Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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

8. If you had to give a single statement of the “right use” of tools of biblical interpretation, what would it be? Why ought we to accept no explanation of any tool which would deny or contradict the testimony of the Scriptures themselves? Explain. 9. In light of the Bible’s purpose to make us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (cf. 2 Tim. 3.15), why in our use of all the tools should nothing be accepted that calls into question the plain confession of the Scriptures about the person of Christ and his work of redemption? Explain. This lesson focuses upon the goal of bridging the gap between two worlds, the world of the biblical text and our own contemporary world, and the remarkable set of tools and resources designed to help us accomplish this task. In one sense, all effective biblical interpretation is designed to help us understand the nature of that lost world better, in order that we may not make historical, theological, grammatical, or cultural blunders as we seek to understand the meaning of the biblical texts we study. Listed below are the major themes and concepts associated with the right use of both the basic and additional tools of biblical interpretation. As you review these concepts keep in mind always the purpose of these tools, and how their right use can transform our study of the Scriptures. As a result of hundreds of dedicated biblical scholars and new technologies, we now have access to a vast array of solid scholarly tools which can greatly enhance our ability to understand, apply, and teach others on the meaning of biblical texts. The basic purpose of these tools is to help us bridge the various gaps between the biblical world and our own contemporary world. 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 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.

Summary of Key Concepts

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