John 1:1,14
I’ve seen countless posts and t-shirts with the phrase ‘Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth’ printed on them. I assume the intention is to encourage people to value the Bible more. However, I do not agree that the Bible is a book of basic instructions. The Bible is a combination of narrative, poetry, prophecy and apocalyptic writings. To add to that, it was written during a time when none of us lived, in a part of the world where most of us have never been and in languages (Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic) that most of us don’t speak. Most importantly, it was inspired by the God of the universe who spoke through the prophet Isaiah: “My ways are not your ways neither are my thoughts your thoughts.” 55:8.
One author expressed it this way: “Reading the Bible is like having a cross-cultural experience.”
Misreading Scriptures Through Western Eyes
In my reading and study of the Bible, I have been immensely helped by keeping the following in mind. Context is non-negotiable, language has its limitations, and the written Word should lead us to the Living Word.
Context Is Non-Negotiable
By context, I mean the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea. I remember when I was a younger disciple and was zealous for the experience of ‘speaking in tongues.’ I leaned heavily on the chapters of 1st Corinthians 12, 13, 14 as well as Mark 16. To add to that, I was a part of a church that taught that this experience was evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. One day, a loving friend asked me the question that halted my pursuit: “Do you understand what you are saying?” I hadn’t thought about it much and didn’t think I needed to understand. After all, God, who is all-knowing, understood and that was enough for me. So I thought. After I was unable to answer in the affirmative, he offered me a small booklet titled ‘Understanding Tongues’ by Doug Batchelor which altered my direction in more ways than one.
I learned that the city of Corinth was a melting pot of different cultures and languages and was located near a seaport. A real issue being addressed was one where people had a difficult time understanding each other due to the results of Genesis 11 (where the human language was divided). The apostle Paul was trying to establish order.
Becoming aware of this context helped me discern between the experience referred to in the Bible and what we were practising at church. There are scores of other examples that I could share but I would end by saying context is non-negotiable.
Language Has Its Limitation
“A particular word in one language can express a particular meaning but may be as accurately conveyed by its equivalent translation in another language… Translators down through the centuries have done their best to be as accurate as possible in the translation of words, phrases, sentences, and idioms of those ancient languages, yet limitations and difficulties of translation are evident.” This thought is taken from a book titled God’s Character- The Best News in the Universe.
Let’s consider the word “perfect.” In Job 1:1 the KJV states: “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” A common definition of perfect is having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics. And may I add, beyond the possibility of mistakes! Let’s compare that to the Hebrew word Tamim which means complete or sound. In Job1:1 this word is used to describe Job. However, if we continue reading the story it becomes evident that Job still had much to learn about the battle between good and evil, the character of God, the nature of sin, etc. According to our definition, he was not perfect. Nevertheless, Job was mature in his understanding based on the access to knowledge that he had. What if we read Job 1:1 like this: “…and that man was pious and walking according to the knowledge of God made known to him…”?
When it comes to understanding the writer’s intent, it helps to locate the meaning of the word in its original language, see how it fits in context and see what other writers say on the same subject.
The Written Word Should Lead Us to the Living Word
I am grateful for the Bible! There are people in different parts of the world who do not have access to it. However, I am more appreciative to know that our Creator is not limited by any book, including the Bible. Some would throw out the Bible and God after encountering some of the challenges I have presented here. They say: “If God is good then why doesn’t He make it plainer in the Bible?” The truth is, before there were written records, God interacted with humanity personally. And still, God became human and brought the written word to life according to John 1:1,14.
The written word should lead us to know, in an experiential and life-transforming way, the Living Word. We need the person of God to teach us to understand and apply His message to us. We can be Bible students and not be His disciples. We don’t just want to know the book, we want to know the God of the book. The Pharisees had the written scriptures but rejected the One they taught about. John 5:39. In Mark 4:10 it says “But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.” The written word should lead us to seek understanding from Jesus, The Living Word. As we search for Him throughout the pages of scripture, we will enter into the Divine experience that our hearts are longing for.
I pray that each difficulty we encounter within the scriptures will be a stepping stone which leads us to the One who wants to make Himself known to each of us! Don’t be discouraged, in time, He will make all things clear.