How to interpret the scipture?

[arunangelo]

Jesus is the word of God become flesh (John 1:14). In other words, in Jesus the scriptures became a reality. Therefore, to find the true meanings of the scriptures and have eternal life we must do what Jesus did (John 5:39).

Jesus preached the good news to the poor, healed the sick and brokenhearted and sacrificed his life so that those who betrayed him and were unfaithful to him may have eternal life (Luke 4:18 & Isaiah 61:1). He bore our affliction and oppression silently (Isaiah 53: 5 &7); healed and forgave sinners; and befriended Judas, although he knew that Juda would betray him. Furthermore, during his suffering and death he forgave his persecutors (Luke 23:34); was concerned about the suffering they would bring upon themselves by their sins rather than his own suffering (Luke 23:28). Through his chastisement he freed us from sin and put his spirit into our heart. We must, therefore, love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34-35); quietly bear each other’s burdens, forgive without any limit (Matt. 18:22); stay faithful to our marriage vows, even when there is betrayal and unfaithfulness; bind each other’s wounds; be a servant to others (John 13:14); and never condemn or give up on another human being.

 

[Sue D.]

Eternal life is not works-based.

 

[rhern53]

How to interpret the Bible

you interpret Scripture with scripture

look for a topic that interests you then find everything you can about the topic in scripture

example: is the Mosaic Law in effect today? do we follow the 10 commandment.

the more you search the more interesting it becomes and more questions will surface.

the Lord will reward you with Knowledge. seek the truth of God.

 

[spiriteddove05]

in context, look at historical context, learn historical revision, apply the right hermeneutics!!

 

[rhern53]

you can type in the word "Law" in BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. to find almost every scripture that contains that word.

Bible Search and Study Tools - Blue Letter Bible to find original Greek and Hebrew translations

the best Bible translation is King James Version; when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discover, they found KJV 95-98% accuracy when compared to the Scrolls.

I have found many mistakes in newer translation of the KJV. When one word is changed in the Bible, it can change the entire meaning. At times I may use New King James or New International Version for easy understanding. but always double check.

Here is an example of mistakes: KJV vs Jehovah Witness Bible Revelation 1:1

KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

JWB) The Revelation by Jesus Christ.

 

[Sue D.]

And Why bring in the Jehovah Witness Bible?

The idea is to take the context of the passage to get the 'right' meaning of a given word.

 

[Hekuran]

To get to grips with a passage of scripture, ask:

+ What kind of text is it? Drama, history, poetry, prophecy, a letter, a sermon, apocalyptic vision or law?
+ Who was this originally written for?
+ What was their situation?
+ What comes immediately before this passage?
+ Where does this fit in to the overall story of the Bible?
+ Are there elements of repetition or special emphasis that help mark out a central theme?
+ Are there images or symbols - such as mountains, clouds or trees - that resonate with other Bible passages. What light does this shed?
+ What is unusual surprising or striking in this passage?
+ What response would this have evoked for the original readers?
+ What response does it demand of me today?

Get robust answers to those questions using study resources where necessary, and - with God's help - you're well on the way to getting to the heart of God's word. In my experience, the more demanding I am in asking tough questions, the more I benefit in the end.

 

[Sue D.]

That sounds very much like Precepts Study -- the 5 why's / wherefores. And That is the studying that is interesting to do with another person / group.

 

[Hekuran]

I've not heard of precepts study. Is asking who what when where how and why?

Anything that forces us out of our presuppositions and makes ask what the text is really saying is a good thing

 

[Sue D.]

It's inductive Bible study -- I couldn't think of the word when I posted earlier.

Precepts Ministries International Founded by Kay Arthur. meet in various churches all over the country. Kay Arthur, herself, goes a bit over-board -- but the inductive method Of Bible study is great.

 

[Origen]

I have found many mistakes in newer translation of the KJV.

The newer translations are not translations of the KJV. They are translations of the Greek and Hebrew texts.

KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

JWB) The Revelation by Jesus Christ.

The question is, should the phrase Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ be understood as an objective genitive or subjective genitive? The NTW translated it as subjective genitive. The truth is both options are possible (i.e. objective genitive or subjective genitive). Many translations leave it to the reader to decide (i.e. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ").

Now don't get me wrong. The overall NTW is a horrible translation (if it is even fair to refer to it as a translation), and I would never recommend it to anyone.

 

[Sue D.]

By the 'newer' translation of the KJV are you referring to the New KJV? I have both -- the NKJV is mostly replacing the thee's and thou's with the more modern language of ' you' and 'me' -- and other more up to date English.

The KJV uses the English of the days of King James. The English language has changed a lot since then, and it Is Still God's Word.

What is the NTW -- if it's such a horrible translation then why use the example of the subjective or objective genitive in that particular 'translation' or whatever it stands for.

We Also have the NAS and ESV. They are all God's Word , aren't they?

 

[Origen]

It appears that these comments were addressed to me (even though I am not being directly addressed by name).

What is the NTW

The New World Translation is the translation published and used by the JWs.

if it's such a horrible translation then why use the example of the subjective or objective genitive in that particular 'translation' or whatever it stands for.

(1) It was the example cited by someone else and was referred to by that person as the JWB.
(2) I was merely pointing out the issue in regard to translation. The phrase is either a subjective or objective genitive.

 

[rhern53]

Most People who are just beginning to study the Bible need a simple straight forward instruction as follows:

you can type in the word "Law" in BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. to find almost every scripture that contains that word.

Bible Search and Study Tools - Blue Letter Bible to find original Greek and Hebrew translations

the best Bible translation is King James Version; when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discover, they found KJV 95-98% accuracy when compared to the Scrolls.

I have found many mistakes in newer translation of the KJV. When one word is changed in the Bible, it can change the entire meaning. At times I may use New King James or New International Version for easy understanding. but always double check.

Here is an example of mistakes: KJV vs Jehovah Witness Bible Revelation 1:1

KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

JWB) The Revelation by Jesus Christ.

The newer translations are not translations of the KJV. They are translations of the Greek and Hebrew texts.

The question is, should the phrase Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ be understood as an objective genitive or subjective genitive? The NTW translated it as subjective genitive. The truth is both options are possible (i.e. objective genitive or subjective genitive). Many translations leave it to the reader to decide (i.e. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ").

Now don't get me wrong. The overall NTW is a horrible translation (if it is even fair to refer to it as a translation), and I would never recommend it to anyone.

If it's left up to the reader to decide why search the scripture for truth? we can create our own Bible!!!

 

[Sue D.]

Why do you say "most" people who are just beginning to study the Bible need all those helps.

My thought is that Most people simply need to read their Bible on a regular basis starting with Genesis and Matthew -- a few chapters a day.

And, yes, back in the days when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered -- Many of the books such as Isaiah were found to be accurate. Lots of other books, also. The KJV was pretty much the Only version available for a long time.

Several copies of / or large portions were found of many books -- verifying their authenticity.

Why do you keep on bringing up the Jehovah' Witnesses Bible. Unless you're trying to show any J.W posters why their Bible is in error.

We Need to be reading a Bible / God's Word on our own -- God speaks to us through His Word through the Holy Spirit.

 

[Sue D.]

There are those who make reading / studying God's Word sound so Complicated.

And, yes, issues with translations are common. The best Version to read is one that someone is Willing To Read.