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The Myth of Subjective Interpretation

One frequent argument against the authority or reliability of the Bible is the claim that “everyone has their own interpretation of the Bible.” At face value, this appears to be a potent critique. If the Bible can be twisted to mean anything anyone wants it to mean, then surely its utility as a source of truth is compromised. However, this argument relies on a misunderstanding of both the nature of interpretation and the nature of the Bible itself.

Objective Truth: A Biblical Standard

First, it’s crucial to state unequivocally that the Bible stands for objective truth. Its message is not intended to be malleable based on personal preference or cultural perspective. The Apostle Paul, who wrote 14 letters including Hebrews, stressed the importance of adhering to “the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, UASV). Paul did not conceive of truth as something that could be molded to fit personal whims; rather, he saw it as an immutable standard that believers were required to uphold.

The Historical-Grammatical Method: Correct Interpretation

As someone who supports the objective Historical-Grammatical method of interpretation, I firmly believe that the Bible can be understood correctly. This method involves looking at the text in its historical context and understanding the grammar and language in which it was written. While different Bible versions exist, using a literal translation philosophy helps in sticking closely to what the original language conveys. Through this approach, one can arrive at an accurate understanding of Scripture, moving away from the subjective terrain where “everyone has their own interpretation.”

One Author, One Message: The Unity of Scripture

Another essential point to consider is the unity of Scripture. The Bible, though penned by around 40 human authors over 1,600 years, has one ultimate Author—God. Through divine inspiration, the Bible presents a unified message that runs from Genesis to Revelation. This internal consistency itself stands as a strong argument against the notion that the Bible can sustain an infinite number of mutually exclusive interpretations.

Avoiding Eisegesis: Reading Into the Text

Often, when people claim that “everyone has their own interpretation,” what they are actually observing is not a problem with the Bible but a problem with certain readers of the Bible. Some individuals approach the text with preconceived notions and then read those ideas into Scripture, a process known as eisegesis. This method is inherently flawed and leads to interpretations that are not just diverse but incorrect. The goal should be exegesis, drawing out from the text what it actually says, which yields interpretations that are consistent with the intended message.

Clarification Over Confusion: The Role of the Church and Scholarship

While it’s true that individuals may hold differing views on minor issues, the core doctrines of the Bible have been consistently understood by those who adhere to sound interpretative methods. This is where the role of the church and scholarship becomes vital. Through centuries, scholars and theologians have refined our understanding of biblical truths, correcting errors, and clarifying ambiguities. The cumulative effect of this work is a remarkably stable and consistent understanding of what the Bible teaches. This scholarly tradition provides a robust defense against the chaotic subjectivity implied by the claim that “everyone has their own interpretation.”

The Danger of Relativism: A Warning

Embracing the idea that “everyone has their own interpretation” can lead to a form of moral and theological relativism that is entirely at odds with the Bible’s teaching. This viewpoint makes each individual the arbiter of truth, undermining the authority of the Bible and making unified belief and action among believers impossible. The Apostle Peter warned against personal interpretations when he said, “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20, UASV).

Firm Foundations Over Shifting Sands

In summary, the argument that “everyone has their own interpretation” does not hold up under scrutiny. It relies on a flawed understanding of both the nature of truth and the nature of biblical interpretation. The Bible stands as an objective standard of truth, and sound methods of interpretation exist to understand that truth correctly. The idea that the Bible could mean anything we want it to mean is not just incorrect; it is dangerous, leading to moral and theological chaos. Far from being a weakness, the need for careful interpretation and the existence of rigorous methods to undertake it are signs of the Bible’s depth, reliability, and divine origin.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).