Understanding the Bible correctly is crucial for Christians. A key aspect of this is knowing the difference between interpretation and application of Scripture. While these two concepts are related, there are some important distinctions.
What is Biblical Interpretation?
Interpretation refers to the process of determining the original meaning and significance of a biblical text. It seeks to understand what the author intended to communicate to the original audience. Interpretation tries to answer questions such as:
- What is the historical-cultural context of this passage?
- What literary genre is being used?
- What do key words and phrases mean in the original language?
- How does this passage fit with the broader context of Scripture?
Careful interpretation lays the groundwork for proper application of the Bible. If we misunderstand or misinterpret a passage, our application of it will likely be flawed as well.
What is Biblical Application?
While interpretation focuses on the original meaning, application thinks about how Scripture applies to us today. Application seeks to answer questions like:
- How should this truth impact my life?
- What principles from this passage can I implement?
- How does this change how I think, speak, and act?
Application brings the ancient truths of the Bible to bear on our modern lives. It bridges the gap between the biblical world and our world, translating God’s unchanging word into our ever-changing culture.
The Relationship Between Interpretation and Application
Although interpretation and application are distinct, they are interdependent and complementary:
- Interpretation comes first. We must seek to understand the text as the original audience would have before asking how it applies to us today.
- Application must flow out of and align with interpretation. Our applications must be grounded in and limited by the author’s intended meaning.
- The ultimate goal is application. We interpret Scripture not just to understand ancient texts but to hear God’s voice and obey His Word in our lives.
Neglecting either interpretation or application can lead to significant problems. For example:
- Focusing only on interpretation without concern for application can result in dry, academic study that doesn’t transform lives.
- Applying Scripture without concern for original meaning and context can lead to misuse and distortion of the Bible.
In summary, interpretation and application work together to help us understand, obey, and proclaim the unchanging truths of God’s Word in constantly changing times and cultures. Both are essential to faithful Christian living and ministry.
Principles for the Interpretation-Application Process
Here are some key principles to remember when moving from interpretation to application:
- Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, insight, and understanding (Psalm 119:18; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16).
- Study context and background – Investigate the historical situation of the original audience as well as the broader context of Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17).
- Know the genre – Recognize whether you are reading narrative, poetry, prophecy, epistle, wisdom literature, etc. Different genres have different rules for interpretation.
- Analyze grammar and word meaning – Look closely at sentence structure, grammar, and word meanings in the original language through the use of commentaries and other reference tools when possible (Nehemiah 8:8).
- Consult other interpretations – Consider how other Bible-believing scholars have understood the passage. We interpret in community (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).
- Summarize the message – State the passage’s purpose and main points to ensure you have an accurate understanding of the author’s intended meaning.
- Consider literary context – Look at the surrounding verses and passages to see how this text fits in the larger section and overall book (John 5:39).
- Think about implications – Recognize the theological, practical, and ethical implications of your interpretation. Are there problems or contradictions?
- Apply to contexts – Think about how the principles revealed in this text could apply in various modern contexts and situations.
- Make personal applications – Ask how the passage challenges and transforms your own life before thinking about how to apply it to others.
The interpretation-application process takes time, effort, and discernment. But it’s essential for proclaiming, obeying, and unfolding the depth of God’s Word. Following these principles prayerfully and in community will help us handle Scripture faithfully and bear much fruit for God’s kingdom.
Common Errors in Interpretation and Application
Mishandling Scripture by ignoring or conflating interpretation and application can lead to significant problems. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Proof-texting – Isolating verses and taking them out of context to support our views.
- Moralizing – Turning historical accounts into direct moral lessons rather than finding the general principles.
- Spiritualizing/allegorizing – Finding hidden or symbolic meanings that were not intended by the author.
- Imposing meaning – Reading our own ideas into the text rather than letting it speak for itself.
- Selectivity – Only focusing on certain passages that fit our viewpoint while ignoring others.
- Misapplying promises – Claiming promises made specifically to Old Testament Israel as directly applicable to Christians today.
- Cultural relativism – Rejecting passages as no longer culturally relevant without proper consideration of their underlying principles.
- Reader response – Disregarding authorial intent and historical context and viewing interpretations as merely subjective reader responses.
Avoiding these errors requires diligence, humility, and constantly checking our interpretations against the framework of biblical theology as a whole. We must allow Scripture to shape us rather than trying to shape Scripture to fit our goals and agendas.
Case Studies in Interpretation and Application
Looking at some specific examples can help illustrate the distinction and relationship between interpretation and application:
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Interpretation: Peter was instructing Christian wives on godly conduct, encouraging them to focus on inner character rather than outward appearance. The principle is inner beauty first.
Application: Outward adornment is not universally condemned, but it should not be a Christian’s priority. This passage challenges both women and men to pursue virtuous character that reflects the beauty of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
Interpretation: In the specific context of evaluating prophecy in Corinth, Paul instructs women not to publicly judge prophetic speech in the assembly. This demonstrate proper submission to male leadership in the church.
Application: The universal principle is male spiritual authority in the church. But the restriction on women speaking publicly does not apply today with the cessation of prophetic gifts. Women can teach, pray, prophesy, and lead in appropriate contexts under male authority.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Interpretation: The eternality and immutability of Christ’s nature and character is emphasized as the anchor of our faith. He is completely trustworthy.
Application: We can have confidence amidst changing circumstances because we serve an unchanging Savior. This challenges us to build our lives on Christ rather than cultural trends.
Best Practices for the Interpretation-Application Process
Here are some habits and disciplines to cultivate for faithful Bible interpretation and application:
- Pray for wisdom and insight before approaching Scripture.
- Read and re-read passages slowly and carefully.
- Use study aids like commentaries to understand context and background.
- Consult the original languages through tools like Strong’s concordance.
- Outline the structure and main points of the passage.
- Discuss interpretations and applications with other believers.
- Consider how your applications align with the rest of Scripture.
- Apply truth to your own heart first before teaching it to others.
- Make applications relevant to your cultural context when appropriate.
- Continually re-evaluate interpretations and applications as you gain knowledge.
- Allow difficult passages to refine your thinking rather than ignoring them.
The more we engage in these kinds of practices, the better we will become at discerning the Spirit’s voice in Scripture and applying His timeless truths in timely ways. There is always more to learn about properly handling God’s Word!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should interpretation come before application?
Yes, proper interpretation should always come before application. We have to understand what a passage means before we can determine how to apply it. Beginning with application often leads to proof-texting where we force Scripture to agree with our predetermined ideas.
Can Christians have different interpretations of the same passage?
Yes, sincere Christians can arrive at different interpretations on secondary doctrinal matters and some debatable passages. However, core elements of the gospel and essential theological truths leave little room for subjectivity. We should interpret in community while allowing grace and freedom where the Bible permits diversity.
How can we distinguish between cultural applications and transcultural principles?
Careful study of context is key. We must discern which details are tied specifically to the biblical culture vs. which reflect timeless theological principles. For example, “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16) was a cultural practice, while “Love one another” (John 13:34) is a transcultural command.
Can a passage have multiple valid interpretations and applications?
Potentially, yes. Scripture is remarkably rich and layered. Certain prophetic texts, for example, have been fulfilled in multiple ways over time. And many proverbs by nature have wide applicability. Yet there are limits to plausible meanings based on authorial intent and the unified theology of Scripture. Prayerful wisdom is required.
How can we become better at applying biblical truth to modern life?
The key is knowing Scripture well (through steady reading) and knowing your culture well (through purposeful observation). Comparing and contrasting biblical principles with cultural values and practices takes spiritual discernment. Listening to and learning from older, wiser Christians is also very helpful.