Interpreting Words in Context & Responsible Biblical Interpretation

The process of conducting a word study involves recognizing the concept of illegitimate totality transfer, which implies that every possible meaning of a word cannot be universally applied to every instance of its use. In biblical studies, it is crucial to understand that different authors may imbue the same word with varied shades of meaning. Responsible biblical interpretation necessitates grasping a word within the specific worldview of the writer. Words do not exist in isolation but are influenced by the context of a particular worldview. The breakdown in communication among Christians occurs when individuals fail to consider the context and worldview of the speaker, leading to dialogues with ideologies rather than genuine conversations. To foster understanding, Christians should actively listen to each other and engage with the person in front of them, rather than imposing external interpretations or preconceptions onto the discourse.