How does one decide which passages in the bible require interpretation while others should be read literally?

Answer 1

Darts

Answer 2

Pray on it. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. I personally don't see why anyone since the original writers, should have their interpretation taken as anything more than that,"their interpretation" For the Bible tells us it is not for private interpretation, it is meant for the "church" to discuss together and gain their mutual understanding by confirming together, not taking ones word over another! Paul tells us, If you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit, speak, but do not stop another from speaking, He too can be filled with the Holy Spirit. That's not a direct quote, but it's the idea of it.Study the Word, then no one can lead you astray. Then you can contribute to the discernment of the word and all will be blessed by the conversation, hearing from each one in turn.

Answer 3

They ALL require interpretation. If you're reading a passage literally, you've likely missed the deeper meaning.

Answer 4

That is a very good question and the answer is very misunderstood, even by MOST Christians. The term "literal" in textual criticism has many facets to it, that most don't realize.

When a theologian says that he takes the Bible literally, it does NOT mean in a strict, wooden sense. It means that it should be understood within the construct of the "type" of literary style being used. For example, you have narrative (where by the way you should take the meanings in a wooden, literal fashion) like Genesis, Exodus, the Gospels. You also have Poetic, where there are expressions used to be taken figuratively, you have prophetic, where there is imagery with historical context with future implications.

To put it this way, if I just said someone was "pulling my leg" to "take it literally" in the textual critics mind is to NOT say "Oh, someone was pulling his leg" but "He is using a form of language that means someone is joking with him."

It is VITAL that a good Bible student understand this, many doctrines can be cleared up if the Bible was taken the way it was written, in various forms for one literal meaning, for one truth.

Answer 5

To start with, who is speaking and who are they speaking to--what is the topic under discussion? Is there any part of the scripture which does not make sense? How does it harmonize with other parts of the Bible? with God's personality? with his purpose for man and for the earth? When you have considered all these things, you should be fairly certain if it can be taken literally. If not, pray for holy spirit to help you to understand and continue reading and studying the Bible. Holy spirit should lead you to other scriptures that will help you to decide. Also, other mature Christians should be able to guide you to scriptures that will help.

Answer 6

To be taken literally; (Revelation 7:4) And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel:
(Revelation 14:1) And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.
These are the ones with a heavenly future.
All the other billions who have ever died will remain asleep in death until their resurrection.
(2 Peter 3:4) and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.”
(Psalm 13:3) Do look [upon me]; answer me, O Jehovah my God. Do make my eyes shine, that I may not fall asleep in death,

The Old and New Testaments agree here.

Scriptures that should be read SYMBOLICALLY;
(Revelation 17:1) And one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying: “Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters,



(Revelation 17:15) And he says to me: “The waters that you saw, where the harlot is sitting, mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues.

So Babylon the Great [ the harlot] is the world empire of false religion.
Controlling millions of people. God wants to save these ones and has told us to 'get out'.

Answer 7

Pray before you read the bible and the Holy Spirit will guide you. I personally take the bible literally.

Answer 8

Interpretation of the Bible is given by the Holy Spirit.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Answer 9

I guess it's an individual choice. Whatever you want to do with it. If you want to take it literal then do so. I think a lot of the people who take everything in the Bible literally, though, end up to be screwballs~

Answer 10

The bible is a book of examples. Simply live by the 10 commandments and you will live by the bible