Private Interpretation–what does it really mean?

I have encountered a number of very sincere readers and lovers of the Bible who have been dissuaded from “interpreting” the Bible for themselves.

A teacher or other source of religious authority has taught them that they must not engage in “private interpretation” when they read the Bible.

Can this viewpoint possibly be correct? Let us look directly at the evidence.

This expression comes from the New Testament. It is found in the wording of 2 Peter 1:20,

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Taken by itself, and wrongfully taken out of context, this verse has been misinterpreted to mean we must not interpret the Bible for ourselves. But such a claim violates the very first rule of correct interpretation: a verse or sentence must be read and understood in the light of its context–what comes immediately before and after it in the text.

So, here is the verse in its immediate context, taking in 2 Peter 1:19-21,

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

 2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Notice that Peter is writing about “a more sure word of prophecy,” 2 Peter 1:19. He encourages us to take careful heed to what has been written, “as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.” Surely this comment by Peter indicates that the Bible is a  light in a dark place, and therefore it is understandable.

Then Peter declares that no prophecy is of any “private interpretation.” This is the point at issue, the point in question.

Peter explains his meaning: he tells us that prophecy did not come “in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

Therefore, a careful reader MUST conclude that Peter is NOT speaking or writing about what readers do as they read the Bible. Peter is discussing how God by means of His Holy Spirit inspired the writers to write not their own thoughts, not their private interpretation, but what they were moved by God Himself to write by the Holy Spirit.

If you carefully read the context of where the expression “private interpretation” is used (2 Peter 1:20, carefully consulting its context in 2 Peter 1:19-21), it should be clear that the text is not speaking of what the readers of Scripture do when reading the Bible, but speaks of how the Holy Spirit moved upon and directed the writers of Scripture when they wrote the Bible. To suggest otherwise indicates one’s own need for some instruction to improve basic reading comprehension skills.

Do not let the claim of mistaken interpreters of the Bible, as well as false teachers, that you must avoid all “private interpretation,” discourage you from benefiting from your own direct independent study of the Bible for yourself.

You can understand the Bible! God Himself said so:

Psa 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

 

Your questions or comments are welcome about this subject, or anything else I have written in this blog.

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6 Responses to Private Interpretation–what does it really mean?

  1. Patrick Patterson says:

    This is good. I love the Will of God and read it as offen as possible. Private mean; ones own.
    We can study with concern, with many concideritions, letting God’s Word speak for itself is what God wants us to do. To continue to learn the heart of God, His plan, what He made available through His Son, is permount. The more detailed the better, so one can spot a slick conterfit and not be fooled. One can teach knowing you got it right acording to God’s original intent.

    II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly deviding the Word of truth.

    Thank you,
    Patrick

  2. Jerry says:

    Thank you, Patrick, for your good comment.

    I hope that you will find it possible to return and read more here as well as write more comments.

  3. Kenny Zook says:

    I also think that any quote needs to also be taken in context with the rest of the Bible.
    1 Corinthians tells us that the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God (1:19-21 and 3:18-21) and where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (13:8-12)
    The people who warn us against “private interpretations” already have their own private interpretations, which are superior to anything which does not agree with them. They believe that the truth of the Bible is purely literal and completely understandable by only the wisest of men (again, usually them, and their heroes), yet the “wisest” men are the biggest fools. Their belief in their own “wisdom” blinds them to the fact that they are (most often) using that “wisdom” to point out people who “are not good enough for God”, implying that any person who is wise or good must come to the precise same conclusion.
    It is an easy mistake to make, in fact is is very much human nature to seek out an understanding of life in which we are the “good guys”. Such an understanding can only be the “wisdom” of man. But Jesus did not come to save us from the sins of our fellow man, He came to save us from the sin in our hearts…you know…the part that makes us believe we are way better than “most people”.

  4. Jerry says:

    Thank you, Kenny Zook, for visiting my Real Bible Study site and leaving such an insightful comment.

    I hope you will return to read more of what is here.

    Should you so wish, I would appreciate a “like” for my site from you if you have not “liked” it already. That may put you in the loop to be notified when I post new material here.

  5. Roy Lyles says:

    So , if one declares your comments are really the opposite what you have written by context it really means the opposite. So you are much more enlighten than the Holy Ghost . I would say I’ll take a chance on literal acceptance of God’s word. If I’m wrong I’m still ok , if you are wrong you have disobeyed God’s word. Obedience is better than sacrifice. JUST SAYING

  6. Jerry says:

    Dear Roy,

    There does not seem to be quite enough context to your comment for me to properly interpret what it means!

    But in any case, thank you for taking time to read what I have written and thank you for writing a response.

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