In a previous article, I discussed the importance of interpreting the Bible “literally” according to the historical-grammatical method. People might recognize the importance of reading the Bible plainly with history, grammar, and culture in mind but not know how to carry that out practically.
Although studying Scripture using the historical-grammatical method is difficult, it is worth it to know what the biblical authors meant in their original contexts. Then, we can better follow God’s Word and apply what He teaches us.
Multiple Translations of the Bible
We all have a favorite translation of the Bible. Numerous Christians favor the King James Version, while others enjoy using the English Standard Version. My favorite translation of Scripture is the New International Version.
As much as we might appreciate one version of the Bible, an important part of studying the Bible literally is to use multiple translations or versions.
In an article on Logos, Jake Mailhot includes an insightful point about using multiple translations: “Each translation can present different nuances in Scripture that might be missed if we focus our attention on one translation alone.”
When we read a passage in multiple translations, we gain a broader understanding of specific words in the passage and the flow of language.
Using a variety of translations can help us study the Bible and interpret it “literally.” Individuals can easily obtain reliable translations of Scripture in print. Also, we can read Scripture on websites, such as Bible Hub or Bible Study Tools, that allow us to see multiple versions at once.
However, believers need to remember that not every “version” of the Bible is reliable. Many people enjoy The Message or The Living Bible, but these are paraphrases of Scripture, not legitimate translations.
While paraphrases of Scripture may help Christians connect with God’s Word in fresh ways, it does not replace the need for using multiple reliable translations when interpreting and studying the Bible.
Bible Commentaries
Another resource to help believers interpret Scripture literally is a Bible commentary. While individuals may find it tempting to default the interpretation process to a commentary, commentaries can help us with the vital process of understanding the context of passages.
Bible commentaries include notes about historical and textual context as well as the meaning of specific words in a passage based on the original language.
Most scholarly commentaries provide individual sections for each book of the Bible. For instance, in the Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament Edition, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, each book of the New Testament has its own section.
In each section, introductory material is given, including the purpose of the book, the author, audience, date, etc.
A literal interpretation stresses the importance of understanding the original intention of the biblical author and placing the book in its historical and cultural background. Thus, a solid commentary can greatly assist Christians in interpreting the Bible plainly.
Numerous Bible commentaries exist in print and online. When choosing a commentary, Christians should investigate the author or general editors to check their background.
Also, believers should use more than one commentary because different authors can bring various insights.
Furthermore, we need to remember that a commentary is not inerrant or inspired. We can question what a commentary says and compare it to what we know from God’s Word.
Resources that Get You into the Original Language
Although some believers know the original languages of Scripture, such as Greek and Hebrew, most Christians have little to no knowledge about the biblical languages.
Pastors and ministry leaders regularly receive intensive training in the original languages, but that does not mean the rest of us are without help in diving into the grammatical context of the Bible.
In fact, the historical-grammatical method requires that we dive into the biblical languages when seeking to interpret the Bible.
When attempting to understand words and phrases in the Bible, a helpful tool for interpretation is a Bible lexicon. As Bible Study Tools state in their entry for “Lexicons,” this resource “helps in understanding the origins and root meaning of the ancient language. [Additionally], lexicons give the context and cultural meaning intended by the authors.”
Offered in print or online, lexicons help believers understand the full meaning of Hebrew and Greek words in Scripture.
Word studies are another beneficial resource to get Christians into the original languages of the Bible. Logos, a Bible software, is helpful in studying specific words in Scripture. Also, the NET Bible allows users to see the original language with a definition.
For instance, we might study the term “day” or “Yom” in Genesis 1. We could look at all the uses of “Yom” in a lexicon or online software. The Hebrew word is used in different ways in the Old Testament, such as in “the day of the Lord” (Isaiah 13:9).
Often, though, the word refers to a 24-hour period, which is why Scripture elaborates with the description of evening and morning in our passage of study (Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31).
If we looked at the NET Bible notes about the Hebrew in Genesis 1:5, we would learn that “when the Hebrew word יוֹם (yom) is used with a numerical adjective, it refers to a literal day.”
Since each of the successive “days” of creation has a numerical adjective, a consistent historical-grammatical interpretation of Scripture would lead us to the conclusion of a six-day literal creation in Genesis 1.
Information about History and Culture
A final tool for interpreting the Bible plainly is to have access to historical and cultural information about life in biblical times.
To properly understand Scripture, we need to understand it in context. Without an understanding of the history and cultural practices surrounding the events in the Bible, we could misunderstand or fail to comprehend certain passages or verses.
For instance, multiple verses in the Bible include the instruction to greet each other with a “holy kiss” (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). Peter calls it a “kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14).
Without the knowledge that this was a common cultural expression of greeting, Christians may assume this is prescriptive for them.
However, the emphasis is on greeting other believers in fellowship and love as members of the family of Christ. We should use appropriate greetings according to our culture and setting while emphasizing the unity we have as believers.
As I mentioned, Bible commentaries can help provide needed background information. Other resources are also beneficial to use, such as introductory books about the Old and New Testaments.
Additionally, Bible handbooks and dictionaries provide key facts about the cultural and historical background of passages and events in Scripture. Often, individuals can access these resources online or find them in stores.
Why Does This Matter?
Interpreting the Bible literally or plainly involves diligent work and careful study. However, with the proper tools, we can understand Scripture in its original context with insights into the biblical author’s intention.
The historical-grammatical method requires that we delve into the historical and cultural context with consideration of the biblical languages.
Using multiple translations of Scripture, Bible commentaries, lexicons, software, and other resources, we can interpret the Bible literally and submit ourselves to God’s teaching. In this way, we can be followers “who correctly [handle] the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
For further reading:
Why Are Different Methods of Bible Study Important?
What Is the Importance of Interpreting the Bible ‘Literally’?
Why Is Reading the Bible in Context Important?
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