Large books have been written on the interpretation of the Bible, so we are able at this time to do an in-depth study of the subject. Actually, a detailed study may only muddy the water of simply and concise understanding of the basics of the subject.

1. IMPORTANCE OF INTERPRETATION
   1. All scripture is interpreted
      1. At first, interpretation may seem like a nuisance rather than a benefit of Bible study.
      2. But we must remember that every time a person reads the Bible he must assimilate the words and thoughts in order to develop a meaning in his own mind as to what the words and thoughts are really saying.
      3. So, whether we realize it or not, we all engage in Bible interpretation.
   2. We All Define Our Pattern of Interpretation
      1. Whether we read books or are trained in a college class or follow the pattern of our pastor or teachers, we all develop and define our own pattern of interpretation.
      2. We naturally use different points of interpretation to understand the Bible. Let= s consider a few.

1. TYPES OF INTERPRETATION
   1. Figures of Speech
      1. Jesus said, A I am the door,@ (John 10:7, 9)
      2. We know, of course, that he did not mean that he was a literal door.
      3. We must know this when interpreting the Bible.
   1. Figurative Language
      1. Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
      2. We know that the stars did not literally sing. Even today, scientists A tells us that in the air there is music that comes from the stars.@ [The Battle For The Bible, By Harold Lindsell].
   1. Literal Interpretation
      1. Some scathe us for interpreting the Bible literally.
      2. These critics do not realize that literal interpretation does not mean that the Bible means exactly what it says as it is said.
      3. If the Bible records a lie that someone said, that does not mean that the lie is told as the truth.
      4. It simply means that the scriptures record events as they are truly in their setting.
      5. If a lie is recorded, it is recorded as a lie, not the truth.
   1. Value Interpretation
      1. Some say that all scriptures have the value.
      2. But the genealogy chapters, the prophecy chapters and the didactic (teaching) chapters are not of equal value.
      3. All scriptures are important, but some are of more immediate concern to us than others.
      4. The scriptures about salvation are certainly more important than the scriptures concerning the church, prophecy, history, etc.
   1. Critical Interpretation
      1. Many read the Bible for no other reason than to test whether the words and thoughts of the scriptures can be proven by history, archeology, etc.
      2. This critical mind leads to some very strange views of the Bible and its content.
         1. Today many archeologists are working to try to prove that the Bible is not true.
         2. So far, all investigation has proven that the Bible is true to the history that it records.
         3. Others who study the language of the Bible and the lands and cultures of the Bible people are also testing the validity of the Bible.

1. THE ATTITUDE OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION
   1. The Positive Attitude
      1. Each one of us goes into the study of scripture with presuppositions.
         1. We presuppose that the virgin birth is true.
         2. We presuppose the belief in miracles
         3. We presuppose the supernatural
   1. The Negative Attitude
      1. Each critic studies the Bible with presuppositions
         1. They presuppose that the virgin birth could not be true.
         2. They presuppose that miracles could not happen
         3. They presuppose the nothing is supernatural
   1. The Salvation Attitude
      1. We as Christians believe that a true understanding of the Bible cannot be had without salvation.
      2. The Bible is understood by the Spirit of truth B John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.