Interpretation of Scripture
“…no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (II Peter 1:20).
The Bible has already been interpreted into multiple languages for centuries and is undergoing interpretation into dialects as we speak. The phrase “has been” as interpreted for English speaking people is an act in past tense. What one reads in Holy Scripture is not for interpretation. What has been interpreted is now to be assimilated (i.e., transformation and conformation), for optimum peace and security, into one’s character (Romans 12:1,2).
I am not speaking of translation, but rather transmission. When interpretation is spoken of it – in most situations – really means “re”interpretation. Often it is in the guise of a transfer into a more common vernacular which is personally acceptable to the user. In reality more often than not it means a break down of meaning; a dumbing down of the message. Because God’s word is often offensive to the multitudes, each desires a private and personal interpretation just for him, or her self.
For instance, do not kill – which is the sixth of the ten commandments – refers to an act of willful, premeditated unilateral taking of life. The institution of attorneys is not Biblical. The consequences described by the Bible leave no choice of waiting on justice in order to find a possible alibi, an excuse, as to why the guilty may not be deemed personally responsible. The punishment for murder is death.
A premeditated act of taking a life is preceded by hatred or malice and is, at all cost, to be avoided by command of the one who created all human beings in His image and likeness. God alone has the right to determine life; simply because His will created that life. No one but the Creator has the proper knowledge of who has, or has not need of more life. Murder is so final, and so self-serving. It is one of the purest expressions of evil.
Unfortunately, in a world so rampant with evil it becomes difficult to tell which persons are evil, and which “innocent.” When crime is not dealt with swiftly and decisively, it becomes easier to hide behind a cloak of grey. Thus the need for proof of the crime, and a certainty of the conviction. Along with this comes the need for an adjudicator, and an attorney. But, when the attorney and the judge are paid for their service, then the money becomes the mark of service.
When we seek to interpret scripture according to our own desire, social moray, or popular sentiment, then we immediately begin to break down the essence of the original intent; the intent of the Author. We can start by using Webster’s definition of each word and by considering those words within their proper tense and context. We must go about the business of assimilating the word of God into our character, not insinuating ourselves into scripture.
Adam and Eve learned, to their dismay and sorrow, this lesson in the beginning of mankind. (Genesis chapter 3) If we choose to learn from history, we may avoid repeating it’s mistakes.
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