-
There are five contexts that we must check our interpretation with: immediate, literary, historical, cultural and scriptural. Can you explain what each one focuses on? Can you explain the importance each context plays in doing accurate interpretation?
-
Immediate- does it flow with the verses around it
literary-does it coincide with the book
historical-does it fit the writers historical context
cultural-does it fit the culture
scriptural-does it agree with the scripture around it
-
Immediate- context, context, context
Literary- message of the book
Historical- writer and reader history
Cultural- culture of the time written
Scriptural- overall Biblical message
-
First, Immediate context checks if my interpretation of the passage or verse makes sense to and “fits into” the surrounding text. It is important to know that what I am thinking makes sense. Secondly, Literary context checks to see if my interpretation lines up and makes sense with the message of the book in which it is written. I need to know that I haven’t plucked this verse out of context to make it fit my personal ideas. Thirdly, Historical context checks if my interpretation fits with the writer’s and the reader’s historical situation (place in time). This one is important because I need to understand what was happening at the time it was written. Fourth, Cultural context checks to see if my interpretation fits the culture in which the passage was written (societal norms). It is important to know what life was like at the time it was written and thereby understand the original audience. A passage or verse cannot simply be brought into today without running the risk of misinterpretation. Finally, Scriptural context checks to see if my interpretation falls in line with what the rest of the surrounding scriptures are teaching. Always check to see how what you think it means matches up with the scriptures around it. No scripture is a stand alone text. All of these contexts are important in accurately and correctly interpreting Scripture.
-
- Immediate context: Does our interpretation make good sense and contribute to the flow of the verses and paragraphs around it? If things do not make sense, then you must start over.
- Literary context: Does our interpretation make sense in light of the message of the book it’s written in? If things do make sense, then proceed to the next step.
- Historical context: Does our interpretation fit the writer’s and reader’s historical situation? your exegeses have to be proven first or your interpretation will be false.
- Cultural context: Does our interpretation fit the culture to which it was addressed? If not, you could misinterpret the text.
- Scriptural context: Does our interpretation agree with what the rest of Scripture teaches? The greatest guide to interpreting Scripture is Scripture itself. Read and re read the text.
-
Historical – setting/details Cultural – norms/laws Literary – genre/writing style Grammar Key Terms – words making unusually important contribution