CHAPTER SIX

PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION

To interpret is to understand what is being said, to whom it is said, to give it a proper meaning and to apply the meaning correctly.

There are several rules that are used when interpreting the Bible. These rules include:

I. Rule of divine authority

II. Rule of literal interpretation

III. Rule of contextual consideration

IV. Rule of first mention

V. Rule of first mention

VI. The rule of cumulative revelation

The rule of cumulative revelation states that the full truth of God’s word on any subject must not be gathered from an isolated passage, but from a cumulative total revelation. In other words, you cannot base your doctrine, teaching or beliefs on a few isolated verses about a subject. You must keep studying until your interpretation becomes clear with the entire scripture.