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Setting: Hermeneutics Class

Where Do We Get Our Meaning?: (1) Bible Author, (2) Bible Text, (3) Bible Reader.

The classroom was abuzz with chatter as the students awaited the arrival of their professor for their hermeneutics class. Sarah, Michael, Linda, and James were seated together, engaging in a lively discussion about their recent assignment to interpret a passage from the Bible.

Michael started, “So, we were supposed to interpret Matthew 5:14-16 for today, right? ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’ What do you guys think this passage means?”

Sarah responded enthusiastically, “To me, it means that Christians should be visible and active in their communities. We need to stand out and make a difference.”

James chimed in, “I think it’s more about personal evangelism. We should share the Gospel with everyone we meet, letting our faith shine through our words and actions.”

Linda, looking thoughtful, added, “I see it as a call to good works. It’s about doing good deeds so that others can see God’s work in us and be inspired to glorify Him.”

Michael, feeling slightly confused, asked, “So, are we supposed to focus on being visible, evangelizing, or doing good works? Can this passage mean all those things at once?”

Sarah, trying to clarify, said, “Maybe it does mean all those things. Maybe the passage is rich enough to encompass multiple interpretations.”

James, disagreeing, responded, “But can it really mean all those things equally? What if someone thinks it means something entirely different, like isolating oneself to maintain purity? How do we determine what it actually means?”

At that moment, their professor, Dr. Stevens, walked into the classroom and overheard the discussion. He decided to address the confusion head-on.

Dr. Stevens began, “Good morning, class. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation about Matthew 5:14-16. Let’s dive into this. Is it possible for a Bible verse to have multiple meanings, or is there a specific interpretation we should aim for?”

Sarah asked, “Isn’t it possible that different verses can speak to different people in different ways?”

Dr. Stevens replied, “While it’s true that Scripture can resonate personally with each of us, the primary goal of hermeneutics is to understand the original intended meaning of the text. The context, language, and the author’s intent are crucial in determining this. So, how do we navigate through varying interpretations to find the one closest to what Jesus meant when He said, ‘You are the light of the world’?”

Michael asked, “But what about when people say the Holy Spirit gives them a specific interpretation? How do we know whose interpretation is correct?”

Dr. Stevens continued, “It’s essential to compare personal insights with the broader context of Scripture, historical understanding, and the original languages. The Bible does not support contradictory interpretations. We must strive for an interpretation that aligns with the overall message of Scripture.”

Linda asked, “So, are there wrong interpretations?”

Dr. Stevens nodded, “Yes, there can be. Interpretations that contradict the core message of the Gospel or the clear teachings of Scripture are incorrect. Our task is to study diligently, seeking to understand the author’s original intent and how it applies to us today.”

The class pondered these points, realizing the importance of sound interpretation and the dangers of subjective readings.

Dr. Stevens concluded, “So, while personal application is valuable, we must first seek to understand the text as it was meant to be understood. This helps us avoid the pitfalls of subjective interpretation and remain faithful to the Word of God.” In closing, Dr. Stevens said, “What we are after is, ‘what did the Bible author mean by the words that he used.'”

The students left the class with a deeper appreciation for the discipline of hermeneutics and the responsibility of interpreting Scripture accurately.

Questions for Reflection:

Does a text of the Bible mean many things, or is there a single, intended meaning?
How can we distinguish between personal application and the original intent of the passage?
What controls the meaning of biblical texts: individual revelation, words, and grammar, or something else?
How do we handle different translations of the Bible when interpreting a passage?
What role does the historical and cultural context play in understanding a Bible verse?
How can we ensure that our interpretation aligns with the overall message of Scripture?

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).