Hermeneutic Rules of This Website¹

"We have also a more
sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well
that ye take heed, as unto a light
that shineth in a dark place,
until the day dawn,
and the day star arise in your hearts:
Knowing this first,
that no prophecy
of the scripture
is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came
not in old time
by the will of man:
but holy men of God
spake as they were moved
by the Holy Ghost."
(2 Pet 1:19-21 KJV)

1. The only one who knows the complete meaning of the Bible is its author, who is God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim 3:16 KJV)

2. Therefore, only those who have the Spirit of God dwelling in their hearts, which comes from the new birth provided by Jesus Christ can correctly interpret the Scriptures.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints (Eph 3:17-18 KJV)

3. Scriptures are understood by believing it first, then analyzing it second.

Through faith we understand ...(Heb 11:3 KJV)

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Heb 4:2 KJV)

4. Those who are disobedient to Christ are disqualified from accurate hermeneutics. Obedience brings first hand experience tothe will of God.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb 5:12-14 KJV)

5. Christ, who predates history, is the central theme of all Scripture.

The Bible says, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them [the two on the road to Emmaus] in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). And He said unto them, "that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" (Luke 24:44).

6. The New Testament is seen through Christ's eyes and what He said, and the Old Testament is interpreted by the New Testament.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matt 5:17 KJV)

7. Scripture is used to interpret Scripture.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matt 5:18 KJV)

8. It is always assumed that the scriptures refer to literal, historical fact, unless the passage clearly demonstrates figurative or symbolic intention.

...It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom (2 Chr 9:5 KJV)

9. Since all scriptures are based upon true and real people in history, it is necessary to study and know world history and geography to understand the events of the Bible.

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; (Acts 17:26 KJV)

10. All scripture is understood according to the author's intention first.

...for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts...(1 Chr 28:9 KJV)

11. All scripture is to be understood in context to the rest of the chapter and book before drawing out any general principles.

...they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)

12. Greek and Hebrew word studies are secondary to a thorough understanding of the English translation and the point of the text.

The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. (2 Sam 23:2 KJV)

13. Orthodox interpretations are considered first before declaring an unorthodox interpretation.

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. (Matt 23:2-3 KJV)