Bible Interpretation 101:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
I recently watched an outstanding teaching by Mondo Gonzales from Prophecy Watchers entitled "Walking into the Antichrist's Trap." While I listened, I noticed a consistent pattern of Hermeneutics concerning Israel, the future covenant and the role of antichrist in the end days. He flawlessly weaved prophecy together in harmony with scripture; intertwining Daniel with Revelation in unity. This is how interpretive scripture works.
I had done an independent study on the 'principles of Hermeneutics' eons ago, so I dug out those old notes, and walked down memory lane. These principles had guided my studies of prophecy, which has been ongoing for nearly four decades. I investigate, analyze and scrutinize prophetic scripture, always have, always will. The most amazing thing with this method of interpretation is, the more you analyze and scrutinize, the more the Bible reveals.
When studying prophecy, “I think" or, "I believe" is a great way to begin a brainstorming session or, in-depth study but, they are not proper biblical hermeneutical principles.
Hermeneutics is a big word for a simple principle; it is the theory and methodology of interpretation; the 'how' of interpretation. It is based upon scripture and methodical interpretation; not assumptions or general beliefs that lack proof or scriptural support - scripture interprets scripture.
Hermeneutics: Greek: hermēneutikos means: to interpret. Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation. It involves careful study and analysis to uncover the intended meaning of scripture. It relies on the scriptures historical and cultural background, and its relation to the author and, his intended audience. The most important law of biblical hermeneutics is that the Bible can interpret itself and, should be interpreted literally. We are to understand the Bible in its original, inferred and simplified meaning. When scripture is symbolic, allegorical or metaphorical, we need to search scripture to find where else these references are used and, how they are used. This is often called 'the law of first mention.' First mention can be a fundamental asset in setting the guidelines for further interpretation.
There are basically two ways scripture is interpretated: Exegesis and Eisegesis.
Exegesis is the process of study or analysis of text (scripture). It involves careful study to uncover the intended meaning. This can be done by analyzing its historical and cultural background. Exegesis: Greek: exēgeisthai, means to 'draw out' - to let the document speak for itself. Exegesis involves the drawing out of information based on what is stated by the author in its original context. Exegesis also involves the study of language. Since the majority of the NT is written in Greek, we need to understand the intended meaning of those Greek words.
Exegesis involves reading the entirety of context and drawing information based on what is stated by the author in its original context. Exegesis also involves the study of language. Since the majority of the NT is written in Greek, we need to understand the meaning of those Greek words.
For example: The woman of Revelation 17 sits upon seven heads of a scarlet beast with ten horns. We understand that a beast is a kingdom. This information was recorded first by Daniel 7:3,23. The seven heads upon the beast or, kingdom, are further documented as seven mountains (v9) óros- Greek ορος, ὄρος – mountain. The heads of the beast are also kings (v10). King is from the Greek: βασιλεῖς basileus, meaning a kingdom, realm, or territorial dominion. The angel has now given John two clues to the identity of the seven heads and, he is also told to use 'wisdom' when deciphering the meaning. This suggests that it's time to do some scriptural digging. This also suggests that the meaning of the seven heads is figurative, rather than literal.
These heads, the mountains and kings, are not further interpreted by the angel so, we need to look to scripture for clarity. In the old Testament, a mountain was often used as a symbolic or, prophetic reference to a kingdom. For example: Ezekiel 28:14-16 - Lucifer was expelled from the mount (kingdom) of God. Daniel 2:35b; Jeremiah 51: 24,25; Isaiah 2:2;11:9 also contain additional references to a mountain, in relation to a kingdom.
The beast (kingdom) like a leopard had four wings and four heads: Daniel 7:6. The four heads signify a division into four separate dynasties or empires that proceeded the death of Alexander the Great: Daniel 8:8; 11:4. Antiochus Epiphanies, the little horn of the old Testament: Daniel 8:9-12, rose from one of those four heads 8:9a: the Seleucid empire. While the four heads of the leopard indicate four distinct dynasties or empires, the seven heads of the red dragon indicate a unity of seven world kingdoms that belong to the dragon: Revelation 12:3. Satan gives these seven heads or seven kingdoms to his beast kingdom (who is 'like' the leopard) when he gives him his power, his seat (domain) and great authority R 13:2b.
The Greek word for hill is: βουνός, bounos, and is not found in Rev 17:9. In scripture, a hill does not carry the same prophetic significance as a mountain.
The heads are also referenced as kings (v10) kings rule over kingdoms, kings don't rule over hills. So, by doing proper Hermeneutics (the how of interpretation), and letting scripture interpret scripture, we understand that the woman sits upon seven world kingdoms, reigning over the kings of the earth: R 17:18. Simple - right?
Eisegesis: Is a combination of two Greek words eis "in, into" and, ēgeisthai" (ἡγεῖσθαι) meaning "to lead" or "to guide". This form of interpretation is based upon a person putting their own preconceptions and ideas into scripture, and allowing these ideas or beliefs, to 'lead' or 'guide' the interpretation of scripture. This method of interpretation leads to scriptural conflict, confusion and undermines the authority of the Bible. This method omits any historical and cultural background and, additional scriptural interpretation. This is an erroneous way to interpret scripture.
The Bible says what it means, and means what it says. John put a lot into our hands concerning 'the things that will be hereafter' so we must carefully interpret the events that John saw and heard...
Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. Rev 1:19;4:1b.
John served as a witness to the events of the tribulation. He faithfully recorded those events as instructed; not taking away or adding to, the progression of events that he witnessed.
We were warned about the abundance of false teachers and false prophets who would come in the end times, to deceive many: Matthew 24:11. As prophecy students, we should always systematically search scripture to fully understand proper meaning and context, before forming a conclusion or, allowing a faulty interpretation to take root. We need to view the world through the lens of the Bible, as opposed to viewing the Bible through the lens of the world.
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matt 10:16
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