The Berean Standard Bible says,
“Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,…” (2 Timothy 2:14-15″)
The King James Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the word of truth.”
There is a very important distinction in this wording because God dealt with mankind in various manners over specific time periods.
Additionally, there are types, shadows, and patterns of prophecies, principles and precepts making it imperative that we have an understanding of how to correlate and reference scriptures to each other.
God’s Word is perfect and complete in every sense.
It is only when scripture is misused that there are perceived errors.
Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics, according to Https://ww.britannica.com says, “In the history of biblical interpretation, four major types of hermeneutics have emerged: the literal, moral, allegorical, and anagogical.
Literal interpretation asserts that a biblical text is to be interpreted according to the “plain meaning” conveyed by its grammatical construction and historical context.
Basically take the biblical text at face value.
When I decided to follow Jesus I had been confused by the plethora of interpretations and denominational differences.
Who was right? I am sure you have probably felt the same way . Everyone has an opinion. Only God’s Word is the ultimate authority.
I decided that I would read the Bible for myself and I would take it at face value rather than to believe every opinion of doctrine that blew my way.
Moral hermeneutics seeks to establish exegetical principles by which ethical and moral lessons may be drawn from the Bible.
Exegesis involves a meticulous analytical study of the texts in their original language as well as cultural and historical conditions which can greatly influence the intent of scripture.
Allegorical hermeneutics or interpretation means that you see the literal meaning of a story as a sign that points to a deeper spiritual application.
A prime example of allegorical principles is when Jesus taught in parables. These stories were merely entertaining to some listening but held deeper spiritual implications when Jesus explained the parables to his disciples.
Finally, anagogical hermeneutics is a “reformed hermeneutical principle which states that, since all scriptures are harmoniously united with no essential contradictions, therefore, every proposed interpretation of any passage must be compared with what the other parts of the Bible teach.” founders.orghttps://founders.org › articles › the-clarity-of-scripture-a…
There are many scriptures that are wrested to reflect a personal opinion or conviction, but God’s Word says,
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,” (2 Peter 1:20) NKJV
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”(2 Timothy 3:16)NKJV
As I progressed, I learned about Strong’s Analytical Concordance. I understood that in the translating of the Bible from original Greek and Aramaic writings that some words had historically different definitions which didn’t survive the translation.
A prime example is the word diver’s. Our typical thought of this word in modern day understanding would mean the action of a swimmer or scuba diver.
Divers in Biblical terms means diverse, various or different.
Young’s or Strong’s Analytical Concordances are wonderful resources when determining the original language and definition of any word in the Bible.
There are also topical Bibles, chronological Bibles, and endless commentaries to help us understand God’s Word
These methods of study provide structure and safeguard our propensity of private interpretation. We must be held to a methodology that protects us from justifying our won actions when it comes to scriptural interpretation.
We must be willing to submit ourselves to the authority of the Bible. It is the inspired, preserved, inerrant Word of God.