Scripture interpreting Scripture
Scripture interpreting Scripture is the interpretive principle that clearer biblical passages help explain passages that are harder to understand. It reflects the unity and truthfulness of God’s Word.
At a Glance
Scripture interpreting Scripture is the interpretive principle that clearer biblical passages help explain passages that are harder to understand. It reflects the unity and truthfulness of God’s Word.
Description
Scripture interpreting Scripture is a basic principle of biblical interpretation stating that the Bible, rightly understood, is consistent with itself and that clearer passages should help readers understand more difficult ones. This approach rests on the conviction that Scripture is God-breathed, truthful, and unified in its message, even though it was written through many human authors and in different literary forms. In practice, it means interpreters compare passage with passage rather than building doctrine on obscure texts taken in isolation. At the same time, this principle must be applied carefully: it does not cancel the importance of immediate context, historical setting, literary genre, or the intended meaning of each human author. Used rightly, it encourages humble, text-governed reading that lets the whole counsel of Scripture illuminate its parts.