Interpreting Biblical Examples with Original Meaning in Mind
Understanding Biblical Examples in Their Original Context
Interpreting biblical examples requires understanding their original meaning within the historical and cultural context in which they were written. The Psalmist prayed, "Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works" [1]. This plea highlights the importance of comprehension in biblical interpretation.
To grasp the original meaning of biblical examples, one must consider the historical setting and cultural background. For instance, biblical proper names often carry significant meaning and are used to convey important themes or characteristics [2, 3]. Understanding these names and their significance is crucial for accurate interpretation.
The biblical text itself provides guidance on how to interpret its examples. In 2 Timothy 3:14-15, the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the things he has learned, knowing from whom he learned them, and that from childhood he has known the sacred writings that are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus [7]. This passage emphasizes the importance of understanding the Old Testament Scriptures in their original context.
The use of parables is another example of how biblical examples are used to convey deeper truths. Jesus' parables, such as the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), are stories that express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth [8]. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text.
The early Christian interpreters also provide insight into how to understand biblical examples. For example, the author of Hebrews encourages believers to look to Jesus as the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), using him as an example to follow [9]. This passage demonstrates how the biblical text uses examples to encourage faithfulness and perseverance.
In interpreting biblical examples, it is also important to recognize that the original audience and context are crucial for understanding the intended meaning. The Psalmist's prayer for understanding is not just a personal plea but also a recognition that the biblical text is meant to be understood and applied [1]. The Nonconformist/Puritan commentary on Psalms 119:130 notes that the entrance of God's word gives light, emphasizing the importance of understanding the biblical text [4].
Furthermore, the biblical text itself encourages readers to compare spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13), indicating that interpretation involves understanding the connections between different parts of Scripture [5]. This comparative approach helps to ensure that biblical examples are understood within their broader biblical context.
The Baptist/Reformed commentary on Psalms 119:32 highlights the need for a spiritual understanding of the law, which is facilitated by the gift of understanding from God [6]. This understanding is not limited to the law but extends to the Gospel and the person of Christ.
Sources
- Psalms “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. -- Psalms 119:27”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: To COPY data to — https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Iap4E8q-K-CeTpsc1M9a2SdU8zWwKUGY7jf6QzM3Phc/edit#gid=0”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: Example: — >”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:32: Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law,.... A spiritual understanding; an understanding of the law, the perfection, purity, holiness, and spirituality of it; an understanding of the Gospel, and of Christ and the things of Christ; from whom grace and strength are to be had for the due observance of the law, as in his hands; which understanding must be given, and is a gift of pure, free, rich grace, to such who have it; though they cannot keep the law perfectly, as no mere man can, yet will keep it spiritually, from a principle of love and gratitude, and with”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:14: 3:14-15 from childhood: Timothy’s Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice (see Acts 16:1-3), provided his education in the Old Testament Scriptures (see 2 Tim 1:5), and their lives reinforced their teaching. • The Old Testament Scriptures give the wisdom to receive . . . Christ Jesus. In turn, Jesus Christ is needed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures fully.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:2: Looking unto--literally, "Looking from afar" (see on Heb 11:26); fixing the eyes upon Jesus seated on the throne of God. author--"Prince-leader." The same Greek is translated, "Captain (of salvation)," Heb 2:10; "Prince (of life)," Act 3:15. Going before us as the Originator of our faith, and the Leader whose matchless example we are to follow always. In this He is distinguished from all those examples of faith in Heb. 11:2-40. (Compare Co1 11:1). On His "faith" compare Heb 2:13; Heb 3:12. Believers have ever looked to Him (Heb 11:26; Heb 13:8). f”