9: Private Interpretation

Two of the great legacies of the Reformation were the principle of private interpretation and the translation of the Bible into the common language of the people. Luther himself brought the issue into sharp focus. When Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms (a council charging him with heresy for his teaching), he declared,

Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason— I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.^[1]Roland H. Bainton, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1978).

Luther’s declaration, and his subsequent translation of the Bible into his native tongue, did two things. First, it took from the Roman Catholic church its sole right of interpretation. No longer would the people be at the mercy of church doctrine, having to accept tradition or church teaching as an authority equal to God’s Word. Second, it put interpretation in the hands of the people. This change has been more problematic. It has led to the very excesses about which the Roman Catholic church was concerned—subjective interpretations of the text that depart from historic Christian faith.

Subjectivism has been the great danger of private interpretation. Yet the principle of private interpretation does not mean that God’s people have the right to interpret the Bible in whatever manner they wish. Along with the “right” to interpret Scripture comes the responsibility to interpret it properly. Believers are free to discover the truths of Scripture, but they are not free to fabricate their own truth. Believers are called to understand sound principles of interpretation and to avoid the danger of subjectivism.

In seeking an objective understanding of Scripture we do not thereby reduce Scripture to something cold, abstract, and lifeless. What we are doing is seeking to understand what the Word says in its context before we go about the equally necessary task of applying it to our lives. A particular statement may have numerous possible personal applications, but it can only have one correct meaning. The right to interpret Scripture carries with it the obligation to interpret it accurately. The Bible is not a “waxed nose” to be shaped and formed to suit the views of the interpreter.

Summary

1. The Reformation gave to the church a translation of the Bible in the common language, and to each believer, the right and responsibility of private interpretation of the Bible.
2. Church tradition, though instructive as a guide, does not have equal authority with Scripture.
3. Private interpretation is not a license for subjectivism.
4. The principle of private interpretation carries with it the obligation to seek the correct interpretation of the Bible.
5. Though each biblical text may have multiple applications, it has only one correct meaning.

Biblical passages for reflection:

Nehemiah 8:8
2 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Hebrews 1:1-4
2 Peter 1:20-21