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

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. Translations are difficult, largely because of differences in language, cultural distinctions, historical distance, and differing approaches and philosophies among translators. 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, the findings of biblical criticism, and historical and cultural insights 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. The additional tools we ought to learn how to use include several different translations of the Bible, a Bible atlas and handbook, a topical Bible, a dictionary of theology, and theological commentaries. Cross-reference aids focus on the relationship of various texts and passages which share a common topic or thematic center in biblical exegesis (e.g., topical bibles, cross-reference bibles, and topical guides and concordances). These aids must be carefully used to avoid contextual errors as well as biases of editors to make associations which are neither legitimate nor defensible. The tools which provide background into the history, culture, social customs, peoples, and physical environment of the Bible are Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, Bible atlases and handbooks, and works dealing with Bible history and customs. They must be carefully read so as to distinguish historical data from interpretation on the validity of the text itself.

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