meal was interpreted church or world. Unless the Bible student can justify those interpretations by using a dictionary, lexicon, or finding a similar symbolic meaning in another scripture passage, he is twisting the meaning of these words. When a person picks an arbitrary definition for each word, he can make the parable teach any doctrine he wishes.
As also in all [Paul’s] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:16
Mistake #18: Treating the Kingdom of God as a Democracy
Though being outnumbered does not make an interpretation correct, neither should it put pressure on the believer to change his mind. Holding the minority opinion on an interpretation does not concern those on the narrow road, we can all think of examples when the majority of people have been wrong.
Mistake #19: Finding Private Interpretations in Scripture
Though we should not worry about having a popular interpretation, if no other Christians (outside of your denomination) have a similar interpretation, it should be cause for concern. In the case of this parable, there are other Christians and a few commentaries that share the minority interpretation.
Rules:
Rule #7: Use Two or Three Witnesses to Develop Doctrine
Rule #7 shows the necessity of finding other places where the Bible teaches the same doctrine to clarify ambiguous passages. Is it reasonable that the same or a similar parable would have the same meaning the same or similar meaning? Here is a parable from the Old Testament that looks similar.
They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened. - Hosea 7:4
In Hosea, the words, “They are all adulterers” makes the context of this parable clear. Since the passages in Hosea and Luke are both parables and in essence, the stories in the parables are nearly identical, a person is kneading leaven into the dough.
As an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened. - Hosea 7:4b
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. - Luke 13:20-21
If the parable in Hosea is the same or similar to the one in Luke 13, then the meaning of leaven should be the same or similar.
Rule #8: Know Who is Speaking, and to Whom He is Speaking
In the above parable, it is worth noting that Jesus was speaking to the Jews. The Jewish culture would not have missed the spiritual significance of leaven. Even today, Jewish families spring-clean, before the Feast of Unleavened Bread, to remove every speck of leaven from their house. The Law and the prophets have many passages on leaven. In the New Testament time, they understood the spiritual significance of leaven.
Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. - Exodus 12:19
AND
Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven. - Exodus 23:18
AND
No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, - Leviticus 2:11a
AND
. . .Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy: And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: . . .
- Leviticus 10:12-13
AND
[The prophet was condemning them.] And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, - Amos 4:5a
In this next passage, Jesus himself warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. At first, the disciples took the parable literally and started worrying about their bread. When they understood that Jesus was not worried about bread, rather that he was speaking symbolically, they themselves defined the word as false doctrine.
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. - Matthew 16:8-12
Paul the apostle also expounds on leaven.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. - 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
This is not an exhaustive list of examples. Yet it is sufficient evidence that Jesus could expect the Jews, to whom he was speaking, to take the word leaven to mean evil or false doctrine when he used it in the parable.
Rule #9: The Flow of Thought Should Harmonize
In Luke 13:10 Jesus is teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, when a woman comes for healing. As a result, the ruler of the synagogue rebuked the people for seeking healing on the Sabbath. Jesus then rebukes his advisories including the leader of the synagogue. Jesus then closes with two parables.
If Jesus taught these parables to warn his followers about the religious leaders behavior, then, the whole passage becomes one harmonious thought.
If you have a different interpretation, does the passage’s flow of thought make it likely that Jesus would have that here?
Rule #12: Understand the Topic Under Discussion
When we take a verse in context, we are looking for words that connect it to the previous verse. When we look at a flow of thought we are trying to see if it is likely that the writer would place our interpretation of a verse in that particular location.
When we look at the topic under discussion, we are trying to go a little deeper. Are these chapters in Luke prophetic? or were written to make us feel good? Or rather to bring us to repentance?
There are chapters in Luke that are prophetic like 17 and 21 however each of these prophecies are introduced with a question:
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come …
- Luke 17:20a
AND
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? - Luke 21:6-7
While Jesus can give prophecy in any chapter he wants, if your mind is on one topic and the writer, (in this case Luke) is writing on another, you will probably misunderstand him.
Rule #13: Be Consistent in Your Application of Rules
Some believe that since Jesus introduced this parable by saying, “Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?”, this parable can only be talking about nice things. If this is a good argument, then Jesus never mentioned bad things when he shared about the kingdom of God.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. - Matthew 11:12
If we cannot apply a principle consistently, it is of no value in interpreting the hard to understand passages.
Rule #11: Use the Bible to Define Words in the Bible
Using the principles taught in this chapter, we see a rational way to interpret the parable of the woman and leaven. To understand this parable, look up these words to see how the Bible writers used them symbolically when speaking in other places. If you will take the time to do this, this parable should be easy enough, even for a child to understand.
Rule #6: Personal Application
After we interpret a verse properly, we should see if we can make an application in our own lives. My understanding is that Jesus used this parable to warn us that there would be false doctrine in the church. My personal application is to watch out for false doctrine and spread this warning as I share the Gospel.
Mistake #9: Not Recognizing or Avoiding Cults
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. - Acts 20:29-31
And like the synagogue leader in Luke 13:14, there are those in the church who do not care for the sheep. Nor does the leaven in their doctrine bother them much.
In conclusion
I hope that this study helped you sharpen your thinking skills and made you become more critical of errors in interpretation. When you learn to avoid these common mistakes and apply the rules, you can use them with any passage as you study. And once you have put it all together, you will be able to heed our Lord’s warning:
And again he [Jesus] said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
- Luke 13:20-21
May the Scriptures open up their secrets to you as you seek God's will.
Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. - John 5:39
AND
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. - Luke 4:4
May God bless you richly as you sincerely seek to understand and apply His word.
Please give us any comments or corrections on this study.
End Notes:
[1] I compared the King James Version to a NIV in this study. You may find other differences as there are variations between the different modern versions.
[2] Matthew 25:1
[3] According to an article from Bill Keller Ministries only 10 percent of those calling themselves Christian have read their Bible through. http://healtheland.wordpress.com
/2008/01/23/less-than-10-of-professed-christians-have-read-the-entire-bible/
[4] Many other denominations suffer from the same blindness; it is just that it is a major fault with the SDAs because they cannot question their prophet E G White. Even so, some SDAs do love the Lord.
[5] See Matthew 13:10-17
[6] Luke 10:30
[7] Daniel 7:16
[8] Actually, usually they haven’t read their Bible, see End Note 3.
[9] Were the researcher’s biases able to influence his findings?
[10] Actually in the Greek there is no indefinite article 'a'. Whether or not the article a should be inserted is determined by the sentence structure in the original Greek. Even so, the JWs have added this 'jot' to their Bible.
[ * ] The New Testament may mention playing musical instruments as the Greek word Psallo; defined by The Strong's Concordance as "to twitch or twang, that is, to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes); is used fives times.
[11] The extra biblical source will then interpret the scripture.
[ * ]The Greek word Meta usually translated 'and after that', in other places it is used in the present tense, depending on context and case with which it is joined.
[12] Discernment on whether a woman is married may take some application, as woman and wife are the same Greek word.
[13] In the King James Version, all the thee, thy, thou and thines are singular pronouns in the Greek; and the Ye, you and yours are plural pronouns.
[13.5] The Grammar Workbook of the Greek New Testament by David Fink
[14] The science of interpreting the Bible
[15] The Old Testament numbered its chapters in the year 1228, its verses in 1448 and the New Testament in 1551.
[16] Some modern translators, not understanding this is an idiom, have removed the words evil and eye all together, in such a cases their Bibles are more like a commentary than a translation.
[17] The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
[18] See John chapter 1 and Hebrews chapter 1.
[19] I recommend The Interlinear Bible (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids Michigan) because it uses the Received Text,
[20] A lexicon is a dictionary for a foreign language.
[22] However, Leviticus 23:17 does mention leaven in one offering