07/05/2026
Private Interpretation (2 Pet.1:20)
Private interpretation is the wicked method of interpreting scripture to make it say what you want it to say. Private interpretation derives from four 4 primary sources...
1. The first is unbelief. You don’t believe what you’re reading so you make the scripture say what you want to believe.
2. The second is presumption. You have decided that a certain doctrine is true and then you interpret scripture to “prove” that your slant on your doctrine is Biblical.
3. The third is ignorance. You don’t have a clue what it means but you feel compelled to come up with something, so you just “guess” or “speculate.” ...That’s just pride.Of course, when you resort to conjecture, you throw in a little “original language” and a quote from a “scholar” to sound authoritative.
4. The fourth is a misperception. 2 Tim 2:15 says to “study… rightly dividing the word of truth.” When you don’t rightly divide scripture, you must interpret it to fit your lack of division,your improper divisions or bias.
Bottom line...
You want to avoid private interpretation at all costs. To do this you must read your Bible humbly, believe what it says, study it faithfully, cross reference scripture with scripture, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Be patient and start with the milk of the word. Learn the basic doctrines thoroughly. Build slowly, line upon line and precept upon precept. And when you hear preaching and teaching be sure to check it out against what the Bible “says” rather than against what it is presumed to say.If corrected by scripture or another brother and you humbly search out and find it is true...Be extremely thankfull for discovering the truth.
Bible Believing Corner
