Error in Reading the Bible

Where do errors arise in biblical interpretation?

The first is misreading the text, the second is misunderstanding the context, and the third is not reading that section in light of the whole of that section.

The fourth is forgetting who it addresses--that is to say (allegorically) people of a certain heart or disposition.

The fifth is seeing these words distinct from a life that has been lived.

The sixth is to see the Old Testament without considering and making it separate from Wisdom, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, and to see the New as separate from Christ's example.

The seventh is to see the Old Testament radically distinct from the New--what does Christ cast aside, what does He fulfill, and what does He do in His life?



We, first of all, are so easily lead into error. Furthermore, the impious, atheistic, agnostic, lukewarm, and indifferent will never read the Scriptures accurately. This does not mean the words are inaccessible; it is quite the opposite. The text is "not laid bare to mere children" but it "does not exhaust its riches to the wise and the learned" (Augustine). If all these errors are accounted for--no small task--and yet those words are not lived, their reading of it will amount to nothing.

If one comes to Scripture seeking honor or pride he will leave as a fool with neither. For the proud "puff up their chest" but the pious man "strikes his breast" (Augustine, Confessions, Book X). For "who could stand before you?" (Ps 130:3). The men above, the worst being the impious and indifferent, cannot access Scripture precisely because they deny (the possibility) of its truth. No man assents to what he does not trust or believe, but if this is so he cannot criticize such a text and life properly--he searches the words but does not see the grammar; he sees the story but not the lesson.


But to those Christians, those who look with disdain and haughty pity at those atheists and agnostics, you are even bigger fools! And perhaps I am chief among them if I dwell with them (that is, Christians such as these). For "Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord God. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?" (Ez 18:23). Likewise "I have no pleasure in the death [i.e., both physical death and those who live wickedly and disassociate themselves from God] of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and live!" (Ez 18:32). Rather, you Christians who are no better than those ancient Jews, you puff yourselves up and yet in your hearts you "sacrifice to false gods" such as pride, honor, praise, haughtiness, among many other things. When you live so as to defame Christ, that is to say without mercy, kindness, compassion, and patience for the sinner--even despite his obstinate heart!--and bear His mark upon you in such a manner, you give just cause for non-believers to hate you, and unjust cause to hate Christ!


To my faithful brothers and sisters, assuredly greater than me, remember to "love thy enemy" and in all things be patient, kind, and loving. We are weak and, as the Jews, "chosen from the least of (the) peoples" (cf., Duet 7:6-7). Yet "[I endure all things]for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10b). Do not forget that it is by His grace that we are where we are--do not ridicule those who are suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. For "Anyone who oppresses the poor [of any sort] is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God." (Prv 14:31), and all men are made in the image of God. Pray, brothers and sisters, for our own salvation, but more so for the salvation of the world and that "sinners may return to you" (Ps 51:13b).

Do not condescend--though I am often a principle offender--but "build the kingdom of God" (cf., 1 Thes 5:11). We must live Christ's life, and in doing so in our own individual way, we, as a people of one heart and mind, offer the greatest counter and defense of our faith. The joy that comes from Christ is due to each man, and it is not to be hidden or reserved for the few. Whether it is your work, intellect, prayer, community, or silence, let each of these in some small way speak of Christ. And when we fail in this, regret but do not despair. Rise and walk again, "carry your cross and follow me" (cf Lk 14:27).


Remember, then, that the greatest source of biblical errors is failing to live out a biblical life (i.e., Christ's life) and be challenged by it.

In order to live it you must pray it.
In order to pray it you must understand it.
In order to understand it you must study it.
In order to to study it you must read it.


-M