Different interpretations for same verse?

Question

Can anyone give me examples of verses in the Bible that have been interpreted differently by different religions, or differently within the same religion?

Answer 1

The most major difference in interpretation would be between those denominations that interprete many Bible passages allegorically or nonliterally from those who take them literally. Thus, you have creationists who cannot accept evolution because it contradicts what Genesis says literally. Although there are actually two different accounts of creation in Genesis.

Then there are way too many differences to list between different sects of Christianity. For instance, Jehovah Witnesses who believe that taking blood products in transfusions is forbidden based on their interpretation of certain scriptures:

Genesis 9:4 "But flesh (meat) with...blood...ye shall not eat"
Leviticus 17:12-14 "...No soul of you shall eat blood...whosoever eateth it shall be cut off"
Acts 15:29 "That ye abstain...from blood..."
Acts 21:25 "...Gentiles...keep themselves from things offered to idols and from blood..."

Most Christians don't share their strict interpretation.

Another situation of differences in interpretions can be see in whether women can play an active role as clergy. Some interprete Paul's writings to prohibt women from even teaching or leading Bible classes without a man being present as the official leader or head of the class. Other denominations of Christianity say these passages have a cultural context that renders this interpretation inappropriate and obsolete.

This could be a novel. So I will stop with these limited examples.

Answer 2

Exodus 20:8
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

There are many interpretations of this commandment. Some believe that it means you must refrain from all manmade things, and spend the day with God, other denominations believe that it just means thats the day you go to church.

There is even disagreement over which day is the sabbath day. Some denominations believe that it is Saturday because that is the day the Jews set aside. Others believe it should be on Sunday because that is the day that Jesus was risen.

That is just one...There are thousands of verses which are interpreted differently but denominations. It is the reason for their existence in the first place.

Answer 3

how about the entire Apocalypse of St. John (Revelations). Modern scholars know this was written as a polemic against emperor worship in Ephesus but various Christians sects over the centuries have clung to the notion that it's a prediction of the future and have behaved in weird and harmful ways in expectation of the world's end based on misinterpretations and misapplications that at times have been the cause of mass hysteria.

Answer 4

in case you're an Orthodox Christian then the Scriptures are understood universally. on a similar time as different denominations could have diverse interpretations - that's ascribed frequently to a non-biblical attitude to Scripture the place "something is going" concerning own interpretation as we examine in 2 Peter a million:20 understanding this widely used, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. which potential: The Scriptures could desire to be interpreted in the context of the Church Fathers and mothers. springing up a clean interpretation it is opposite to what has been regular because of the fact the actuality earlier; is obviously in errors. The source of actuality - a minimum of for bible believing Christians - is the Holy Church that Christ regular. As we examine in a million Timothy 3:15 with regard to the Church's place as "the pillar and floor of the actuality". a million Timothy 3:15 yet as quickly as I tarry long, that thou mayest be responsive to how thou oughtest to act thyself in the homestead of God, that's the church of the living God, the pillar and floor of the actuality. in case you prefer to forget approximately 2000 years of Christian witness, and create new interpretations of Scripture that are no longer in protecting with this consistent witness.... you will get into trouble Theologically. this is inevitable.

Answer 5

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This verse is used by some 'health and wealth' preachers to say that God gives us the ability to do everything.
It is misquoted a lot.
In context the writer is speaking about being content--and how he can be content in all circumstances and then he says I can do all things.... which in context refers to contentment--not super human powers.

Answer 6

Ant OT verse claimed to talk of Jesus was reinterpreted by Christianity from the Original Jewish interpretation.

Answer 7

To me, the most controversial one is who was Abraham's 'chosen' son. To christians, it's Isaac. To muslim's, it's Ishmael. It talks over the two in Genesis, in the old testament. Seems, this is where a lot of splits began, and still to this day cause issues.

Answer 8

Just read the King James Version, then the New International Version. Different even in between these two writings of the Bible.

Answer 9

lets make the man our image and resemblance, (something like that, i have to improve my English)
Idolaters say that God its made of three different persons. And we say God was talking to the angels, and his friends, when he say that.

That teaches to be humble, because if God, that knows all, ask to his angels, how can we believe that we don't need nobody and that we can make all by our own.

like jhon 1:1 also, wich i think is mystic poetry about the soul, and people think that god its divided on 3, and like that so on.

[e-mail]

Answer 10

The Prayer of Jabez -

The New King James Version of the Bible, referenced at the web site http://www.prayerofjabez.com makes a completely different Scriptural statement of 1 Chronicles 4:10 than does the King James (Authorized) Version.

At 1 Chronicles 4:10 in the KJV, Jabez prays that God would keep him from evil, that it (evil) would not grieve him.

At 1 Chronicles 4:10 in the NKJV, Jabez prays that God would keep him from evil, that he would not cause pain to anyone else.

I believe that Jabez’ prayer to God would be that God would keep Jabez from evil, that it (evil) would not grieve Jabez, as stated in the King James Version (Authorized).


King James (Authorized) Version

1 Chron. 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (KJV Authorized)


New King James Version

1 Chron.4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.” So God granted him what he requested. (NKJV)



Pat (ndbpsa ©)