Basic Principles Of Interpretation

To benefit the unity of the faith in a positive way, believers must take into consideration some basic principles of interpretation. All honest interpreters will attempt to answer at least three questions before delivering an opinion: (1) What was the original intention of the author in making a certain statement? (2) What were the context and the circumstances? (3) How can statements from the past be applied to the present without violating the original intent?VOTS 102.3

Before analyzing and illustrating these hermeneutical principles, we must state that the vast majority of the prophetic Scriptures do not require any special interpretation. They can be understood and applied directly. However, when we come across a baffling statement, some counsel that seems outdated, or a thought that may be understood in various ways, then we should put into practice the principles of interpretations to which we are referring. The apostle Peter was right when he said that, faced with some of Paul’s statements that are difficult to understand, some believers took a wrong turn, affecting their progress toward salvation (2 Peter 3:15-18). It would be tragic if anyone was lost because of mistaken interpretations of messages whose very purpose is to enlighten us so that no one will be lost!VOTS 103.1