Scripture Interprets Scripture

The Bible contains within itself the principles necessary for its own interpretation. Rather than relying solely on external philosophies or modern theories of meaning, Scripture interprets Scripture. This means that clearer passages help explain more difficult ones, and the overarching unity of the Bible-written by many authors over centuries yet telling one coherent story-guides the reader in understanding individual parts. “20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20–21). The Holy Spirit interprets Scripture for us, revealing how all of it points to Christ (Luke 24:27)[2]. The faithful student of the Word learns to recognize its themes, patterns, and context by studying it as a whole, letting it define its own terms, symbols, and doctrines.