As a Preacher of the Word, the pursuit of clarity in interpreting the Word of God is not just an academic exercise; it’s a God ordained responsibility. Our goal is to rightly divide the Word of Truth, ensuring that we remain steadfast in the doctrines handed down from the apostles, by Holy Spirit. The primary purpose of interpreting Scripture is not to chase after some novel or unique perspective but to uncover the clear, unadulterated message that God intended for His people.

The Essential First Step: Exegesis

The first task of any preacher or teacher of the Word is exegesis—careful and systematic study of Scripture to uncover its original, intended meaning. This is about finding the truth that God revealed to His people, hearing the Word as the original recipients heard it. Whether you’re studying the words of the prophets or the teachings of the apostles, exegesis is the foundational step in understanding every text.

Exegesis is not something we do only when there seems to be a vast difference between the culture of the biblical text and our own; it’s the first step in studying every passage. The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), a command that still resonates with us today. As Preachers of the Word, we approach this task with the understanding that Scripture is God-breathed and inerrant. Therefore, we must let the text speak for itself, free from our own biases and assumptions.

Guarding Against Eisegesis

In our pursuit of clarity, we must be vigilant against the temptation of eisegesis—reading our own ideas or desires into the text. This is a danger that can lead us away from the truth and into error. The Scripture warns us that “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). We must allow the Word of God to interpret itself, letting Scripture validate Scripture.

The Role of Bible Translations

In our quest for clarity, it is also crucial to use multiple Bible translations wisely. Different translations can bring out different aspects of the text, but we must approach them with discernment. There are three basic theories of Bible translation:

1.Literal Translations: These are as close as possible to the original language, but they often don’t account for cultural differences in customs and expressions. The King James Version (KJV), falls into this category. Its strength is its faithfulness to the original text, which is why it should be our primary source for teaching doctrine.

2.Free Translations: These aim to eliminate historical and cultural barriers by expressing Scripture in modern terms. However, they are more concerned with translating ideas than with exact wording, which can sometimes lead to inaccuracies. Examples include The Message and The Living Bible.

3.Dynamic Equivalence Translations: These translate the words, idioms, and grammatical constructions of the original language into precise equivalents in modern language. While not as literal as the KJV, versions like the New International Version (NIV) and New Living Translation (NLT) can still be helpful, especially when teaching on practical Christian living.

Why Accuracy Matters

Accuracy in biblical interpretation is vital because our doctrine—what we believe and teach—must be exact. Paul warned Timothy about the danger of false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1-2), and we must heed that warning today. That’s why it’s important to use the KJV as our primary text when teaching Bible doctrine. Other translations can be used to shed light on specific passages, but we must be careful not to let them lead us astray.

Consider 1 Corinthians 7:36. The KJV is accurate but can be unclear: “But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.” Compare this to the NIV, which is both accurate and clear: “If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.”

The Dangers of Doctrinal Bias

Different Bible versions often reflect the doctrinal biases of their translators, which is why we must be discerning. The Amplified Version, for instance, can be helpful by giving various shades of meaning to a word, but it can also lead readers to choose the interpretation that best suits their preferences rather than the one that best reflects the original text.

Conclusion: A Call to Clarity

In conclusion, the pursuit of clarity in every biblical text is a sacred duty for us. We must approach Scripture with reverence, allowing it to speak for itself and guiding our understanding through careful exegesis. By doing so, we ensure that our doctrine remains pure, our teaching accurate, and our lives aligned with the unchanging Word of God. As we handle the Word of Truth with care, we fulfill our calling to preach the Gospel with power and clarity, leading others into the fullness of the faith.

About Pastor James Smith

Pastor James Smith, Valparaiso, Indiana – Founder of PreachIt.org, OpportunityHope.org, and PastoralHelps.com.

He equips pastors worldwide with sermons, leadership tools, and encouragement, while also caring for orphaned and at-risk children in West Bengal, India through OpportunityHope. Beyond the orphanage and school, OpportunityHope provides clean water wells, livestock, and other humanitarian helps to families and villages in need. Additional books, leadership training, and mentoring resources are available through PastoralHelps.com.