When someone quotes scripture,do you look it up or just take their word for it?

Question

Our Pastor encourages all of us to not just take his word when scripture is given, but to look it up.There is a question out right now that many have answered and its obvious that they took the questioners word for what he was saying.Sometimes these "new interpretations" of the Bible can really mess things up to.

Answer 1

Look it up read the chapter from beginning to end because you need other verses to support the one you are looking up so you can get a good understanding.

Answer 2

Definitely look it up. You never know when someone is taking something out of context, or if they have eliminated some words -- either on purpose nor not.

The unfortunate thing is that there is no pure translation of the Bibile - that's why learned theologians and scholars are involved in interpretation. It is dangerous for an untrained lay person (and I am not talking about lay v. clergy - but lay v. professional) to guess at interpretation becuae the BIble spoke to them........

Remember, Scripture interprets Scripture and all theology is Christology.

Answer 3

What is important is to not only look it up, but examine it in context to see whether the point being made is truly supported by the context.

One must also have a very good familiarity with Scripture overall. Few people bother.

Deceiving ministers will often encourage people to look up what they cite, knowing that their followers are conditioned to accept what they say with Scripture taken out of context.


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Answer 4

I always look them up...not only the scripture being quoted but the few before and after just to make sure of context......I have brought pastors to task for quoting scripture and not naming the scripture quoted..I have even left churches over this.
Good for you for not taking any ones word for what the Bible says and asking for proof!

Answer 5

Definitly look it up.....sometimes it is one that I happen to have memorized but I still look it up. The Word of Godis living and active and I might see it slightly different then the last time I read or heard it.

Sometimes I will paraphrase scripture on this sight(I know it is risky) because the Truth behind it just may be received.
I could be in error but I hope to set captives free.

The righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus CHrist to all who believe.....

Answer 6

I'll never forget hearing a man give a sermon to a group of college students and quoting a verse from second Hezekiah and nodding his head, most students in the room nodded in agreement with the quotation of the verse. Of course, there is no second Hezekiah in the Bible and he did this just to make the point you are making, I never forgot that and now try to always keep Bible quoters accountable.

Answer 7

Acts 17:11. When someone teaches or tells you the word of God it should prompt one to read the scriptures for truth. Otherwise how do one know when you are played. You must pray and seek wisdom and in all thy getting get understanding. It is not the new interpretations of the word of God it is often the person reading it. I have read a lot in different versions yet they all sound the same to me. The Holyspirit also confirms it,man often uses his own wisdom to confirm....but if lead by the spirit one can easily sift through the word and get knowledge and understanding no matter what version is read.
It is important that the Christian be active in what the Bible calls the "proving" process,by rationally examining the evidence in the scriptures.Cliche's or tradition,all of which are inadquate. The word of God teaches us how to think critically for ourselves. To know without a doubt what we believe and why we believe it. God gives us gifts of his spirit,discernment .....enlightenment............... his desires become our desires. It is not enough to develop godly attributes through prayer and assimilation of God's word. We need to be willing to share with others. We need to share them in humility and without condemning others 1 Peter 3:15. With a attitude of gratitude to God. Others are more likely to honestly consider these things as well. What you have to share my be a solution to a problem they have been seeking. God uses us to open anothers eyes to serious dangers they have not seen. Sharing wisdom and insight a God given gift is important to edify one another. However it is not to edify to argue,accuse,or condem. Grant some grace to the ones that differ from you and be always ready to admit when you are wrong. We should always consider the patience of our father when he rose us from the dead.

Answer 8

The main time I encounter people quoting scripture is when I get into debates on gay related issues. Usually they come from small minded, ignorant people, hiding their homophobia behind a wall of religion, so I do look it up, because usually they are picking and choosing bits to suit themselves and to back their ignorant arguments up.

This is just my experience

Answer 9

I will at least look it up in the Bible. (KJV)

Beside me I have four Bibles. ( One giant print, one reference edition, one giant print reference with tranlations(my first) one New King James a man gave me a few weeks ago.)

A Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Nelson's Bible Dictionary, Websters Dictionary, and Encarta Dictionary.

I also go online to BibleGateway.com , blueletterbible.org and biblecrosswalk.com

Can we be to careful?

Answer 10

I don't take any man's word for anything. If they quote the Bible, I always check it to make sure it is from The Bible, the KJV, and not any of man's paraphrases.

Plus, you have to see if the verse is taken out of context. Anyone can take one specific verse and make it sound like it says anything. But you have to look at the entire context of the verse.