Understanding and interpretation

Guestman said:

Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible cannot have a variety of interpretations. Just as a combination lock cannot have more than one specific combination of numbers in a preassigned order that will unlock it, so likewise the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote that "God is a God, not of disorder but of peace."(1 Cor 14:33) Our Creator is perfectly organized, not chaotic. Only one interpretation is correct and not the infinite number of interpretations that people propose. For example, concerning the dream of the "immense image" that king Nebuchadnezzar saw, the king asked Daniel: "Are you competent enough to make known to me the dream that I beheld, and its interpretation (not interpretations)?”(Dan 2:26)

King Nebuchadnezzar received no help from his magic-practicing priests, but received only one interpretation that was the truth through Daniel as God's appointed channel, who told him: "The secret that the king himself is asking, the wise men, the conjurers, the magic-practicing priests and the astrologers themselves are unable to show to the king. However, there exists a God in the heavens who is a Revealer of secrets, and he has made known to King Neb·u·chad·nez´zar what is to occur in the final part of the days."(Dan 2:27, 28)

After Jesus had told John the Baptist through his disciples about him being "the Coming One" or Messiah by his works that "the blind are seeing again, and the lame are walking about, the lepers are being cleansed and the deaf are hearing, and the dead are being raised up, and the poor are having the good news declared to them"(Matt 11:5), Jesus then likens the masses of the Jews as "young children playing in a marketplace", speaking deridingly of both John and Jesus.(Matt 11:16-19) Though the evidence of powerful works was unmistakable of Jesus as being from God (Matt 11:20-24), these still found fault and there was a failure of recognition of both who John and Jesus were.

Hence, Jesus said in prayer to his Father: "I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes."("babes", Greek nepios) Thus, the understanding of the Bible, is revealed only to 'babes", those who are humble and teachable, like a little child. Only one interpretation is from God; all the rest are of human origin or fleshly thinking.

The apostle Paul had to correct the divisive thinking of the Corinthians, in which some said: "I belong to Paul,” “But I to A·pol´los,” “But I to Ce´phas,” “But I to Christ.” Paul now says that if this is the case, then "the Christ exists divided."(1 Cor 1:12, 13) Paul however, says: "Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought."(1 Cor 1:10) God does not exist divided, as the churches are.

Jesus said: "Every kingdom divided against itself comes to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."(Matt 12:25) This principle is well established, for anything that exhibits disharmony eventually falls apart. How well this speaks of the churches, that of "confusion on top of confusion". The results of a survey in 2008 found that about 86 percent of the world’s population profess some form of religious affiliation. The survey also found that the believers belong to 19 major religions and that those who claim to be Christians belong to an astonishing 37,000 different denominations. This bespeaks of division.

Only one religion on the earth is God using to interpret his word, the Bible, just as he used only one "nation", the Israelites, for the Mosaic Law covenant. Psalms 147:19, 20 says that God "is telling his word to Jacob, his regulations and his judicial decisions to Israel. He has not done that way to any other nation; and as for his judicial decisions, they have not known them."

Only through the proper channel does God reveal his word the Bible, one channel, not a multiplicity of ones, each with their own interpretation. Jesus said that through "a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household", that to his "household" of loyal servants of God that he would "give them meat in due season."(Matt 24:45, King James Bible) Meat, not crumbs, would be provided through this "faithful and discreet slave" (not an individual but the group of those selected as "kings and priests", Rev 1:6) that Jesus appointed in these "last days"(2 Tim 3:1-5), "over his household." The Bible would then begin to be unveiled, properly interpreted.

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I agree that the Bible cannot contradict itself, but I am sure the writers were speaking generally quite often in the scriptures, rather than specifically

aspen said:

I agree that the Bible cannot contradict itself, but I am sure the writers were speaking generally quite often in the scriptures, rather than specifically

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God does not speak in generalities, but is specfic. An examination of his creative handiwork reveals, not generalization, but preciseness in everything. For example, consider the earth's distance and speed from the sun. If the distance from the sun were decreased by 5 percent, scorching heat would have made life impossible, and if it were just 1 percent farther away from the sun, freezing temperatures would have covered much of the globe with huge sheets of ice.

From another angle, if the earth's rotational speed of 66,000 miles per hour around the sun were decreased even fractionally, over time, the earth would be pulled toward the sun, unable to offset the sun's gravitational pull. Any faster, it would move farther away from the sun and could become an icy waste like Pluto, the planet whose orbit reaches farthest from the sun. Pluto’s temperature is about 300 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

When God caused Pharoah of Egypt to have a dream of several thin-fleshed cows eating up several fat cows and of several thin ears of grain swallowing up several fat stalks of grain (Gen 41:1-7) in the year 1737 B.C.E., only Joseph was able to properly interpret it. He worshipped the one true God Jehovah, and he was the only channel that he used. No others were used or allowed. And only one interpretation from God was revealed to Pharoah through Joseph.(Gen 41:25-32) While in prison, Joseph told both Pharoah's chief of the cupbearers and chief of the bakers: "Do not interpretations belong to God?"(Gen 40:8) Since the Bible is God's word, then at God's appointed time, he reveals it to "his servants, the prophets".(Amos 3:7)

Of the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had of a "tree (whose) height was immense" at Daniel 4, only one channel did God use, Daniel, to reveal only one interpretation of it.(Dan 4:20-28) Of the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had of an "immense image" at Daniel 2, only one channel and one interpretation of it.(Dan 2:31-45) Thus, our Creator, Jehovah God, uses only one channel to communicate his word and reveals the one specific meaning, though at times very deep, to "his servants." Jesus identified this servant or slave as the "faithful and discreet slave" that is under the obedient direction of Christ Jesus in dispensing "meat in due season" in these "last days" or Jesus "promised presence".(2 Pet 3:3, 4; Matt 24:45, King James Bible)

Guestman said:

God does not speak in generalities, but is specfic. An examination of his creative handiwork reveals, not generalization, but preciseness in everything. For example, consider the earth's distance and speed from the sun. If the distance from the sun were decreased by 5 percent, scorching heat would have made life impossible, and if it were just 1 percent farther away from the sun, freezing temperatures would have covered much of the globe with huge sheets of ice.

From another angle, if the earth's rotational speed of 66,000 miles per hour around the sun were decreased even fractionally, over time, the earth would be pulled toward the sun, unable to offset the sun's gravitational pull. Any faster, it would move farther away from the sun and could become an icy waste like Pluto, the planet whose orbit reaches farthest from the sun. Pluto’s temperature is about 300 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

When God caused Pharoah of Egypt to have a dream of several thin-fleshed cows eating up several fat cows and of several thin ears of grain swallowing up several fat stalks of grain (Gen 41:1-7) in the year 1737 B.C.E., only Joseph was able to properly interpret it. He worshipped the one true God Jehovah, and he was the only channel that he used. No others were used or allowed. And only one interpretation from God was revealed to Pharoah through Joseph.(Gen 41:25-32) While in prison, Joseph told both Pharoah's chief of the cupbearers and chief of the bakers: "Do not interpretations belong to God?"(Gen 40:8) Since the Bible is God's word, then at God's appointed time, he reveals it to "his servants, the prophets".(Amos 3:7)

Of the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had of a "tree (whose) height was immense" at Daniel 4, only one channel did God use, Daniel, to reveal only one interpretation of it.(Dan 4:20-28) Of the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had of an "immense image" at Daniel 2, only one channel and one interpretation of it.(Dan 2:31-45) Thus, our Creator, Jehovah God, uses only one channel to communicate his word and reveals the one specific meaning, though at times very deep, to "his servants." Jesus identified this servant or slave as the "faithful and discreet slave" that is under the obedient direction of Christ Jesus in dispensing "meat in due season" in these "last days" or Jesus "promised presence".(2 Pet 3:3, 4; Matt 24:45, King James Bible)

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Well if you can make the Pharaoh's dream specific.....I guess you can make anything specific, even the Creation account and Jesus's parables......

We will just have to disagree.

Joshua David said:

Guestman,



No, I am not saying that at all. I know that there is 'one' truth. God's truth. You will notice here that I did not say "Guestman's truth" I realize that there is "one" way to interpret the bible. Listen, this is what I am saying, I believe it is the ultimate sense of Arrogance and Pride for a Christian to declare that out of all the bible scholars in all of history, only they have the found the right 'key' to unlocking the true biblical interpretation, therefore only they have to right to correct other Christians that they are wrong. I have read many, many bible scholars. And I agree with most of what they say. But I have yet to find one scholar that I agreed with one hundred percent. And honestly I do not believe that I will ever find anyone who seriously studies the bible, who believes exactly what I believe one hundred percent. Now, I believe what I believe, because I believe it to be true. But I also believe that when I get to Heaven, there will be many things that I will find out that I was wrong on.


I personally believe there is only one human who perfectly understands the scriptures. Who has the mind of God. Someone who's mind is continually on the work of the Father. And I got news for you, his name is NOT Guestman. When you, or anyone else comes on here, and arrogantly declare or even imply that there is only one way to look at things, and that way is your way, and everyone who does not look at the scripture your way is definitely wrong, that is not the Holy Spirit speaking through you, that is your Pride speaking.


Don't you see, it is not the idea that there is only one way to interpret the bible that I have a problem with, it is with people's assumption that they are the only ones who have figured out that one way.


That is why I rarely, if ever, come on to this boards and tell someone straight out that they are wrong. What I will say is, well I believe this.. or I disagree with you, this is what I believe. To declare that you have figured it out, and then to tell everyone else that disagrees with you that they are wrong, and worse that they will stand in judgment unless they believe exactly like you, is quite frankly, sinful. Because like I said. The Pharisees thought they had figured it out. The Saducees thought that they had figured it out. Even Satan himself thinks that he is totally right and anyone who disagrees with him, including God, is wrong.


Me, I have been and will always be a student of the word. I freely admit that I do not have everything figured out. I will freely admit that I have been wrong on things in the past. I will freely admit that I am probably wrong in some of the things that I believe now, and I will freely admit that I will be wrong on some of the things that I will believe in the future. I will freely admit that there is still more for me to learn.


All I got to say is if anyone is running around telling other people that they have it all figured out, and that everyone else is wrong, wrong, wrong.. You better be right, because we will all give an account for every thoughtless word or deed.


Joshua David

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I am not trying to speak as you say "arrogantly", but rather to direct everyone toward the one channel that God is using to explain his word the Bible. It is not ' my way' but rather the way that God is using. Jesus, in speaking to the Jews, told them that "if you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”(John 8:31, 32) Thus, through Jesus disciples, those loyal to his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, is the truth of the Bible being revealed. Proverbs 18:10 says: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." Are the churches ' running' to the name of Jehovah, so as to unlock the Bible and it's deep meaning ?

In the interest of understanding the Bible, perhaps you would like to explain what the "kingdom" is for the benefit of those who come to this forum, the meaning of the "the feet and ten toes that are partly of molded clay and partly of iron" at Daniel 2:41. Or perhaps, the meaning of Ezekiel 21:26, 27, whereby God says to ' remove the turban and lift off the crown...it will become no one's until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him" ? Or of Psalms 2, in which God says to his "anointed one": "I, even I, have installed my king upon Zion, my holy mountain....Ask of me, that I may give nations as your inheritance. As though a potter’s vessel you will dash them to pieces" ?(Ps 2:6, 8) I only have an understanding because of being associated with the "faithful and wise servant" that Jesus said would provide real "meat".(Matt 24:45, King James Bible)

To tie the Bible together as one book of one author, Jehovah God, is a challenge that even the most astute Bible scholars cannot digest and assemble into true spiritual food. In fact, Jesus said that, contrary to many people's beliefs that those who are "wise and intellectual" (Matt 11:25) are able to understand the Bible, Jesus said that only those who are "babes" (Matt 11:25) would grasp to "deep things of God."(1 Cor 2:10)

The truth concerning God and his word is not at odds with itself, nor is there division within that which is truth, only harmony. That harmony requires that only one channel be used as his source for the explanation of his word the Bible. Having his thoughts transmitted accurately is essential to unity. A multiplicity of interpretations goes against harmony, for "God is a God not of disorder".(1 Cor 14:33) In the year 1737 B.C.E., God used one channel, Joseph, to reveal the meaning of the dream of Pharoah.(Gen 41:25-32) He was one that was faithful to the true God, Jehovah.(Ps 83:18)

If you were living some 700 years before Jesus arrived on the earth, where would you have found the source for truth ? With the Greeks, who were well known for their philosophical way of thinking ? Or perhaps with the Babylonians, who were known for their strong religious nature ?(Jer 50:38) Or maybe the Assyrians, who were known as a violent people ?(Nahum 3:1) It is evident that only one channel God was using then, the Israelites, which he established as a nation in 1513 B.C.E. at Mount Sinai.(Ex 19:1-6; Ps 147:19, 20)

Later, though, this channel changed, for the fleshly Israelites proved unfaithful.(Matt 23:37-39; Jer 8:9) Jesus told the religious leaders of the Jews just before his death: "Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? This is why I say to you, The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits."(Matt 21:42, 43) This new "nation" that replaced the fleshly nation of Israel is called "the Israel of God", or spiritual Israel.(Gal 6:16)

It is through this channel, also called the "faithful and discreet slave", that "meat in due season" would be supplied to members of the "household".(Matt 24:45) This is the arrangement God has put into place for the purpose of the providing a spiritually feeding program, that unveils the meaning of the Bible. As a result, in these "last days", Proverbs 4:18 is being fulfilled, saying that "the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."

Understanding of the Bible today is on a level never seen before in history, for as the angel told Daniel: "And as for you, O Daniel, make secret the words and seal up the book, until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.”(Dan 12:4) Thus, during this "time of the end....the true knowledge will become abundant", with the Bible no longer being "sealed". The "faithful and discreet slave" is the one channel that God is using to unlock the "mysteries of the kingdom" and the rest of the Bible.(Matt 13:11, King James Bible)

It is now known what the "kingdom" is (Isa 9:6), who are the ones that make it up (Rev 5:9,10), and the purpose for the "kingdom".(Matt 6:9, 10; Matt 5:5; Rev 21:3-5) Also, the book of Daniel and the meaning of the "immense image" at Daniel 2, what the "tree" stood for that was ' banded with copper and iron' at Daniel 4, who the four beasts that Daniel saw in a vision and the end result at Daniel 7, as well the meaning of the "king of the north and king of the south" at Daniel 11. Only in this "time of the end" has the Bible become unsealed, for it is now God's appointed time for this to be done.

judd said:

How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?

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The gospel is according to power not words. So how does one know they have the right formula for gunpowder? An explosion?

When we understand the bible correctly something happens in the Spirit. We receive something from God.

judd said:

How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?

Click to expand...

The gospel is according to power not words. So how does one know they have the right formula for gunpowder? An explosion?

When we understand the bible correctly something happens in the Spirit. We receive something from God.

Let us say that one person is 5ft 10in and 400 lbs.

Let us say that another person is 5ft 10in and 90 lbs.

Let us say that the normal weight for a person who is 5ft 10in is 160 lbs.

Let us say that both of these persons are ill because of their personal bodily abuse.

Let us say that they go to the same doctor to be healed. The doctor tells each that they must maintain a 160 lb body weight. Moreover, the doctor shows each person pictures of others who are 5ft 10ins and who are healthy because they keep themselves within a healthy weight range.

Do you think each of these two persons would see the process to healthy living in the same manner? Would one not see and talk about loosing weight and the other see and talk about gaining weight?

What if one is a thief and the other a killer — will their understanding of the Word of God, concerning the way to repentance, be the same?

Narrow is the way...

KingdomCome said:

Let us say that one person is 5ft 10in and 400 lbs.

Let us say that another person is 5ft 10in and 90 lbs.

Let us say that the normal weight for a person who is 5ft 10in is 160 lbs.

Let us say that both of these persons are ill because of their personal bodily abuse.

Let us say that they go to the same doctor to be healed. The doctor tells each that they must maintain a 160 lb body weight. Moreover, the doctor shows each person pictures of others who are 5ft 10ins and who are healthy because they keep themselves within a healthy weight range.

Do you think each of these two persons would see the process to healthy living in the same manner? Would one not see and talk about loosing weight and the other see and talk about gaining weight?

What if one is a thief and the other a killer — will their understanding of the Word of God, concerning the way to repentance, be the same?

Narrow is the way...

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That is why it is the word that interprets us! It discerns who we are!

Heb. 4:12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

judd said:

How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.

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I think I understand what your saying ...For instance If Jesus and God are one in the same , How can Jesus be setting on the right side of his self.in Heaven?

judd said:

How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?

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Interpret this statement for me. "It is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." Rom. 2:13 Is it right or wrong?

judd said:

How do we know that we have the right understanding of certain parts of the bible or all parts of the bible? We all read, understand and interpret differently.

I think the product of our understanding as humans is assumption and not fact.

If any one is to interpret what I just said above or the entire topic ( underlined statement ), He or she might have different understanding and interpretation compare to what I mean by that statement.

I posted this topic to let people know that we could be wrong in our own understanding and interpretation of the words in bible or of other people.



Let me also ask, How do we know that something is wrong or right, after all, we are all humans.?

Click to expand...

The Bible, and the ten commandments in particular, defines right and wrong.
The garden story tells of the sin of Adam and Eve and how they took it upon themselves to decide what was right and what was wrong.
We became like gods unto ourselves, and lost the true sense of morality in the process.

We've been digging ourselves into a collective grave ever since.

In the west, we like to hold up our individuality like some sort of proud banner. Unfortunately the flag we wave is as filthy as yesterday's toilet paper.
We declare our individual 'right' to an opinion and in the process tear the Bible and it's precepts into tiny pieces.
In the end, it isn't God's word we destroy. It's ourselves.

Holy Scripture isn't subject to 'opinion' or political correctness. It is self-interpreting for the most part and stands for all time in the light of God's truth.

The trap we've fallen into with regard to Biblical interpretation is to subject those verses and phrases and lessons to INDIVIDUAL interpretation.
We have thrown centuries of tradition and explanation into the trash and then wonder why no one is in agreement.
All we like lost sheep have gone astray BECAUSE WE ARE OUR OWN SHEPARDS.

The blind are never good at self-guidance.