Interpreting the Bible-Step Two: Hermeneutical PrinciplesIs

Having established the importance of acquaintance with the original languages of the Bible, I now move forward to having us examine those principles which can help us to put biblical understanding into proper perspective. The questions below will help us with this important task.

What is the right interpretation of the Bible?  How should the Bible be interpreted?  The answer to these questions depends, to a large extent, on the intention of the one who is using the Scriptures.  We should also take into account that the Bible is made up of a diverse body of materials that were produced over many centuries, and which includes a variety of theological perspectives.  I will lay out some principles which govern and guide the hermeneutical task.

The Bible should be its own interpreter ( E. Lund, Hermeneutics.  Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, n.d., p. 19).  By this I mean that the Scriptures should be interpreted by the use of the Scriptures themselves. Support for erroneous views of God, humanity, and life can be found in the Scriptures if one abandons this simple principle.  People can use the Bible to make a case for reincarnation, the infallibility of human leaders, militarism, etc. by lifting out passages, which in their thinking, establish the basis for such beliefs.  The principle of biblical self-interpretation is one which calls for us to compare the various parts of Scripture in order to arrive at some understanding of the passages in question (Juan A. Carmona, The Liberation of Puerto Rico: A Theological Perspective. Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, New York, 1982, p. 32).

Please tell us what you believe and think about this principle of biblical self-interpretation.  Is it a self-serving and redundant principle, or is it useful in helping us to understand Scripture?  Your input is important in our journey to seek the proper understanding of this witness to God's Word.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona