Defining The Terms
A "Proof text" is a particular verse or passage of Scripture quoted in support of a given subject.
"
Context" means the part of a text or statement that surrounds that particular word or passage and
determines its meaning. No passage in any written document can be assumed to be independent from its setting. Thus, in the vast majority of cases the meaning of a particular passage can only be properly understood by also reading the text surrounding it. Scripture is no different.
"Interpret" means how a person understands a particular verse or passage.
Out-of-context proof texts are used to convey whatever meaning the speaker/author wishes them to convey with little opposition. This can be unintentional because the person like their audience doesn't know any better. And it can intentional - done to persuade us that whatever point of view or doctrine the person is pushing is based on Biblical truth. Tragically, most Christians seem to be quite content to let this happen. Is this because studying for oneself takes time, effort and dedication?
Interpretation of Scripture - Whose?
It is far from uncommon to hear people claim that one person's interpretation of Scripture is just as legitimate as anyone else's. However, this is - to put it mildly, impossible.
Certainly, just as anyone who still wishes to believe that the earth is flat is entitled to do so, you are entitled to interpret Biblical text any way you want. However, this does not change the fact that your interpretation is either right or wrong. But, just as an erroneous belief in a flat earth does not change the shape of our planet, someone's wrong interpretation of a Biblical passage does not change the fact that every single Biblical text has only
one legitimate meaning and, therefore, only
one legitimate interpretation.
The meaning of any Biblical passage
was determined by the original author, would not have intended to convey more than one meaning (Unless, of course he couldn't make up his mind), therefore, "interpretation" has to be strictly limited to the meaning that the original author intended to convey, and it is our job as readers to discover what that meaning is.
As said by Douglas Groothuis
- Having "your own interpretation" about the Bible does not, in itself, legitimate that interpretation as truth any more than "your interpretation" of your IRS return legitimatize itself before the penetrating eyes of an income-tax auditor. He goes by "the book," not your book. The it's-my-interpretation cop-out may land you a big fine or even time behind bars (which no amount of creative interpretation will dissolve). [01]
