What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

[Justin108]

those that interpret the bible correctly will never find any of its statements contradict proven scientific fact.

What is the "correct" way to interpret the Bible? Is there an objective "correct" way to interpret the Bible? If so, what methods should one employ to interpret the Bible "correctly"?

Let's use Genesis 1 as an example. What is the correct interpretation of Genesis 1 and what method did you employ to conclude your interpretation?

Specifically...

1. Is Genesis 1 literal or metaphorical? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

2. If it is metaphorical, what is it a metaphor for? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

3. What is your explanation for the Genesis 1 claim that God created plants before he created the sun? (and again, what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

[paarsurrey1]

those that interpret the bible correctly will never find any of its statements contradict proven scientific fact.

What is the "correct" way to interpret the Bible? Is there an objective "correct" way to interpret the Bible? If so, what methods should one employ to interpret the Bible "correctly"?

Let's use Genesis 1 as an example. What is the correct interpretation of Genesis 1 and what method did you employ to conclude your interpretation?

Specifically...

1. Is Genesis 1 literal or metaphorical? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

2. If it is metaphorical, what is it a metaphor for? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

3. What is your explanation for the Genesis 1 claim that God created plants before he created the sun? (and again, what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

• The interpretation should be reasonable and rational. And this is for any scripture of whatever denomination of any religion or for any book of knowledge.

Right, please?
Regards

[paarsurrey1]

those that interpret the bible correctly will never find any of its statements contradict proven scientific fact.

What is the "correct" way to interpret the Bible? Is there an objective "correct" way to interpret the Bible? If so, what methods should one employ to interpret the Bible "correctly"?

Let's use Genesis 1 as an example. What is the correct interpretation of Genesis 1 and what method did you employ to conclude your interpretation?

Specifically...

1. Is Genesis 1 literal or metaphorical? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

2. If it is metaphorical, what is it a metaphor for? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

3. What is your explanation for the Genesis 1 claim that God created plants before he created the sun? (and again, what method did you use to reach this conclusion?)

Does the OT/Torah ( as the example given is of Genesis 1 that pertains to OT/Torah) suggest any methods itself as to how to understand it correctly and as to how to interpret its contents correctly, please?

If yes, those methods should be given preference if they are reasonable and rational.

If not, why not, please?

Regards

[paarsurrey1]

I see many believers dismiss metaphors/examples/symbolism but that is just ant-scriptural for that his one of the wonderful ways God hides his deep Word.

Why does God want to hide his word?

Also, can you perhaps answer each question individually?

God does not want to hide His word. God wants that everybody should benefit from His word. God has taught us:

[1:5] Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help.
[1:6] Guide us in the right path —
[1:7] The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray.
https://www.alislam.org/quran/search2/s ... r.php?ch=1

Unless He helps us and guides us to the right path by Word of God, how could we know it, please?
So without illustration by God, we could be misled. Right, please?

God does not want to hide His Word.

Regards

[paarsurrey1]

[Replying to post 1 by Justin108]

What is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

God reveals the correct interpretation of things by means of his holy spirit to those he loves.

“Do not interpretations belong to God? - Genesis 40:8

JW


"What does the bible really teach"
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/

by means of his holy spirit

Does OT/Torah define the Holy Spirit and as to whom does it converse or communicate, please?
Regards

[paarsurrey1]

[Replying to post 6 by JehovahsWitness]

I concur with JW here. The Bible is the Word of God so let the Bible interpret itself. While Jesus was on the Earth all of his parables were interpreted not by other people but by Jesus himself. Jesus was the source of the parable and the explanation. The Bible is the same way. It is only through daily study of the Bible that we can find the correct interpretation. Holy Spirit will guide us to the correct conclusion and the Bible will be involved in that conclusion.

Proverbs 2:4-7 promises, "If you keep seeking for it as for silver, And you keep searching for it as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of Jehovah, And you will find the knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment. He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity."

Who wouldn't want 'the knowledge of God'? But note that first one must have the 'fear' or the upmost and deep respect for Jehovah God. Without it no wisdom can be had.

first one must have the 'fear' or the upmost and deep respect for Jehovah God. Without it no wisdom can be had

Are fear and deep respect for one, one and the same thing, please? Please elaborate.
Regards

[2timothy316]

[Replying to post 6 by JehovahsWitness]

I concur with JW here. The Bible is the Word of God so let the Bible interpret itself. While Jesus was on the Earth all of his parables were interpreted not by other people but by Jesus himself. Jesus was the source of the parable and the explanation. The Bible is the same way. It is only through daily study of the Bible that we can find the correct interpretation. Holy Spirit will guide us to the correct conclusion and the Bible will be involved in that conclusion.

Proverbs 2:4-7 promises, "If you keep seeking for it as for silver, And you keep searching for it as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of Jehovah, And you will find the knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment. He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity."

Who wouldn't want 'the knowledge of God'? But note that first one must have the 'fear' or the upmost and deep respect for Jehovah God. Without it no wisdom can be had.

first one must have the 'fear' or the upmost and deep respect for Jehovah God. Without it no wisdom can be had

Are fear and deep respect for one, one and the same thing, please? Please elaborate.
Regards

Fear of Jehovah is acknowledging that He is charge. He is the Sovereign of everything and everyone. He is everything. He is life itself. He is knowledge and wisdom. Without Jehovah there is no life. To refuse Him is to refuse life, knowledge and wisdom. He should be respected just as you respect a king that has the power to make you prosperous or make your life a ruin. He is the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end of all things. We'd all do well to imitate His qualities. To deny Him is like denying yourself food, water, shelter and clothing.

[bluethread]

Does the OT/Torah ( as the example given is of Genesis 1 that pertains to OT/Torah) suggest any methods itself as to how to understand it correctly and as to how to interpret its contents correctly, please?

If yes, those methods should be given preference if they are reasonable and rational.

If not, why not, please?

Regards

If I may, there are several. First, in standard literary fashion, it defines terms by context. i.e. Elohiem(creator deity). Shamayim(heavens), Eretz(earth), Erev(evening), Boqer(morning), Tov(good), Ra'(evil), etc.

Second, it is written in a poetic form, with literary(not scientific) patterns, like other writings of the ancient world.

Third, there is archeological evidence of the prevailing mythologies of the times. When one compares the imagery in the first three chapters of Genesis with them, one can see it's contrarian context, i.e. opposition to the prevailing mindset of the time.

In short, one needs to read literature from the prospective of the intended audience, i.e. nomadic people who had just escaped from slavery, under a polytheistic despot, learning how to live as free citizens of an independent nation.

[paarsurrey1]

[Replying to post 22 by rikuoamero]

1 Corinthians 2:
14But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

Suppose the Quran had a verse like that. How would you respond?

first one must have the 'fear' or the upmost and deep respect for Jehovah God. Without it no wisdom can be had

Has one read the Quran from cover to cover, please?
Please quote the verse of Quran to support one's viewpoint.
Regards

[paarsurrey1]

What is the "correct" way to interpret the Bible?

If it agrees with what you already believe, then it must be the correct way.

Is there an objective "correct" way to interpret the Bible?

You are kidding. Right?

Is Genesis 1 literal or metaphorical? (what method did you use to reach this conclusion?

I believe that it is meant to be taken literally. Expressions involving days and nights are not used figuratively elsewhere.

Expressions involving days and nights are not used figuratively elsewhere.

Please elaborate.
Regards

[paarsurrey1]

[Replying to post 8 by JehovahsWitness]

No you need to study the bible and prove to yourself that the bible is God's word and a book of truth that can be trusted.

If I don't do the "firstly" bit, whenever I read the Bible, I come to the conclusion it is not [a] God's word or truthful in the vast majority of its text.

Fair enough. A refusal to learn is the receipe for ignorance, and sadly there is no methodology to combate that. My advice was for those that chose to take in enough information to make an informed decision about the bible.

To illustrate: If you choose not to "firstly" go to lessons or take in any knowledge of French, your chances of becoming fluent in the language will be greatly reduced... to zero. One could be forgiven therefore, for not turning to such a person for their opinion on the French language.

If someone choses not to take in information about the bible, they cannot hope to enjoy any of the later benefits or successfully complete any of the later steps in the methodology I outlined ( see post #6 above).
JW

Fair enough. A refusal to learn is the receipe for ignorance

Sorry, Is it a fair reply, please?
Regards