Deciphering Scripture’s True Content

This is the third post in a series titled “Properly Interpreting the Scriptures.” Read the first and second posts.

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After first seeing the need to evaluate a passage’s context, the second principle of biblical interpretation we’re going to look at is the importance of understanding the meaning of words used. This has to do with the true content of words. Gordon Fee writes, “Content has to do with the meaning of words, their grammatical relationships in sentences, and the choice of the original text where the manuscripts differ from one another.” ¹ It is important, especially in biblical interpretation, that we apply the correct meaning to words that are consistent with the original texts.

Some words from the original texts of Scripture do not translate into English as well as others. One simple solution to this issue is to consult a Bible dictionary, which will often shed additional light on even very common words in the English language. This is a good practice to make a habit out of. One area in which this is extremely helpful is in defining sin types from the New Testament so that we are certain to use them rightly. If we are to properly understand what God says about our sin, we must be careful to define that sin rightly. A proper definition will provide greater clarity to the biblical instruction God gives us. The Apostle Paul lists several sins that believers are to put off…

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)

Many of the words Paul uses here are translated into common English, yet we may not understand the nuances between them. Randy Patten, Executive Director of NANC, has put together a list of these words with their proper definitions for greater clarification. ²

Bitterness – The refusal to treat someone as if they never hurt you

Wrath – Flaring outbursts of rage

Anger – The slow burn; settled indignation

Clamor – Harsh contention and strife; public quarreling

Slander – Speech that injures; abusive speech

Malice – The desire to harm others or to see others suffer

 
Paul continues his letter to the Ephesians with a list of actions and attitudes that believers are to put on…

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Kind – Benevolent; helpful; courteous

Tenderhearted – Compassionate; sympathetic

Forgiving – To pass over an offense and free the offender from the guilt of it

 
Simply taking the time to understand the full meaning of words that are used is very helpful and instructive. It can play a major role in keeping us from error in our biblical interpretation.

While God is faithful to change hearts and minds in the lives of His children, we also understand that change is a process, and often times far from simplistic or quick. Habits of life and thinking tend to change over time as the Holy Spirit works in hearts. This process of change is called “progressive sanctification.” It can be helpful and sometimes necessary to seek help from other Christians who can faithfully lead and walk with us, providing biblical encouragement and instruction along the way for the implementation of God-honoring, Christ-centered change. If you are struggling with life’s challenges, we would encourage you to seek help from your pastor, a godly friend, or a biblical counselor who is committed to seeking answers from God’s Word. To find a biblical counselor you can contact us or visit biblicalcounseling.com to find a counselor in your area.