ONLY CAREFUL EXEGESIS PRODUCES A VALID INTERPRETATION

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The only proper way to interpret the Bible is through exegesis—drawing out the author’s intended meaning. In other words, you discover what the text means; you do not supply your own meaning. Only careful exegesis can produce a valid interpretation. "Remember, no interpretation of Scripture is valid that is not based on careful exegesis, that is, on wholehearted commitment to determining what the ancient author meant by the words he used." – Gleason L. Archer Jr., Bible scholar

Most—if not all—misinterpretations, heresies, and false beliefs arise from ignoring how exegesis works. To be honest, sound interpretation takes effort, which explains why many people prefer “shortcuts” to avoid the hard and sometimes painstaking process. But these shortcuts often lead to odd and unreasonable conclusions that seem to appear out of nowhere.

IS EXEGESIS A GUARANTEE OF ACCURACY?

Not always. Scholars and serious Bible students may follow every principle of hermeneutics—the science of interpretation—yet still reach different conclusions on certain passages. Clearly, not all of these conclusions can be correct, yet many remain thoughtful and well-grounded. Hermeneutics is not an exact formula that ensures everyone arrives at a single meaning. Some passages of Scripture remain open to various interpretations despite today’s wealth of linguistic tools, historical data, and commentaries. Perhaps the clearest understanding of these difficult texts awaits a future generation—or eternity itself, when “there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed” (Luke 8:17).

WHY EXEGESIS STILL MATTERS

Even though absolute certainty is not always possible, exegesis is essential. It provides interpretations with a solid foundation rather than fanciful guesses. Exegesis also helps us weigh differing explanations and recognize which are closer to the truth. A valid interpretation must arise from the context of the passage, not from imagination.

A WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT TO TRUTH

Exegesis demands dedication. Anyone who wants to understand a biblical passage must be willing to study diligently. The Holy Spirit enlightens us to the meaning of what is written, but He does not whisper Hebrew grammar rules or ancient cultural background into our ears. Those insights require research, learning, and humility. True interpreters remain ready to revise their views whenever a better, more reasonable explanation emerges.

Because exegesis engages with the very Word of God—divine and infallible—we are called to give our best effort. As Scripture urges: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Stay Curious.

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