Why Interpreting Scripture in Context Matters

This article was first published in French at TPSG.

Have you ever had someone take your words out of context? Maybe it was a classmate who distorted something you’d said to make you look bad. Or perhaps it was one of your children arguing their case based on something which you never intended for them to interpret as they did.

If we as fallen human beings dislike our words being taken out of context, how much more so must that be the case for our holy God? And yet, we all do it, be it willfully or accidentally. Ignorance, however, is no excuse. Whether we are seasoned Bible teachers or young believers, the Scriptures call us to divide the Word of truth faithfully, diligently, rightly (2 Ti 2:15). Essential to this pursuit is interpreting Scripture in its context.

 

Four Levels of Context

When we speak of context, we need to recognize the various levels of context. 

1.     Literary context

In the strictest sense of the term, this speaks of verses immediately before and after the passage in question. The divine and human authors composed with purpose and intentionality. Therefore, to understand one verse, we must read it within the flow of the argument in which it is situated. Beyond grasping its meaning in its surrounding verses, literary context also includes understanding a verse’s meaning in the context of the book in which it is found. To best do this, we need to familiarize ourselves with the major themes of the book and the purpose for which it was written.  

2.     Historical context

This term refers to the circumstances surrounding the author and the recipients of the book. This is important because it’s easy for us to read the Bible as if it were written primarily for us. And while the Word of God is intended for our instruction, we must first interpret it in light of its aim for its original audience. 

3.     Biblical context

This term refers to the Scriptures the author had access to which would have influenced him as he wrote. We can discover this through direct citations, but also through allusions. These help us make connections with the rest of the Bible, as we grow it understand how the authors wrote within the flow of redemptive history and not in a vacuum. 

4.     Canonical context

From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God tells one great story, often summarized in four chapters: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation. And running throughout are some major themes that help us interpret that bigger each individual story in light of the bigger story. These include the themes of covenant, sacrifice, judgment, the Kingdom of God, slavery, deliverance, temple/presence of God, and several others. When we consider a specific passage, we should ask ourselves how this story contributes to the greater story? Or to put it another way, how does this piece of the puzzle fit into the greater picture that the master Artist is painting? Or to state it yet another way, how does this act fit into the screenplay the master Storyteller is unfolding before us? 

Some Tips to Discovering Context 

Although prayerfully reading and rereading the Bible is the best way to learn how to interpret it well, we will also benefit from the aid of a good study Bible, Bible dictionary, as well as commentaries on specific books of the Bible. And we should always be interpreting Scripture in community and not in isolation. When we have questions about tough passages, we should be able to turn to more mature brothers and sisters who can help us. And, finally, the internet may be a helpful resource, but be leery of relying on Google for theologically sound resources. Know what sites you can trust before allowing them to influence you.