The Interpreta
tionof
ScriptureTauernhof spring school 2008
Seven ways to get it wildly wrong…Seven ways to get it wildly wrong…
Ignoring contextIgnoring context Illegitimate extensionsIllegitimate extensions Reading it `mystically’Reading it `mystically’ Building big doctrines on small versesBuilding big doctrines on small verses Altering the meaning to fit our ideasAltering the meaning to fit our ideas Reading in ideas the text doesn’t Reading in ideas the text doesn’t
containcontain Picking and choosing passagesPicking and choosing passages
OBSERVATION
APPLICATIO
N
INTERPRETATION
What does it say?
What does
it mean to
me?
What does it mean?
ObservingObserving
Understand the words Understand the words
Appreciate the styleAppreciate the style
Investigate the backgroundInvestigate the background
Notice the detailsNotice the details
Check out the contextCheck out the context
InterpretingInterpreting
Start with the obvious senseStart with the obvious sense
Look for the author’s intentionLook for the author’s intention
Concentrate on what you understandConcentrate on what you understand
Compare Scripture with ScriptureCompare Scripture with Scripture
Look for ChristLook for Christ
ApplyingApplying
What have I learned about Jesus and God?
What have I learned to cause shame?
What have I learned about trusting him more?
Is there a promise to claim?
Kuhatschek’s pyramid
the pyramid…the pyramid…
specific
general
broader
circumcision
keeping law
meat to idols
association with paganism
effort to win salvation
link with evil