Textualism is an approach to interpreting the Bible and other texts that emphasizes adherence to the literal text and original meaning of the words. Textualists believe the goal of interpretation should be to determine the objective meaning of the text at the time it was written, not to infer a meaning that aligns with modern circumstances or ideologies. Here is an overview of the key aspects of textualism:
Focus on Original Meaning
Textualists prioritize discerning the original intent and meaning of the biblical authors over applying Scripture to contemporary contexts. They seek to understand what the text meant to its original audience before asking what it means for readers today. This often involves studying the historical, cultural, and literary context in which the text was written.
“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
Importance of Context
Textualists emphasize that words and verses should be interpreted in light of their surrounding context within a passage, book, testament, and the whole Bible. Extracting a verse and assigning meaning apart from its textual environment risks misinterpretation. Context clarifies meaning and sheds light on the author’s intent.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Limits of Interpretation
Textualists argue that Scripture should be interpreted according to its clear meaning, not according to creative inferences about possible additional meanings. Speculation and reading ideas into the text that are not clearly implied should be avoided. Scripture’s authority resides in its literal words.
“Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
Authority of Original Texts
Textualists give priority to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible rather than translations. They seek as much accuracy as possible in discerning the original words and phrases to most closely capture what the biblical writers meant to communicate.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Objective Meaning of Language
Textualists believe that language inherently has definitive meaning and intelligibility. Through meticulous exegesis, the objective meaning of the words in their original languages and contexts can be determined. Subjective interpretation is unnecessary when the text is allowed to speak for itself.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Avoidance of Textual Criticism
Textualists steer clear of textual criticism that questions the authorship and authority of biblical books and passages. Such criticism undermines the reliability of Scripture. Textualists take the biblical texts at face value as canonical and authoritative.
“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)
Rejection of Reader Response
Textualists do not give weight to reader-response approaches that assign authority to the interpretations and perspectives of modern readers. The meaning of the text resides in the text itself as written by the original authors, not in how later readers interpret their own meaning.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Limits of Application
While application to modern contexts is important, textualists believe interpreters should be careful not to make pragmatic usefulness the key test for accuracy. The objective meaning of the text constrained the possible applications. The original meaning has primacy.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)
Primacy of Foundational Contexts
Textualists maintain that some biblical texts provide the foundational contexts for properly understanding other texts. For example, the Gospels and Paul’s letters establish interpretive frameworks for the entire New Testament. Deriving meaning should begin with these foundations.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Grammatical-Historical Method
Textualists follow the grammatical-historical method of biblical hermeneutics. This approach focuses on grammar, sentence structure, and linguistic details to determine meaning while emphasizing historical background. The words on the page guide interpretation.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Single Meaning of Text
Textualists hold that a biblical text has a single, objectively determinable meaning based on authorial intent. While there can be many applications of a text today, there is only one true interpretation discoverable through careful exegesis in its original context.
“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)
Wariness of Reader Biases
Textualists believe readers should be aware of their own biases that may influence interpretation. Historical distance and cultural differences should be accounted for. The text should shape the interpreter, not vice versa. The goal is getting outside one’s self.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Upholding Inerrancy
Most textualists hold an inerrantist view of Scripture, believing it is without error in all that it affirms. Apparent discrepancies or errors should be resolved through more accurate exegesis. The original autographs contain no errors regarding facts or doctrine.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)
Awareness of Presuppositions
Textualists seek to become aware of their own interpretive presuppositions and preferences that may skew exegesis. Letting the text speak for itself provides a check against eisegesis and ensures exegetical humility and objectivity.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Case-by-Case Interpretation
Textualism avoids broad theological systems or formulas, instead focusing interpretation on the details of each specific text. Concepts like authorial intent and meaning are applied on a case-by-case basis, not derived from overarching frameworks.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Role of Holy Spirit
While reason and linguistic skills are crucial, textualists also emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding interpreters, checking subjectivity, and illuminating the true meaning. The Spirit’s work aligns with textual meaning.
“For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11)
Faithfulness to Meaning
Textualists believe the authority of Scripture derives from its divine inspiration. Interpreters have a responsibility to be faithful to the intended meaning of the text rather than making it express modern perspectives.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)
In summary, textualism calls interpreters of the Bible to prioritize the original, contextual meaning of the words through rigorous grammatical, historical, and linguistic study guided by the Spirit rather than applying external frameworks or dimensions of meaning not found in the text itself. The goal is faithfulness to the text, not creativity or contemporary relevance.