The
Literal principal of Interpretation is found in almost every style
and form of Biblical Hermeneutics, which we remember is the science
of Biblical Interpretation. Perhaps only in the most extreme
spiritualized views of scriptures is this principal absent. For
example, there are more and more new heresies that teach that there
is nothing concrete or explicit in the Bible. We are to interpret
each Scripture as it applies to us in our given circumstance in life.
These ideas may seem new to us, but they are just repackaged lies
from early church heretics, even back to Satan himself in the Garden
of Eden. If there is no absolutes in Scripture, we absolutely cannot know what is true.
“To
interpret Scripture literally, is to interpret it as
literature”.-R.C. Sproul. When we study the Bible literally, we
should interpret it just as we would interpret any other form of
communication. That is, we should interpret it in its most clear and
natural sense. After all, our true goal is to understand the author's
literal meaning that was placed upon his heart. It is important to
note that Scriptures surely do apply to us today and to our lives,
but it is of paramount importance that we do not compose a meaning
for ourselves that is different then the actual original meaning.
That is to say, that Scripture has one true meaning to the original
audience it was written to at that time. We can apply the truths of
that meaning to our lives today, but we are not to create a new
meaning outside of the original.
The
key to the principal at hand, is to learn a few simple rules of
literature. These are easy rules that apply to any type of
literature, not only the Bible. God, by way of the Holy Spirit
inspired various authors to pen the words of His will. It only makes
clear sense that he would have these truths communicated in the way
man communicates. Since the Scriptures were recorded as literature,
then it only makes sense to use literary principals to interpret
these Scriptures.
The
first basic literary principals we need to take into considerations
is Form or Genre. The word genre simply means “kind” or “sort”.
As we approach a Scripture it is very important to identify the
genre. We need to decide if it is a historical narrative, which tell
the great stories of history in the Bible and are full of adventure.
Or perhaps the Scripture could be a book of poetry/wisdom such as
psalms, proverbs, or song of Solomon. Or also perhaps it could be a
Scripture filled with symbols and allegories such as the apocalyptic
literature of Revelation. It is important to become familiar with
all the different literary forms of the Bible to make proper
exegesis. For instance if one was to interpret the Gospel of John as
a poetic allegory such as proverbs, one would miss the truth of the
deity of Christ and all relevance of his ministry and crucifixion
would be lost. Or if you were to force one of Jesus's many parables
to “walk on all fours” and force it into a literal historical
narrative, we would have a Jesus that is made up of actual bread and
vines, and at the same time is also an actual literal door. Of
course these examples are a bit preposterous, but it will help you to
start thinking about form.
The
second literary principal to consider is Figurative Language. It has
been said that figurative language is the principal means by which
God communicates spiritual realities to His Children. The Bible is
full all sorts of figurative language, but today we will focus on the
major three.
Metaphor-
A metaphor is an implied comparison that identifies a word or phrase
with something that it does not literally represent. An example
of this is John 6:48 where Jesus says “I am the bread of life.
He quite clearly was not intending for us to believe he was made
of bread, but that he was the essence of true life.
Simile-
A simile draws a comparison between two objects usually with the
words “like” or “as”. Some prime examples of this can be
found in the parables of Jesus. For instance the Kingdom of God
is LIKE a mustard seed in Mark 4. God did not intend that the
Kingdom of God is literally like a mustard seed, but it represents
a spiritual truth that like a mustard seed the Kingdom of God starts
out small and becomes great.
Hyperbole-
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration for effect or
emphasis. The classic example of hyperbole is if you were to
step on a scale and say “Oh my gracious, I weigh a TON!!!” We
know you don't believe that you weigh 2000lbs but that you are
using this literary device to exaggerate or disgust with your
weight. A good Biblical example of hyperbole can be found in Mat
24:21-22 in the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem in AD
70.
Fantasy
Imagery- Some classic examples of fantasy imagery that represent
spiritual truths of persons are commonly found in apocalyptic
passages. For instance the great red dragon in Rev 12 or the
beast like a leopard with fell like a bear and a mouth like a lion
in Rev. 13. Fantasy imagery, like hyperbole is used for dramatic
effect, but the symbols used do not correspond with anything in the
real world. Some great examples of christian authors using
fantasy imagery to portray spiritual truths are John Bunyan in
Pilgrim's Progress and C.S. Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia.
“When
the Literal Principal of Biblical Interpretation is compromised or
contradicted, truth is clouded and the totality of Scripture is
confused.”
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