So What Did He mean?

[Bendito]

OK. If interpretation is about finding meanings that are different to what has been said, I too would want nothing to do with it.

At the same time I see the honest seeking after what the Scriptures mean as honourable and a vital part of my Christian growth.

I understand, Hekuran, what you are saying...If you want to 'interpret' scripture, what you want to do is to consider the context rather than to interpret the words, consider the subject of the conversation, the people He was talking to, the situation. You know from experience that if you only hear a fragment of something someone says, and draw a conclusion from that fragment, you will be wearing a very red face as soon as you go to answer what you thought you heard. It's the same thing with reading scripture without context

 

[Dave M]

I understand, Hekuran, what you are saying...If you want to 'interpret' scripture, what you want to do is to consider the context rather than to interpret the words, consider the subject of the conversation, the people He was talking to, the situation. You know from experience that if you only hear a fragment of something someone says, and draw a conclusion from that fragment, you will be wearing a very red face as soon as you go to answer what you thought you heard. It's the same thing with reading scripture without context

interpret
understand (an action, mood, or way of behaving) as having a particular meaning or significance.
"her self-confidence was often interpreted as brashness"
synonyms: understand, construe, take (to mean), see, regard
"the remark was interpreted as an invitation"

interpret simply means understand, so when someone reads they automatically interpret, and hopefully the holly spirit will help them understand the true meaning. The spirit of God has to be in you to fully understand and interpret correctly !!! some one well versed in the bible can make it say anything to anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit in them IMO

what say you ??