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.”
This wording makes a very important distinction because God dealt with mankind in various manners over specific time periods.
Additionally, God’s Word reveals types, shadows, patterns, principles, and precepts, making it imperative that we understand how to correlate and reference scriptures.
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 significant 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.
The Bible says, “He that that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)
How can we just accept someone’s opinion about the scriptures when our very salvation depends on knowing the truth?
In Philippians 2:12, Paul, speaking of obedience to the Gospel, stated, ” Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” It’s serious business when choosing what to believe.Moral hermeneutics
I decided to read the Bible for myself and take it at face value rather than believe every opinion of doctrine that came my way.
Moral Hermeneutics
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 and cultural and historical conditions, which can greatly influence the intent of scripture.
What were the political conditions, ethical norms, and living environment like? These factors can help us understand scripture and the author’s thought processes.
Allegorical Hermeneutics
Allegorical hermeneutics or interpretation means that you see a story’s literal meaning as a sign pointing to a deeper spiritual application.
A prime example of allegorical principles is Jesus’s teaching in parables. These stories were merely entertaining to some listeners but held deeper spiritual implications for others.
Those in the multitudes who were spiritually hungry for more than entertainment found a much deeper meaning.
Jesus also took his disciples aside, explaining the deeper truths held within the parables.
Anagogical Hermeneutics
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 or even taken out of context to validate an argument, 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.
It is our responsibility to adhere strictly to what God’s Word is saying, not what we wish it to say. We are only fooling ourselves if we manipulate scripture to satisfy our own whims.
We will be judged by God’s intent, not our viewpoint!
Strong’s Analytical Concordance.
Strong’s Analytical Concordance gives the translated definition of each Word in the Bible from the original Greek and Aramaic texts.
Some words had historically different definitions, which didn’t survive the translation.
A prime example is the Word divers. 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.
Strong’s Analytical Concordance is a wonderful resource for 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 own 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.
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