OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION

RULE OF DEFINITION

Define your terms (by the Bible) and then keep to the terms defined.

The interpreter should conscientiously abide by the plain meaning of words.

The author confines the definitions strictly to their literal or idiomatic force; which, after all, will be found to form the best, safest, most solid basis for theological deductions.

RULE OF USAGE

One is to regard the whole Bible as written for the Jew first . . . words and idioms are to be rendered according to Hebrew and Aramaic usage.

Christ accepted the usage He found existing in His time.

One must interpret phrases and histories of the N.T. in the sense of understanding the hearers and onlookers: according to the custom and common dialect of the nation.

RULE OF CONTEXT

Many sentences derive their point and force from the connection in which they stand.

One must understand Bible words according to the requirements of the context.

Bible words when used out of context can prove almost anything.

Every word understood in light of words before and after it.

RULE OF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Our primary interest in the past is for the light it throws upon the meaning of the text.

The strictest historical scrutiny is indispensable to all Biblical theology.

RULE OF LOGIC (could be called the rule of common sense)

One must interpret the Scriptures because they were written by people thousands of years ago, from different languages, cultures and lifestyles. What is meant in one culture can mean something much differently in another.

Interpretation is the use of logical reasoning. Logic means clear, consistent and reasonable.

The Bible comes to us in the form of human language and appeals to our reason.

One must understand the Scriptures on fair principles of interpretation such as would be admitted in a court of justice.

RULE OF INFERENCE

In the law of evidence, an inference is a fact sensibly implied from another fact.

It is a logical consequence.

It is a process of reasoning.

One derives it as a conclusion from a given fact or premise.

RULE OF GRAMMAR

Never violate the laws of syntax (the order of words in a sentence) and structure.

Be aware and careful about misplacement of punctuation or misunderstanding the structure of a sentence.

RULE OF PRECEDENT

We must not violate the known usage of a word and invent another for which there is no precedent.

The first thing a judge does is to compare the case before him with any precedents (past cases which are similar).

RULE OF UNITY (Also known as the Rule of Analogy)

It is fundamental to an accurate interpretation of Scripture that the parts of a document, law, or instrument are construed concerning the significance of the whole.

It is best to interpret Scripture by other Scriptures rather than by some external source.

Any interpretation that creates a conflict or contradiction with other Bible passages should be scrutinized in the light of the whole of Scripture.