How we study Scripture
Scripture Studies, Hints, Important things to remember
(presented here not necessarily in the order of importance)In General
YHWH (Yahweh) the Almighty Sovereign Creator of all things (commonly referred to (in error) by the term G-d) has provided us with at (2) two diverse references (or records) to use for revealing Himself to His wonderful Creation. Both of these records are of equal importance, and are in complete harmony with each other.
The First record (the natural), is also called a "General Revelation" and it deals with the physical, the laws of physics, and of nature, which govern the universe, the earth, and all of creation; in the ground, on the ground, in the air, in the waters, and in the heavens. It is also in the record of the secular writings or historical evidence as recorded by man in general, apart from the religious writings.
The Second record (the written), is also called a "Special Revelation" and it deals with the written account of creation, the Universe, the creation of man, the formation of Adam, and then almost exclusively with particular persons, families and peoples, and their descendants the Israelites. Then, it deals with the callings, the Contracts, and the Covenants the Creator (Yahweh) makes with them, and their descendants, followed by the promises for the keeping of the Covenants and the penalties for breaking them. These apply only to the descendants of those under the original contract (the Covenants). This record is commonly called the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures, and the Greek writings, commonly called the New Testament.
These two records, the "General Revelation" and the "Special Revelation" must be in harmony with each other for they both originate from the same Almighty Sovereign Creator being who is called YHWH (Yahweh), and who is not a Mighty One (G-d) of confusion.
The Foundation for proper Scriptural understanding
Our Scriptural studies are based upon the foundational writings of the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures), omitting the Book of Esther, a fictional writing without historical basis and void of any YHWH (Yahweh, G-d) inspired words. We also accept and include in our foundational writings, the historical Greek manuscripts (the ones most likely to have originally been penned in Hebrew), commonly referred to as the New Testament. Included as foundational writings are the historical events and the teachings of the First Century Prophet to Israel (Yisrael), who is named Yahshua HaMashiach (Messiah) commonly known as J-sus the Christ. We also include the subsequent writings that are attributed as having been authored by his appointed and taught Apostles. We do not accept the writings of the Pharisee Paul/Saul of Tarsus as reliable or authoritative for formulating doctrine, and do not recognize him as having been numbered among the Apostles (Acts 1:21-26). We use Paul/Saul’s writings as an example of First Century pagan influence and beliefs, that misrepresent and color the historical Yahwistic beliefs originating from our paternal ancient forefathers Avraham (Abraham), Yitzchak (Isaac), and Ya'acov/Yisrael (Jacob/Israel), as presented in the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures)
The statement that "All Scripture is inspired by G-d" is completely false. All Scripture (Latin for writing) is NOT inspired by YHWH (G-d). Scripture "records" words that were spoken by the inspiration of YHWH, but also record words that were spoken by many that were clearly NOT inspired by YHWH. Here discernment is critical in order to ovoid complete confusion and misunderstanding.
YHWH (Yahweh, G-d) is Elohim (Might One), the Creator of heaven and earth and all things (Gen. 1:1-31, 2:21-25), commonly referred to in error (by the ignorant) as G-d. YHWH (Yahweh) has declared Himself to be Echad (One), (Deut. 6:4), and has further revealed Himself to be Father and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit); Father in Deut. 32:6; Ps. 2:7, 68:5, 89:26; John 5:17, 8:18; Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit in Gen. 1:2, 6:3; Matt. 3:16; John 4:24. The Father and Spirit, the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) are one and the same being. We reject the Christian Trinity, or the belief of "three persons" in the one G-dhead as foreign to Scripture and of pagan origin. We reject the theory that Yahshua the son is YHWH the Father in an other physical form, or that YHWH has ever appeared on earth in any physical form.
YHWH (Yahweh) is Elohim (Might One), the Supreme Sovereign Creator and Ruler of all that has existed, exists, and will ever exist; is omnipotent, omnipresent, unchangeable, all-knowing, is above all, and to whom only we owe our reverence and worship (Deut. 6:14-15). He is in full and absolute control of His creation at all times (Isa. 46:10), the Originator of both good and evil (Isa. 45:7, 54:16; Prov.16: 4).
The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is the mighty power and influence of the Almighty Sovereign Creator Spirit YHWH (Yahweh). Our Father YHWH (Yahweh) IS Spirit, having no physical body (Gen. 1:1; Jn 4:24).
The Prophet Yahshua HaMashiach (Messiah, J-sus), is the accepted Son of YHWH (Yahweh) Elohim (Might One) of Yisrael (Israel), and that he is the promised anointed one, as confirmed by the Greek writings, as attested by his appointed Apostles, by his followers, and by the many witnesses of his resurrection recorded in the Greek writings. He came to preach and announce to Yisrael (Israel) the Kingdom (whole counsel) of heaven, i.e., Kingdom of YHWH (Yahweh), (Mark 1:14,15), how to seek it and to enter into it (Matt. 4:16-17,6:33); to teach Torah as revealed to him by the indwelling power of YHWH’s (Yahweh’s) Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), and to condemn the Traditions, laws, and doctrines added by men –"Think not that I am come to destroy the Torah, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.[Greek "pleroo" play-ro'-o] i.e. cause to abound (Matt. 5:17-19).
Principles For the proper study of Scripture.
1. Face Value system of study:
a. We must discover what the original words and phrases meant to the original audience, and their intended meaning, then determine what the passage means to us today.
b. We must discover the intended meaning by the Author, author(s) at face value, the settings, circumstances, and the context of the original writing.
c. Face value does not mean wooded literalism, nor on the building of an understanding based upon a Theological presupposition, or a school(s) of thought, or on acceptable man made understandings developed through time, but we must allow the Author, or author(s) of the original, or the ancient texts to determine the meaning of what was written.
2. The English Translation:
a. Every translation of the original Greek, the Hebrew, or the Aramaic, reflects the biases of the translators. There is no such thing as an existing accurate or correct translation of the manuscripts. However, some are clearly better than others are, (use them all as a reference), to determine complete truth, but never, never take a translation as an authority over the original language of the Hebrew or the Greek.
b. This includes word choice, punctuation, word order, terms and terminology, past usage of words, present usage of words, and correct understanding of basic Scriptural words and terms. See Words and Terms in the Scriptures.
c. The items listed under b, are not clearly and unambiguously indicated in the available Greek or Hebrew. 'Face Value' recognizes this fact, and keeps it in mind at all times. This is very important.
3. There are no contradictions in Scripture:
a. There are no contradictions in Scripture, only the appearance of contradictions, through misunderstanding or translation. Scripture and nature are always in complete harmony. Scripture must never be pitted against Scripture. Instead, Scripture must always be harmonized.
b. Truth is found when all passages dealing with a particular subject fit together. The best and the most accurate understanding accommodate all the passages of a subject. When all passages fit perfectly into one common denominator, and are in harmony with the Physical, you have been revealed truth. If we want to seek the truth on any subject in the Scriptures, we must do an exhaustive study of the Scriptures pertaining to the subject in question. Yahweh denounces "smorgasbord style" Bible Study. (Isaiah 28:13).
c. In other words, we are not to go through the Scriptures randomly collecting Scriptures that by themselves appear to support a particular position, or authenticate a favorite doctrine or belief. Instead, everything the Scripture states on a particular subject, must be considered and harmonized in order to determine the complete picture, and therefore the truth. Remember that one Scripture never trumps or negates the other.
4. To discover meanings:
a. Generally, let Scripture interpret Scripture, let the clear passages translate or interpret the less clear passages when dealing with the same subject.
b. Internal evidence (evidence within the document) is much more valuable then external evidence (outside resources, or a man made commentary).
c. Know figures of speech when you see them, determine 'similies' or words conveying a similar meaning.
d. The Allegory, in Scripture makes an actual, historical occurrence represent truth in another realm. Two women stand for two covenants (Gal. 4:22-23). Actual persons in their everyday lives set fourth truth in the spiritual sphere.
5. Understand Metaphors, from Greek, "metaphora" (meta 'with' + pherein 'to carry'):
a. Metaphors are used to 'paint picture words' or an implied comparison, of what the Author has in mind, and are used to enhance his thought(s). Metaphors are frequently used in Scripture especially in Old Covenant prophetic language. Sometimes different metaphors are used to describe the same person, the same thing, or the same event.
b. Different authors may use different words, or different metaphors to describe the same event.
c. When plain sense doesn't make sense, Scripture must be compared with Scripture. The Scriptures are always the best dictionary when determining the meanings of a metaphor.
6. Understanding Idioms, from Greek, "idioma" (one's manner of speaking):
a. Idioms, is an expression in mannerism, peculiar to a language, which does not convey the proper sense when literally translated. Most are merely "figures of speech, or unusual expressions, or are phrases or expressions where the meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it: For example, "Give in" is an English idiom meaning, "to yield." Scripture as well as all languages are full of idioms and expressions, which are idiomatic.
b. Idioms in Scripture must be recognized, and the meaning identified for proper study and understanding of the verse or passage involved.
7. Figures of Speech:
a. Much of Scripture is not true as to "Fact." Much of Yahweh's word is not literally true. Some simply cannot be taken as they stand. "G_d (Yahweh) is light" is not an actual fact. Literally stated, He is, in the spiritual sphere, Spirit, and, in some ways like light in the physical realm. But, even though not strictly correct, it is forceful and beautiful to condense into, or one way for finite man to portray an infinite Creator.
b. Figures of speech are of extreme importance in interpretation. In the Reformation a single metaphor, "this is my body," has led to conflicts and divisions which would never have arisen if there had been an elementary knowledge of figurative language. Sometimes Scriptures seem to contradict themselves, because "figures" are taken for facts. These differences disappear when the figure is recognized.
c. In seeking to fix the exact significance of a word, only its literal usage should be consulted. Only in this way the actual meaning appears. The figurative is a departure from the actual meaning. The literal meaning of a word is "one and is constant"; the figurative usage is "diverse and is variable."
8. Political Correctness:
a. There is no such thing as political correctness in Scripture. Yahweh's word is Yahweh's word. We must never let political correctness determine the truth as outlined in the Scriptures. Truth is truth, and Yahweh's word is absolute truth.
b. We must not compromise the truth when dealing with Scripture, or take the liberty to water down a plain understanding in order to please, or not to offend. However, we must always teach, correct, reprove in love and with respect.
c. Many times we may not find a complete answer to our search, but that is all right. We must be prepared to say, "I don't know," Sometimes there is not one, or any single passage of Scripture that clearly provides an answer to our question, and sometimes the answer may come years later. Is it wrong to formulate an opinion on inconclusive evidence from the Scripture? We do not think so, if we have done our best to harmonize with what we have been provided, but such an opinion must never be presented or taught as fact. Yahweh has given us a questioning character; we do not believe it is harmful to formulate opinions, but we should not use opinions as a foundation for doctrine.
9. The Best English Translations:
a. We are not going to take a fixed position here, although we have discovered that some translations are clearly better then others. All have errors, some deliberate, some with good intent; some errors are made when the meanings of common words (when the translation was first made) changes with time. A good translation must accurately convey the meaning of the original in the 'New' language. Sometimes this requires more than a word for word translation from the original language, sometimes only a direct word for word translation is the only honest method. If the literal meaning is 'transparent enough' in the translated language, it might be best to let the reader formulate the meaning from the original, rather than transliterate or be the manufacturer of the new meaning in the New language. In most cases, a fabricated word for a word which has no direct corresponding word or term of the original language will lead to error. It is better, then, to transliterate rather than translate the word.
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