Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

1 7 4 /

B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

• The key to understanding the various tools for biblical interpretation is recognizing how and in what way a particular tool helps us to overcome the gaps between our culture and that of the biblical authors and their audiences. • The basic tools of biblical interpretation include a good translation of the Bible, Greek and Hebrew lexicons keyed to the Strong’s numbering system, a solid Bible dictionary, a concordance, and credible exegetical commentaries which focus on the biblical meanings of the passage. • The Bible was written in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), and therefore we need a good translation of the Scriptures in our own native tongue. Because of differences in language, word meaning and grammar, cultural distinctions and historical distance, and differing approaches and philosophies among translators, translations differ greatly. • Most of our modern translations are based on strong manuscript evidence and data, and are well-documented, well-researched, and reliable for the biblical student. • Among the basic tools, concordances list all the words of the Bible and where they are found in alphabetical order, and lexicons give the definitions (usages) of words as given in a particular verse of Scripture. Expository dictionaries add comments to explain the relationship between word meanings and biblical doctrines. • Bible dictionaries list historical, geographical, cultural, scientific, and theological information about people, places, animals, events, and physical objects found in the Bible, as well as summaries on each book of the Bible. • Exegetical commentaries share expert opinion on the actual meaning of the words in the original text, including issues of grammar, word meanings, and the findings of biblical criticism. They also include information on historical facts and cultural insights from the biblical world which may influence the interpretation of a text. • Regardless of the tool, we ought to use the references liberally, yet always mindful that their right use will make plain the meaning of the text, and not deny or downplay its significance.

4