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Creative Bible Study
CHAPTER SIX
PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
• Write the Key Verse from memory. • Explain what it means to "rightly divide" the Word of truth. • List six rules for properly interpreting the Bible. • Define each of these six rules. • Define verbal and plenary inspiration.
KEY VERSE:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
INTRODUCTION
Read the Key Verse again. "Rightly dividing" as used here is taken from the rules for Old Testament sacrifices and means to "cut straight." In the Old Testament, when a person brought a sacrifice for sin, the animal was divided into three parts. One part was offered to God. Another part was given to the one who brought the offering. The third part went to the priest. From this practice the expression "rightly dividing" developed. It means to "give to each that which belongs to him."
In Bible study it is important to rightly divide the Word of God. This means you must understand what is being said to whom. You must also interpret and apply the meaning correctly.
There are three major groups to which the Word addresses itself. These are listed in I Corinthians 10:32:
Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God. (I Corinthians 10:32)
All Scriptures were given FOR us, but not all verses are directed TO us. For example, God told Noah to build an ark. The story is recorded as an example from which you are to learn spiritual truths but it does not mean YOU should build an ark. Some of the Bible is directed to the Jews.