How to Effectively Study and Interpret of the Bible

[AW Bowman]

Starting the interpretation

Starting off, the interpretation of the Bible is both extremely simple as well as extremely difficult. Simple, because a surface reading of Scripture gives you all the information one needs to know to acquire and maintain their salvation. Difficult, if one desires to discover the heart of God. This forum, like most Christian forms, the majority the members are avid students of Scripture. Even so, we also find a great divergence in how individuals interpret and understand what God is communicating.

Over many decades of being a “professing Christian” I have failed miserably and fallen into many, if not most, (all?) of the Bible study and interpretation traps. Some traps are set by dedicated, and well-intentioned saints, and even some spiritual leaders of Jesus Christ, but a many may have simply got it wrong (false teaching). Some traps are set deliberately by those who are seeking disciples for themselves (wolves in sheep’s clothing). And yes, we set many traps ourselves (self-centered).

Here is a list of some of the more common pitfalls in our studies.

In searching the Bible, we look for Scriptures that support what we already believe, instead of studying the word for what we should believe.

We are frequently confused by so many different interpretations.

We are indoctrinated by our denomination.

We are influenced by our own personality type, personal experiences, and our spiritual gifts, if we recognize what they are.

Self created pitfalls.

If my experience happened to me, you should have the same experience. If your experience did not happen to me, it cannot or should not happen to you.

When a Bible teacher tells you what a particular passage means. And you know for certain that that passage means something different. We either become confused, we except what the “expert” tells us, we hide our position from others, or we create a disruption among the group.

Denominations, churches, religious groups, and/or individuals have too much influence on us. That is, we often forget it is our responsibility to check everything that we see and hear (religious and secular) against the word of God.

Remember, when receiving spiritual instructions (teaching/doctrine) from others, it is not being rude or presumptuous to request that you are also provided the scripture that their instruction is based on. Check it - study it - use all the tools at your disposal!

 

[AW Bowman]

Starting the interpretation

Starting off, the interpretation of the Bible is both extremely simple as well as extremely difficult. Simple, because a surface reading of Scripture gives you all the information one needs to know to acquire and maintain their salvation. Difficult, if one desires to discover the heart of God. This forum, like most Christian forms, the majority the members are avid students of Scripture. Even so, we also find a great divergence in how individuals interpret and understand what God is communicating.

Over many decades of being a “professing Christian” I have failed miserably and fallen into many, if not most, (all?) of the Bible study and interpretation traps. Some traps are set by dedicated, and well-intentioned saints, and even some spiritual leaders of Jesus Christ, but a many may have simply got it wrong (false teaching). Some traps are set deliberately by those who are seeking disciples for themselves (wolves in sheep’s clothing). And yes, we set many traps ourselves (self-centered).

Here is a list of some of the more common pitfalls in our studies.

In searching the Bible, we look for Scriptures that support what we already believe, instead of studying the word for what we should believe.

We are frequently confused by so many different interpretations.

We are indoctrinated by our denomination.

We are influenced by our own personality type, personal experiences, and our spiritual gifts, if we recognize what they are.

Self created pitfalls.

If my experience happened to me, you should have the same experience. If your experience did not happen to me, it cannot or should not happen to you.

When a Bible teacher tells you what a particular passage means. And you know for certain that that passage means something different. We either become confused, we except what the “expert” tells us, we hide our position from others, or we create a disruption among the group.

Denominations, churches, religious groups, and/or individuals have too much influence on us. That is, we often forget it is our responsibility to check everything that we see and hear (religious and secular) against the word of God.

Remember, when receiving spiritual instructions (teaching/doctrine) from others, it is not being rude or presumptuous to request that you are also provided the scripture that their instruction is based on. Check it - study it - use all the tools at your disposal!

My word "confused" automatically gets transformed into confused. Confusing?

 

[AW Bowman]

“.... One of the most marvelous evidences for the Bible’s unique inspiration for the permanently morally changed lives of men and women in different cultures, different educational levels, and different socio-economic levels throughout history. Wherever the Bible has been simply read, radical, permanent lifestyle changes have occurred. The Bible is its own best apologist.” (Utley, lecture 10/2012).

Now a problem: There are over 5,800 New Testament manuscripts found so far. Of this number, how many are exactly alike? No one knows for sure, but so far that number is extremely small.

It is recommended that one take some time and review the different translation textual sources for our modern Bibles. [Older texts may not always be the best source]. Become familiar with the good, the bad, and the ugly of the different translation sources around today. Also check the source(s) in your current Bible introduction, if provided. And see where your translation fits in.

Recommended references: General Internet search for New (and Old) Testament Manuscripts. Pick out only those sources that are not written by a religious group, simply because “religious groups” will be pushing their organizational agendas and biases. Try to stay with “objective” academic sources, much as you can. They are the least biased.

New Testament Sources:

Papri – about 85 Greek manuscripts exist, from the 2ed through the fourth century. None are complete New Testament copies.

Codex Sinaiticus – Hebrew A-01. A fourth century manuscript containing both the Old and New Testaments.

Codex Alexandrinus – Greek-02. 5th century Egyptian manuscript.

Codex Vaticanus – Identified as B-03. Vatican, Alexandrian text type. 4th century manuscript. Contains both the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts.

Codex Ephraemi – Identified as C-04. 5th century manuscript, with roots going back to the 3ed century.

Codex Bezae - Identified as D-5. 5th or 6th century manuscript with roots going back to the 2ed century.

Old Testament Sources

Masoretic Text (MT). Started in the 1st century and completed in the 9th century.

Septuagint (LXX). 1st century BC. Two different Hebrew-Greek texts were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls (LXX and Rabbi Aquiba), with the LXX being the preferred source.

Results:

What we find is there are a lot of differences between our textual sources, and added to that we mix in our translation differences. This why it is imperative that we use several types of translations (word for word, thought for thought, paraphrase, etc. when doing a Bible study. When we attempt our work, we also need to add our Greek and Hebrew lexicons. Dictionaries are helpful but they do not tell you how a particular word is used in different contexts. For the most part the definitions we read in language dictionaries they give us the English language definitions, not the original language definitions. Lexicons will provide the original language word definitions but also text usages/examples of the word is used in differing contexts. English word definitions change over time, not so with the original language text. Correct context identification is required. Just one example: If I called out that that man over there is a gay guy, how would you interpret that? Not that many years ago, I knew when I was referring to a man as a guy person, I would be saying that he is bright and pleasant, showing high-spirited merriment, etc., not a homosexual. Today, I would be very careful in calling anyone gay - context is still everything.

 

[AW Bowman]

Some References

I know that we all have our favorite Bible translations, you have yours and I have mine. But when it comes to Bible study in the interpretation it really is important to check other translations. However, with the multitude of translations that we have today we can choose translations from literal, word-for-word, idiom-for-idiom, clause-for-cause, dynamic equivalent, idea-for-idea, free reading, and paraphrase. Most contemporary translations will fall into one or more of the above styles. For example: KJV, ASV, NASB & RSV fall in the Literal and Word-for-word categories.

A most excellent reference publication is the “Essential Guide to Bible Versions” by Philip W. Comfort, Ph.D. He covers the differences between the competing Bible versions, the question where the Bible text came from, and how our Bible translations are made. The book starts with the Old Testament text and finishes with a discussion concerning the question of extra verses in the New Testament.

Another excellent reference is “Scripture Twisting, 20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible” by James W. Sire. While Mr. Sire uses different “cults” in his 20 examples of misreading scripture, you will notice that there are many individuals and even churches that fall into one or more of these problematical misreadings. It is also quite likely that most of us have also misread our Bibles, and probably still do today, and unfortunately sometimes I still do. One of the major failings is my world-view confusion, that is; while reading the Bible, I automatically view the word of God from a 21st-century perspective rather than the cultural perspective in which the Scriptures were written. This can result in misreading and misinterpreting the message. It is for that one simple reason that I must go back and reread some Bible portions two or more times over several days, before I can get a clearer picture of the message contained in those passages - using the Bible study principles outlined earlier in this thread. We will be covering many of the above areas as we continue on.

We all interpret Scripture through our own personal and denominational biases, there is no way around that. However, it is possible to reduce the impact of our biases in our studies. in order to do so requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to be openly honest with ourselves. This means we must allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves and not what we want them to say. In other words, we must all be willing to acknowledging that sometimes we are wrong. That does not mean that we all have to read the Scriptures exactly the same way everyone else does what it does mean we must walk in the light, we have answers. The word and the spirit of God. To learn more about the heart of God, and to live our lives in the light that we receive through the word, through prayer, with the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit. Remember always your highest priorities are the word, the spirit, and you.

 

[AW Bowman]

We are all interpreters of Scripture, and we do it every time we read the Bible; it is an automatic process. In this thread we have covered a few subjects, if implemented, will assistance us in achieving a better understanding of the Scriptures we are reading/studying. Although we may not realize it when we start reading the Scriptures we have voluntarily accepted certain responsibilities. Those responsibilities are:

1. Beyond being a casual interpreter of the word of God we are also responsible to learn, know, understand, and live out the word to the best of our ability, i.e., studying to show ourselves acceptable to God (2 Tim 2:15) This is a necessary part of our spiritual growth. It is one of the requirements of becoming an acceptable member of the “priesthood of believers”. This is not only a personal responsibility but also a collective responsibility. See Exod. 19:5; 1 Pet 2:5 & Rev. 1:6. Share what you have learned and be willing to learn from what others share.

As an aside: Review the N.T. letters and identify which letters were sent to the entire congregation, which were sent to the church leadership, and how many were personal?

2. The Bible must be interpreted as a series of ancient manuscripts well over 2000 years old, in foreign languages, by people of a different culture, and a very different worldview. What we read today is the result of many attempts to translate those ancient manuscripts into our contemporary languages and none of them are "perfect". We, as individuals and working together, have no choice but to work diligently to understand what was written so long ago, and yet applicable for our instruction today, and to do that task as accurately as possible. No one can call this task "easy"!

To be continued.

 

[AW Bowman]

3. What do we have we have done the best we can in our interpretations of Scripture? The first thing is that we must realize that our interpretation may not be perfect. Question: In our general every-day conversations have we ever misunderstand someone, or have others misunderstand us? How many times has someone misunderstood our attempt at humor, or even took offense to it. This problem only multiplies when we pick up our favorite translation. Remember that the Bible is a light unto our feet, and we must walk our life in the light that we have. Imperfect? Yes, yet we must continue to pursue perfection.

Concerning those that understand Scriptures differently than we do. What do we do about that? The first thing to recognize is that perhaps the other person is correct, and we are wrong. And yet, if we are confident in our interpretation of a passage, we must nevertheless respect others who may have a different understanding. (Romans 14:1-15:13; I Corinthians 8-10)

4. What can we do to enhance our own ability to correctly interpret the Bible? The answer is relatively simple, and that word is practice, and practice some more. It is also helpful to share your interpretations with others and allow others to critique your work. You may or may not appreciate some of the comments they make, but they might uncover a deficiency in your work that you can learn from.

5. Doing an in-depth interpretation of the passage cannot tell us exactly what every text means, however, it will indicate what that text cannot mean.

6. Remember your priorities. It is first the word, second it is the Holy Spirit, and finally it is you. We are each commanded to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, no one can do that for us.

 

[AW Bowman]

Some pitfalls, or traps, we should be careful of:

There are several pitfalls that we can fall victim to whey we are attempting to interpret the word of God. Taking a verse and attempting to make a doctrine out of it, or a passage and attempting to make a theology from it. This is often referred to as “proof-texting”. A dangerous practice, often producing a false doctrine or worse.

Now comes the hard part – the traps.

Referencing the earlier posts concerning our scriptural reading filters.

Our world view: A definition. A worldview is a set of presuppositions (or assumptions) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously) about the basic make-up of our world.

“Alvin Toffler says. ‘Every person carries in his head a mental model of the world - a subjective representation of external reality.’” Quoted by Sire in Scriptures Twisting, p25). Each of us has a mental filing cabinet (and a trashcan) in which we file all the information that we receive. It is one of our major filtering systems. So what are you going to do with the new piece of information, find someplace the file it or throw it in the trashcan? What if the new information is not have a file folder to put it in. What then?

We encounter worldview confusion whenever there is a clash in worldviews. For a biblical example see Acts 14:8-18. Rather than studying the Bible from a first century Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Hebraic worldview, we bring a 21st-century Western worldview to our studies. Thank God for our committed Bible translators who strive to take those early languages and translate them into a language that we can comprehend, and knowledgeable commentators who provide "their understanding" of Scripture for our consideration.

More to follow.

 

[AW Bowman]

Misquoting Text

This is one of my favorite pitfalls, misquoting the text, or quoting a translation that my hearers don’t know. For example, I might be quoting the New English Translation or the Holman Christian Standard Bible, when my hearer know only the King James Bible. Different translations are different by definition. It is a best practice to use the same translation that the majority is using - making any necessary language adjustments as you go along.

As an example: should I find myself in the position of confronting Satan and say something like, “Get away from me. Satan, for it is written in Matthew 4:15 that I shall worship the Lord my God, and him only shall I serve.” I have just done violence to the word of God. What does the verse I just quoted actually say? “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” So where is the violence? My misquote emphatically states to whom my worship will be offered. What’s wrong with my that? I just told Satan that I was not his. First, my statement reduces the Jesus-Satan confrontation to “I only serve God” - a singular, personal relationship between me and God, which is okay but that is not what the verse says. Second, what Jesus presented was a devastating rebuke to Satan, by declaring that Jesus worships only the God of everyone and everything, including Satan - a much higher, universal relationship with the creator that even Satan must bow to. Jesus just put Satan in his place.

The lesson here is that when someone is telling you what the Scriptures says, check the Scriptures to see if it so.

More to follow.

Added comment: an interesting thing concerning Matthew 4:15. Notice that Jesus was referencing an authoritative writing that even Satan acknowledged. Homework assignment: What writing is Jesus quoting?

 

[Johann]

Matthew 4:15. Notice that Jesus was referencing an authoritative writing that even Satan acknowledged. Homework assignment: What writing is Jesus quoting?

In Matthew 4:15, Jesus is not directly quoting a specific verse during His encounter with Satan in the wilderness, but this verse is part of a passage that references the prophecy found in the book of Isaiah.

The verse Matthew 4:15 states:

"The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—" (ESV)

This verse, along with Matthew 4:16, is quoting from Isaiah 9:1-2. The context of Matthew 4:15 is not about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where He was quoting Deuteronomy to respond to Satan, but rather about the fulfillment of a prophecy concerning His ministry in Galilee.

Here is the reference in Isaiah:

Isaiah 9:1-2 (ESV):
"But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."

In contrast, during Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He quotes from the Book of Deuteronomy three times in response to Satan:

Matthew 4:4 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:7 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:16: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
Matthew 4:10 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:13: "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."

he land. FS92E, +Mat_4:10, >Isa_9:1; >Isa_9:2.
of Nephthalim. Gen_49:21, Deu_33:23, 2Ki_15:29.
Galilee. Jos_20:7; Jos_21:32, *1Ki_9:11, 2Ki_15:29, $Isa_9:1; $Isa_9:2, Mar_1:39, +*Joh_7:52.
of the Gentiles. or, nations. Mat_10:5.

 

[MatthewG]

Misquoting Text

This is one of my favorite pitfalls, misquoting the text, or quoting a translation that my hearers don’t know. For example, I might be quoting the New English Translation or the Holman Christian Standard Bible, when my hearer know only the King James Bible. Different translations are different by definition. It is a best practice to use the same translation that the majority is using - making any necessary language adjustments as you go along.

As an example: should I find myself in the position of confronting Satan and say something like, “Get away from me. Satan, for it is written in Matthew 4:15 that I shall worship the Lord my God, and him only shall I serve.” I have just done violence to the word of God. What does the verse I just quoted actually say? “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” So where is the violence? My misquote emphatically states to whom my worship will be offered. What’s wrong with my that? I just told Satan that I was not his. First, my statement reduces the Jesus-Satan confrontation to “I only serve God” - a singular, personal relationship between me and God, which is okay but that is not what the verse says. Second, what Jesus presented was a devastating rebuke to Satan, by declaring that Jesus worships only the God of everyone and everything, including Satan - a much higher, universal relationship with the creator that even Satan must bow to. Jesus just put Satan in his place.

The lesson here is that when someone is telling you what the Scriptures says, check the Scriptures to see if it so.

More to follow.

Added comment: an interesting thing concerning Matthew 4:15. Notice that Jesus was referencing an authoritative writing that even Satan acknowledged. Homework assignment: What writing is Jesus quoting?

Or “this day I have chosen you.”

Jesus chose me today, I must! Go to every house of Israel and preach! And reach the end of the age and the world shall receive his message.

Wait… Jesus chose all those he called in the gathering… and one more after the gathering “Paul” who I believe Jesus taught to.

 

[AW Bowman]

In Matthew 4:15, Jesus is not directly quoting a specific verse during His encounter with Satan in the wilderness, but this verse is part of a passage that references the prophecy found in the book of Isaiah.

The verse Matthew 4:15 states:

"The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—" (ESV)

This verse, along with Matthew 4:16, is quoting from Isaiah 9:1-2. The context of Matthew 4:15 is not about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where He was quoting Deuteronomy to respond to Satan, but rather about the fulfillment of a prophecy concerning His ministry in Galilee.

Here is the reference in Isaiah:

Isaiah 9:1-2 (ESV):
"But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."

In contrast, during Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He quotes from the Book of Deuteronomy three times in response to Satan:

Matthew 4:4 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:7 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:16: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
Matthew 4:10 - Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:13: "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."

he land. FS92E, +Mat_4:10, >Isa_9:1; >Isa_9:2.
of Nephthalim. Gen_49:21, Deu_33:23, 2Ki_15:29.
Galilee. Jos_20:7; Jos_21:32, *1Ki_9:11, 2Ki_15:29, $Isa_9:1; $Isa_9:2, Mar_1:39, +*Joh_7:52.
of the Gentiles. or, nations. Mat_10:5.

Excellent approach.

My best answer is that it would appear that Jesus was quoting an actual sentence from a writing. There are twenty one books referenced in the Bible that we do not have copies of today. Out of those twenty one, my best guess is that the quote may have been taken from one of the following:

The Book of Jasher, The Chronicles of Samuel the Seer, The Chronicles of Nathan the Prophet, The Book of the Prophet Iddo, or possibly from one of the three(?) books of Enoch – a book that was read by the Apostles and referenced in Heb. 11:5 and quoted in Jude 1:14,15. Whether Jesus was combining several sources or quoting an actual sentence from another writing we will probably never know for sure.

 

[AW Bowman]

Or “this day I have chosen you.”

Jesus chose me today, I must! Go to every house of Israel and preach! And reach the end of the age and the world shall receive his message.

Wait… Jesus chose all those he called in the gathering… and one more after the gathering “Paul” who I believe Jesus taught to.

Good example.

 

[Johann]

Excellent approach.

My best answer is that it would appear that Jesus was quoting an actual sentence from a writing. There are twenty one books referenced in the Bible that we do not have copies of today. Out of those twenty one, my best guess is that the quote may have been taken from one of the following:

The Book of Jasher, The Chronicles of Samuel the Seer, The Chronicles of Nathan the Prophet, The Book of the Prophet Iddo, or possibly from one of the three(?) books of Enoch – a book that was read by the Apostles and referenced in Heb. 11:5 and quoted in Jude 1:14,15. Whether Jesus was combining several sources or quoting an actual sentence from another writing we will probably never know for sure.

It's fascinating to consider that Jesus' words in Matthew 4:15 might have connections to texts we no longer possess. The verse itself, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles," is indeed a reference to Isaiah 9:1–2, but it's not a direct quotation.

The idea that Jesus could have been drawing from texts like the Book of Jasher or the Chronicles of Samuel the Seer adds an intriguing layer to our understanding. These works were known in antiquity and cited or alluded to in various ways, though they haven’t survived in their entirety. The Book of Enoch, for example, is referenced in the New Testament, particularly in Jude 1:14-15, which demonstrates that early Christians were familiar with such texts.

Whether Jesus was specifically quoting from these sources or weaving together elements from various writings remains a matter of scholarly debate. Since we don’t have the exact texts Jesus might have used, it's challenging to pinpoint the precise origin of His references. Nonetheless, exploring these possibilities sheds light on the rich tapestry of biblical interpretation and the depth of Jesus' engagement with contemporary and historical religious literature.
J.

 

[amigo de christo]

It's fascinating to consider that Jesus' words in Matthew 4:15 might have connections to texts we no longer possess. The verse itself, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles," is indeed a reference to Isaiah 9:1–2, but it's not a direct quotation.

The idea that Jesus could have been drawing from texts like the Book of Jasher or the Chronicles of Samuel the Seer adds an intriguing layer to our understanding. These works were known in antiquity and cited or alluded to in various ways, though they haven’t survived in their entirety. The Book of Enoch, for example, is referenced in the New Testament, particularly in Jude 1:14-15, which demonstrates that early Christians were familiar with such texts.

Whether Jesus was specifically quoting from these sources or weaving together elements from various writings remains a matter of scholarly debate. Since we don’t have the exact texts Jesus might have used, it's challenging to pinpoint the precise origin of His references. Nonetheless, exploring these possibilities sheds light on the rich tapestry of biblical interpretation and the depth of Jesus' engagement with contemporary and historical religious literature.
J.

actually i found the psalm that used that quoate he cometh with ten thousands of his angels
i believe jude quoated it and used the refernace to enoch . they often did things like this .
In fact samuel the seer ,
the prophet . often when they wrote this it was talking about the other books too . Like say if it was written in chronciles
it would also say it about the book of kings and etc . Often folks think it means there were other books
when in truth it was simply referencing something already in the bible .
I read it a lot johann . And things are really coming together my friend .
NOW as far as this book of enoch many speak about , YEAH , i put it down .
i seen mens wisdom all over it , sure it had truths too , but it was a book
probably written , as were the secondary books etc . MENS wisdom and i did see errors too .
My advice . it do stay the same . Stay in ONLY the bible . Now i aint accusing anyone that reads those other
books of being hell bound . But beleive me when i say I SEE WHY them seven books GOT REMOVED . I SURE DO .
and as far as the book of enoch , well it was nothing at all like reading the bible to me .
i wonder why that is my friend . WHY is it i can sit and read and enjoy and love the bible
and yet them other books were NO WAY the same for me . I know why .
Its cause at best they were books written later by men , who had some wisdom and some of it was carnal too .
It just aint even the same at all my friend . and as far as those other seven , I would not bother reading them at all .

 

[amigo de christo]

It's fascinating to consider that Jesus' words in Matthew 4:15 might have connections to texts we no longer possess. The verse itself, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles," is indeed a reference to Isaiah 9:1–2, but it's not a direct quotation.

The idea that Jesus could have been drawing from texts like the Book of Jasher or the Chronicles of Samuel the Seer adds an intriguing layer to our understanding. These works were known in antiquity and cited or alluded to in various ways, though they haven’t survived in their entirety. The Book of Enoch, for example, is referenced in the New Testament, particularly in Jude 1:14-15, which demonstrates that early Christians were familiar with such texts.

Whether Jesus was specifically quoting from these sources or weaving together elements from various writings remains a matter of scholarly debate. Since we don’t have the exact texts Jesus might have used, it's challenging to pinpoint the precise origin of His references. Nonetheless, exploring these possibilities sheds light on the rich tapestry of biblical interpretation and the depth of Jesus' engagement with contemporary and historical religious literature.
J.

IF one reads the bible a lot , you will see things clearer and clearer my friend .
For example chronicles and the kings are simply about the kings of israel and judah .
Now its interesting that in kings sometimes it goes more into depth on things
and other things perhaps in the book of chronicles . One can read about the KING HEZZIKIAH
in three books alone . kings , chronicles and issiah , issiah i think chapter thirty eight or six , cant remember .
But man the more we read it , man the clearer things get .
I been reading that same one book for years and years my friend , every day for hours .
AND it only refreshes my daily to do so .
IT SURE can make one wise too . and when i say wise , IT WONT BE IN THEIR OWN EYES
no sir , rather it sure can humble one in that regards . PUTS THE EMPHASIS and GLORY ON GOD and not on man
IF ya know what i mean . But even that was the working of the HOLY GHOST .
most beautiful book i have ever read . AND did you know , ITS THE ONLY BOOK I CAN GAURANTEE to anyone .
Other books i have read , WONT BE GAURNATEEING those at all .
But the BIBLE , boy o boy i highly recommend it , often and daily too . OH its a book one cannot put down .
But again that kind of love for truth , THAT TOO came of GOD to me .
You see in truth i really cant take one bit of credit for anything . OTHER THAN
i was worst of the worst and now the only GOODNESS and RIGHTEOUS i have within me , COMETH OF GOD
and of CHRIST . man i sure wish folks would read that holy book a whole lot for themselves .

 

[amigo de christo]

It's fascinating to consider that Jesus' words in Matthew 4:15 might have connections to texts we no longer possess. The verse itself, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way by the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles," is indeed a reference to Isaiah 9:1–2, but it's not a direct quotation.

The idea that Jesus could have been drawing from texts like the Book of Jasher or the Chronicles of Samuel the Seer adds an intriguing layer to our understanding. These works were known in antiquity and cited or alluded to in various ways, though they haven’t survived in their entirety. The Book of Enoch, for example, is referenced in the New Testament, particularly in Jude 1:14-15, which demonstrates that early Christians were familiar with such texts.

Whether Jesus was specifically quoting from these sources or weaving together elements from various writings remains a matter of scholarly debate. Since we don’t have the exact texts Jesus might have used, it's challenging to pinpoint the precise origin of His references. Nonetheless, exploring these possibilities sheds light on the rich tapestry of biblical interpretation and the depth of Jesus' engagement with contemporary and historical religious literature.
J.

Suprise . i have found a ton of JESUS words and meanings of what he said or taught . IN THE OLD HOLY SCRIPS .
man the more we read it , i tell us all the far better off we would be .
I mean a whole lot of them . You would be amazed at the things , for example in proverbs
that JESUS was actually quoating in his own words to people .
and other places too . amazed my friend , one would be amazed .
The more we read it , i tell us the more we learn and are refreshed and reminded .
IN fact what if i told you
THAT CHRISTENDOM HAS DONE BIG TIME when THE JEWS THEMSELVES DID , RIGHT BEFORE THEY GOT DESTROYED .
i mean identical . not close , IDENTICAL . read them prophets my friend
YOU SEE what the leaders were doing and teaching , you see what the people were doing and who they loved to sit under
WHO THEY RAN OFF too . my goodness it looks JUST LIKE TODAYS CHRISTENDOM .
OH i know most folks would surely call me judgmental for even daring to say such a thing .BUT THEN
most folks aint really in that BIBLE very much now are they .
and if they are , AT best and at most they just read it through their own teachers or denominations view points .
WE IS IN DIRE TROUBLE Johann . DIRE TROUBLE .
and i say we , cause i do love the peoples , but man THEY SOLD OUT my friend . its a real tough find
to find a man who even closely resembles the leadership of CHRIST or the apotsels . AND I MEAN EVEN some of the basic
stuff my friend . but again folks will holler i am the accuser . but then again , THEY AINT THE ONES IN THE BIBLE .
that is why i really wish folks would get in JUST the BIBLE . then , well then things sure would clear up .

 

[Marvelloustime]

Suprise . i have found a ton of JESUS words and meanings of what he said or taught . IN THE OLD HOLY SCRIPS .
man the more we read it , i tell us all the far better off we would be .
I mean a whole lot of them . You would be amazed at the things , for example in proverbs
that JESUS was actually quoating in his own words to people .
and other places too . amazed my friend , one would be amazed .
The more we read it , i tell us the more we learn and are refreshed and reminded .
IN fact what if i told you
THAT CHRISTENDOM HAS DONE BIG TIME when THE JEWS THEMSELVES DID , RIGHT BEFORE THEY GOT DESTROYED .
i mean identical . not close , IDENTICAL . read them prophets my friend
YOU SEE what the leaders were doing and teaching , you see what the people were doing and who they loved to sit under
WHO THEY RAN OFF too . my goodness it looks JUST LIKE TODAYS CHRISTENDOM .
OH i know most folks would surely call me judgmental for even daring to say such a thing .BUT THEN
most folks aint really in that BIBLE very much now are they .
and if they are , AT best and at most they just read it through their own teachers or denominations view points .
WE IS IN DIRE TROUBLE Johann . DIRE TROUBLE .
and i say we , cause i do love the peoples , but man THEY SOLD OUT my friend . its a real tough find
to find a man who even closely resembles the leadership of CHRIST or the apotsels . AND I MEAN EVEN some of the basic
stuff my friend . but again folks will holler i am the accuser . but then again , THEY AINT THE ONES IN THE BIBLE .
that is why i really wish folks would get in JUST the BIBLE . then , well then things sure would clear up .

It’s funny you should say that. I am also a daily bible reader. Both old and new testaments. No matter how many times I read the entire Bible, I always go back to the start and re-read it again.

I was reading the Bible with a brother last night. We were reading from Jeremiah and both my brother and I also noticed how today’s Christendom is identical to how the Jews were in Jeremiah’s time, just before they got destroyed. Both my brother and I were saying that going by what we were reading and the identical way they are today, this world is about to be judged by God. The coming of the Lord really is at the door.

 

[Marvelloustime]

Suprise . i have found a ton of JESUS words and meanings of what he said or taught . IN THE OLD HOLY SCRIPS .
man the more we read it , i tell us all the far better off we would be .
I mean a whole lot of them . You would be amazed at the things , for example in proverbs
that JESUS was actually quoating in his own words to people .
and other places too . amazed my friend , one would be amazed .
The more we read it , i tell us the more we learn and are refreshed and reminded .
IN fact what if i told you
THAT CHRISTENDOM HAS DONE BIG TIME when THE JEWS THEMSELVES DID , RIGHT BEFORE THEY GOT DESTROYED .
i mean identical . not close , IDENTICAL . read them prophets my friend
YOU SEE what the leaders were doing and teaching , you see what the people were doing and who they loved to sit under
WHO THEY RAN OFF too . my goodness it looks JUST LIKE TODAYS CHRISTENDOM .
OH i know most folks would surely call me judgmental for even daring to say such a thing .BUT THEN
most folks aint really in that BIBLE very much now are they .
and if they are , AT best and at most they just read it through their own teachers or denominations view points .
WE IS IN DIRE TROUBLE Johann . DIRE TROUBLE .
and i say we , cause i do love the peoples , but man THEY SOLD OUT my friend . its a real tough find
to find a man who even closely resembles the leadership of CHRIST or the apotsels . AND I MEAN EVEN some of the basic
stuff my friend . but again folks will holler i am the accuser . but then again , THEY AINT THE ONES IN THE BIBLE .
that is why i really wish folks would get in JUST the BIBLE . then , well then things sure would clear up .

 

[Marvelloustime]

actually i found the psalm that used that quoate he cometh with ten thousands of his angels
i believe jude quoated it and used the refernace to enoch . they often did things like this .
In fact samuel the seer ,
the prophet . often when they wrote this it was talking about the other books too . Like say if it was written in chronciles
it would also say it about the book of kings and etc . Often folks think it means there were other books
when in truth it was simply referencing something already in the bible .
I read it a lot johann . And things are really coming together my friend .
NOW as far as this book of enoch many speak about , YEAH , i put it down .
i seen mens wisdom all over it , sure it had truths too , but it was a book
probably written , as were the secondary books etc . MENS wisdom and i did see errors too .
My advice . it do stay the same . Stay in ONLY the bible . Now i aint accusing anyone that reads those other
books of being hell bound . But beleive me when i say I SEE WHY them seven books GOT REMOVED . I SURE DO .
and as far as the book of enoch , well it was nothing at all like reading the bible to me .
i wonder why that is my friend . WHY is it i can sit and read and enjoy and love the bible
and yet them other books were NO WAY the same for me . I know why .
Its cause at best they were books written later by men , who had some wisdom and some of it was carnal too .
It just aint even the same at all my friend . and as far as those other seven , I would not bother reading them at all .

 

[Spyder]

Third: There are a few things to keep in the back of one’s mind as they peruse the scriptures.

- The Bible is a collection of Hebrew books, written by and for Israelites, not the Goyim (gentiles), with a few notable exceptions, for example the books of Luke and Acts, which were written to Theophilus, who, like Cornelius, may have been a “God Fearer” (Greek thinking God Fearer).

- There is no such thing as a perfect translation of the Holy Scriptures into English, or into any other language.

- A commentary is just one person’s interpretation of scripture. When you preach or teach the word of God you are adding your own personal commentary to the ever-growing collection.

- Your understanding of scripture will never be complete (Tamam, perfect), so be open to correction and instruction.

- If you ever get to the point where you actually understand what it is you think you know, you will be a spiritual giant.

- Do not fall into the trap of reading the scriptures as though they were written to you. They’re not! Even so, they were written with you in mind (for you).

- Do not search the scriptures to support your doctrines, rather, search the scriptures for doctrines to support.

I really like your attempt to teach others in the way to understand the scriptures. While I just now came upon this thread, it didn't take me long to find the combative responses. Sadly, I have learned that this happens quite often.

Another thing you posted that I have found to be true is:

"
Things we need to know about the author and the book. Not in any particular order.

- The historical context of the time and place of the writing.
- The existing social and culture norms and practices.
- The religious principles and practices at the time.
- The language, as it communicates the collective worldview at that time.
- The purpose of the book, why was it written in the first place?
- What was the goal(s) the author wanted to achieve?
- How did the people react to the author’s words – where such reaction is noted?
- What is the genre of the book, historical, instructional, prophetic, poetic, a mixture, etc.?
- What did the author say about the same subject in the same book, and elsewhere (if he did)?
- What did other authors say about the same subject, if they did?
- Evaluate the context of the study subject within paragraph, if necessary, use the chapter, or the entire book, or if necessary the whole Bible, if required."

If we don't keep these in mind, we end up with eisegesis as a result. It is from these results that antagonistic threads appear.

Thanks for the time you spend in this discussion.