Understanding the Holy Scriptures:
To begin our journey of understanding the Holy Scriptures, we must first believe that the Holy Scriptures are the Words of Yahweh written over centuries by many authors inspired by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:20-21 and John 6:63). We must believe the Bible is true. That it is the inspired, divine, revelation of Yahweh, the Creator of the universe. We must believe that it is a book where we can find the deepest truths about life and is the ultimate source for truth about the Creator, His plan for mankind, and His plan for our lives. I will use the term Holy Scriptures and Bible interchangeable in this article, but want to be clear, the original written Holy Scriptures are infallible, not our English Bibles. For more information on this very important topic, please read “Why we should make changes to the English Bibles”.
The Bible is the most influential book of all time. It is the source of truth and wisdom and the path to know the Creator of the universe. It is an accurate record of history, both in what has already happened and what will happen in the future.
The Bible has some forty authors who composed the various books of the Bible over centuries with only a few of its writers personally knowing each other. Yet there is an unbroken unity of thought in their writings. The Holy Scriptures contain history, genealogies, poetry, letters, prophecies, and symbols, that were all inspired by the Holy Spirit and each section is a part of a greater whole. There are many reasons to support the Bible as truth. Let us take a brief look at a few.
The first reason to support that the Holy Scriptures are the Words of Yahweh is fulfilled prophecies. The biggest prophecy of the Bible that has come true is the first coming of our Messiah. It is amazing that prophecies spanning thousands of years from Genesis to Micah described so many aspects of Messiah’s first coming, even down to naming the town where He would be born, Bethlehem. Another great example of fulfilled prophesies is found in the book of Daniel. In the book of Daniel, we find detailed prophecies about the rise and fall of world empires, which were fulfilled in an amazing detail over the course of the centuries.
Second reason to support the Bible as truth is archaeological evidence. Unlike other religious writings, the Bible discusses real people, places, and events over many centuries. Archaeology has uncovered artifacts such as statues, inscriptions, seals, coins, and clay tablets verifying people, places, and events of the Holy Scriptures. This is verified in many well-documented and reputable books, papers, and museums.
Lastly, another major reason to support the Bible as truth is scientific discoveries verses the Holy Scriptures. If we keep an open mind when looking at the Holy Scriptures and understand how science works, it is clear the Scriptures represent a sensible, consistent, and logical view of science and does not contradict today’s understanding of science. An example of scientific truth in the Scriptures is the spread of disease from waste.
Deuteronomy 23:12 “Also you shall have a place outside the camp, where you may go out; 13 “and you shall have an implement among your equipment, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig with it and turn and cover your refuse. (NKJ)
Another example of scientific proof in the Scriptures is the Bible’s consistency with astronomical realities long before they were discovered, including a starting point for the universe, the spherical shape of the earth, and the fact that our planet is not held up by anything put space.
Only the Bible has held up under centuries of scrutiny from historians, critics, and archaeological discoveries. Unparalleled in the history of literature, the Bible has proved reliable in ways unmatched by other books.
So with the belief that the Holy Scriptures are the Words of Yahweh and truth let us review a very basic concept to truly understanding Yahweh’s Word. A sad fact is that most of mankind’s understanding of the Holy Scriptures comes from its religious organizations, religious leaders, and from other people. But whom does the Scriptures say will lead us into all truth and righteousness?
It is the Holy Spirit that will lead us into all truth and righteousness!
1 Corinthians 2:10 But Yahweh hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of Yahweh. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of Yahweh knoweth no man, but the Spirit of Yahweh. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of Yahweh; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of Yahweh. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of Yahweh: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
John 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, it shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (also see John 16:13-14)
Zechariah 7:12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which Yahweh of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets:
Ephesians 1:17 That the El of our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Although religious organizations and other people have some truth, they also have many lies. The Scriptures are full of warnings about following lies and traditions of men.
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Yahweh, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Messiah: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.
Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Sovereign said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of Elohim, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of Elohim, that ye may keep your own tradition.
You may think leaders (i.e. elders and ministers) in your religious organization are good people doing good work. And that those leaders have studied the Scriptures all their lives. But there have been false teachers since the beginning powered by Satan and his dominion. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and has been working since the Garden of Eden to deceive mankind (Genesis 3).
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Messiah. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his (Satan) ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Messiah unto another evangel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the evangel of Messiah.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying YahwehShua that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, unrighteous men, turning the grace of our Elohim into lasciviousness, and denying the only master, and our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that Yahweh, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
To be clear, guidance by a qualified teacher in our quest for Bible truth is Scriptural. A faithful servant of Yahweh can help in properly understanding the Scriptures. Although a true servant of Yahweh can be helpful in understanding Yahweh’s Word, a saint needs to be careful accepting doctrine from a teacher just because they appear religious and must always prove doctrine. Again, with so many false doctrines being preached today in Christianity, we need to be very careful accepting any doctrine from a teacher.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the evangel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
So, with the clear understanding that we should never accept our religious organization’s dogma or what others believe, even if it sounds good or tickles our carnal minds, what can we do to avoid deception and truly understand the Holy Scriptures?
- We must pray that Yahweh, through His Holy Spirit, leads us into all truth and righteousness. Again, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth and righteousness. Not religious denominations, leaders or other people. If we follow the Scriptural salvation plan, we will receive Yahweh’s Holy Spirit. From more information on this topic, please read “Salvation Plan”.
- It is critical that we pray to the correct deity in the correct name in order to receive full truth. That would be “Yahweh” the Father through “YahwehShua” or “Yahweh” Messiah the Son. Satan knows the Scriptures well and will give Christian seekers some truth if they pray in his names, “God”, “Lord”, and “Jesus” but not all truth. And Satan does give those praying in false names lies.
- We must study the Holy Scriptures daily, rightly divide the Word of Truth, and prove all things. Yahweh truth must be put before traditions of men. This may mean leaving friends and religious denominations that are not teaching the truth.
- Not only should we study the Holy Scriptures daily, we need to meditate on those Scriptures day and night.
- Lastly, we must be obedient to Yahweh’s Word. Saints must not only be hearers of the Word but doers of the Word (James 1:22-25 and Romans 2:13).
Most people do not follow these steps, but accept religious dogma and traditions of men. If only people took the time to follow these important steps to finding truth, they would start to realize the tremendous lies in organized religion and the strength of Satan and his dominion.
(1) The first step to understanding the Holy Scriptures is to pray that Yahweh, through His Holy Spirit, leads us into all truth and righteousness. The Scriptures outline how we should pray. Let’s review basic Scriptures that instruct us on how to have effective prayer. For more information on prayer see “How should we pray?”
First we must ask, seek, and knock. If we never seek the Almighty, we will never advance in our understanding of His Word and will be caught-up in the lies of men and many religious organizations.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
We must pray in belief that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. We cannot continually have doubts about Yahweh’s ability to give us truth.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Yahweh must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of Yahweh. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
To have an effective prayer, we must keep His commandments. Not only do we need to keep Yahweh’s covenant Ten Commandments, but all of His teachings. If we receive truth from the Almighty but refuse to follow that truth, Yahweh will sadly stop giving us more truth and will send us a strong delusion to the lie. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Proverbs 15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of Yahweh, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(2) It is critical that we pray in the name Messiah inherited at His resurrection. That is the name above all names and the name that alone is excellent…..Yahweh(Shua). For more information on Messiah’s resurrected name, please read “The Great Riddle” and “Name of Inheritance” by George Gabler.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(3) Not only should we pray that the Holy Spirit lead us into all truth and righteousness, we need to study the Scriptures daily, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, and ultimately proving all things. We must prove doctrine to ourselves through daily study! We should never simply accept what someone says because it is part of our religious organization or sounds good to our carnal minds. Remember that Yahweh’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. (i.e. spiritual daily bread)
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto Yahweh, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
John 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
The above passage in John stresses the importance of finding Yahweh(Shua) Himself as the necessary end result of studying the Scriptures.
Simply spending time reading the Bible does not guarantee salvation or truth. Many religious groups study the Bible and think they are Holy, but do not have a lot of truth. We must prove all doctrine through the Scriptures, including utilizing the Old Testament.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Yahweh.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of Yahweh in YahwehShua Messiah concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
When you study the Holy Scriptures, you need a sincere desire to uncover truth, a Bible, a concordance and a dictionary. Although there are many Bible versions to choose, the most important factor is that you actually use it. Many people find a parallel Bible, which contains two or more versions side by side on the same pages to be helpful. Consider buying a Bible with wide margins that will allow you to add notes from your personal study. Although more expensive, a high-quality leather-bound Bible will last longer than a cheaper paperback edition.
Many recent study Bibles now have commentary printed with the scriptural text, providing immediate access to further information during Bible reading. As with any commentary, we must be circumspect of the commentary. With so many false doctrines in different denominations of Christianity we need to be careful not to blindly follow commentary.
Secondly, we need a good concordance. Why do we need a concordance? Because there are inaccuracies and translator bias in our English Bibles. For more on this topic please read “Why I make changes to our English Bibles”. Therefore if there are inaccuracies and translator bias in our English Bibles, we must study the original Greek and Hebrew word definitions. This is critical. Using a Concordance is the best way to do a key word study.
Strong’s Concordance is the most popular concordance used. It often includes a lexicon in the back that has a dictionary of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words used in the Bible. The Strong’s Concordance allows the student to see how the underlying Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew words are used throughout the Scriptures and can open up additional understanding of the passages being studied.
You also need a good dictionary. Not only can you use the many generic dictionaries available, you can also obtain expository dictionaries that offer more detailed analysis of biblical words. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionaries of the Old and New Testament Words is a great staring point.
(4) Not only should we study the Holy Scriptures, we need to meditate on those Scriptures day and night. Meditating on a word, verse, or precept is an important way to learn.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the unrighteous, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of Yahweh; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto Yahweh. 7 And the peace of Yahweh, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Messiah YahwehShua. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the Elohim of peace shall be with you.
1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared Yahweh spake often one to another: and Yahweh hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared Yahweh, and that thought upon his name.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Yahweh, my strength, and my redeemer.
Throughout the Psalms, the Hebrew word selah (celah) is used. This Hebrew word indicates to the reader a pause or silence to praise the Almighty. I believe this pause was also given by Yahweh to allow the reader to meditate on what He is saying.
5542 celah {seh’-law} • from 05541; TWOT – 1506a; v • AV – Selah 74; 74 • 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
(5) Lastly, we must be obedient to Yahweh’s Word. If we are not obedient to the truth He has given to us, Yahweh will not reveal additional truth to us.
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience holiness; 7 And to holiness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of Yahweh, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Another interesting observation is that when we study the Holy Scriptures, we should understand the Scriptures are not always chronological. Yahweh is outside of time, seeing all time at once, and knowing the end from the beginning (Ecclesiastes 1:9 and 3:15, Isaiah 42:9 and 46:9, Acts 15:18, and Romans 4:17). That is why we look throughout the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments for revelations on a particular topic. And because Scriptures are not always chronological, this gives meaning to “here a little, and there a little”.
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
13 But the word of Yahweh was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little;
“Precept upon precept”, ”line upon line”; “here a little, and there a little”. As you read the Scriptures a picture starts to emerge. It is like putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments. As you put the pieces together, Yahweh’s doctrines and plan of the ages start to emerge.
Using all the puzzle pieces in both the Old Testament and New Testament is extremely important. That is to look up all the related verses on a subject before coming to a conclusion. Only by looking at all the relevant Scriptures do we get a full and complete picture. Why? Many doctrines have been made based on one misunderstood passage of Scripture without using the whole body of Scriptures. These doctrines may sound plausible based on the one Scripture, but against the whole body of Scriptures, it becomes abundantly clear that the doctrine is incorrect.
Comparing various verses on the same subject can clarify our understanding of biblical teachings. Often we will find that different verses complement each other, with each verse telling part of the story. This basic concept is critical so a saint does not misunderstand Scriptures.
An example would be found in John 3:16 “For Yahweh so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Reviewing only this one Scripture we would determine that all we had to do to inherit eternal life is to believe in Messiah. But is this truly the whole story? Let us look at some additional passages. First in James 2:19 we find “Thou believest that there is one Elohim; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble”. And in Matthew 7:21, Yah’shua said “Not every one that saith unto me, Sovereign, Sovereign, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”. Clearly there are more requirements to eternal life than a simple mental belief.
Scriptures must interpret other Scriptures. We must understand that the Bible interprets itself. We must be careful not to force our own interpretations onto it. Regrettably, many approach the Bible with preconceived notions and attempt to inject these into the Scriptures by wrongly reading meaning into the text instead of honestly deriving the meaning out of it. In letting the Bible interpret itself, we must always do two things. First consider the context and again look at all the Scriptures on a subject. Let us review why context is important.
Keeping in mind the context of a teaching in the Scriptures can help us avoid misunderstandings. In fact, most misunderstandings of Scriptures come from taking verses out of their context. Reading in context simply means to carefully consider the verses before and after the text being studied. “Out of context” means trying to understand the verses with little or no regard for the surrounding subject matter.
Lastly, we should understand that there should be a minimum of two or three corroborating Scriptures validating a doctrine found throughout the Bible (see Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15, Matthew 18:16 and Hebrews 10:28). This again proofs the need to look at more than one Scripture when formulating a doctrine.
When you study a concept in the Scriptures, there will be a puzzle piece that doesn’t seem to the human mind to fit into the overall puzzle. A puzzle piece may even seem to contradict the picture that is emerging from all the other puzzle pieces. I believe that we just need to put aside that puzzle piece that does not seem to fit and focus on those other pieces that create a picture. Remember, that the Scriptures are translations of ancient Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew. Translation itself can be very difficult. Then you add the fact that these languages are thousands of years old. Think about how English has changed over the last four hundred years. Have you ever read English from 400 years ago? You would have thought it was a different language!
If you don’t understand a verse or a doctrine on a particular topic, it may be wise to put it aside. Don’t rush to a conclusion. It may not be Yahweh’s time to reveal the truth to you.
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Messiah YahwehShua. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Yahweh in Messiah YahwehShua.
An important figure of speech used by Yahweh throughout the Scriptures is Hyperbole, which is exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. Yahweh uses Hyperbole to create vivid pictures in the Bible students mind. If a Bible student is not aware of Hyperbole in the Scriptures it can be a cause for a truth seeker to stumble. Why? Because a believer might take a passage literally when it is not meant by Yahweh to be taken literally. Bible translations that try to maintain a literal word-for-word approach are usually the most guilty of misinterpreting and mistranslating passages using Hyperbole.
An example is the following verse found in 1st Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 14:35 And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the assembly.
Even though the highlighted section of this passage is correctly translated, we know that women can speak in the assembly based on other passages found throughout the Scriptures. An examples is found just prior to this passage in 1 Corinthians 14:26 that shows that when we come together to assemble, everyone or each one should have a teaching , a tongue, a revelation and interpretation, including women. The ramification of misinterpreting this passage is enormous since half of the assembly is women who would be wrongly suppressed.
Let us look at a few other examples of Hyperbole in the Scriptures.
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Again this is Hyperbole for effect. The true meaning of this verse that Yahweh is trying to get across is that believers should love and treasure Yahweh and His spiritual family so much more in comparison it almost seems as a saint hates his or her biological family.
Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss. (True meaning is that they were very accurate)
Deuteronomy 1:28…..the cities are great and walled up to heaven (True meaning is that the walls were very high)
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (True meaning is that we need to deal quickly and decisively with sin)
Another figure of speech used throughout the Scriptures by Yahweh is Personification, which is when non-personal things are described in personal ways. Let us take a look at a few examples in the Scriptures.
Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for Yahweh hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Yet another figure of speech used in the Scriptures is the parable. Parables are used throughout the Scriptures, including by our Savior when a man on earth. Parables are earthly stories using graphic analogies that contain common things (salt, bread, seed, sheep, etc.) to relay spiritual truths. Messiah Himself explained His purpose for using parables, saying He meant for them to conceal truth to unbelievers and reveal truth to believers.
Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (see Isaiah 6:9-10) 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Psalm 78:1 {Maschil of Asaph.} Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: 3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. (Also see Matthew 13:34-35)
And we also see that Yahweh concealed His spiritual truths through parables with the prophets of the Old Testament. So parables were not only used by Messiah in the New Testament, but by prophets of the Old Testament.
Ezekiel 17:1 And the word of Yahweh came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Ezekiel 24:3 “And utter a parable to the rebellious house, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Sovereign Yahweh: “Put on a pot, set it on, And also pour water into it.
In this parable which goes on beyond verse 3, Yahweh warns the Israelites of their impending judgement by Babylon.
And in Hosea, Yahweh clearly shows that parables were used by the Old Testament prophets. The translated word similitudes in the following passage is the most concise type of parable.
Hosea 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes (parables), by the ministry of the prophets.
Lastly, the Bible is full of allegories, which are stories, poems, or pictures that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden moral or spiritual meaning. Many of the parables that Messiah spoke were allegories including the parable of the Sower and Prodigal Son. Below are a few examples of allegories that are not parables.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of Yahweh, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
With so many figures of speech in the Scriptures, a Bible student needs to be aware when trying to understand the Holy Scriptures. Remember we will not know all until the second coming of Messiah, when saints will be glorified, becoming like Messiah.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of Yahweh, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of Yahweh.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Messiah, seek those things which are above, where Messiah sitteth on the right hand of Yahweh. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Messiah in Yahweh. 4 When Messiah, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Another key to understanding the Holy Scriptures is the Old Testament. Have you ever met people who don’t read or obey the Old Testament? They believe that somehow the New Testament fulfills and make obsolete the Old Testament through a new covenant. This is dead wrong and not Scriptural. Understanding and obeying the Old Testament is critical. Yes there were some changes to the Old Testament law but it was not done away with as many Scriptures clearly state in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Messiah, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (When Messiah made this comment, all they had was the Old Testament Scriptures).
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Messiah. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to Yahweh, the vail shall be taken away.
All Scriptures should be respected and believed. All Scriptures are important to righteous living. Messiah told us to live by every word of Yahweh.
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah YahwehShua. (Again when Paul made this comment, all they had was the Old Testament Scriptures). 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of Yahweh may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh. (also read Luke 4:4)
If you do not understand and obey the Old Testament, you will not understand the New Testament. The amount of Old Testament Scriptures quoted or paraphrased in the New Testament is enormous. The New Testament builds on the Old Testament and in fact magnifies it in many ways.
1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Isaiah 42:21 Yahweh is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
Lastly, if we want to understand the Holy Scriptures, we must want truth. If you are not willing to give up all, including friends and religious organizations for truth, then you are not seeking Yahweh. We need to hold fast to the truth of the Scriptures because the Father is looking for those who will worship him in Spirit and Truth. And when you know the truth, the truth will set you free!
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 Yahweh is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 8:31 Then said Yah’shua to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Remember that Satan is the father of lies. And by following lies, you are following Satan.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
And if we knowingly follow a lie, Yahweh may turn His back on us. The Scriptures are very clear about what happens to those who do not love Yahweh’s truth and choose to follow lies.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause Yahweh shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to Yahweh: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Understanding of the Holy Scriptures does not come from your religious denominations, or from friends, or casual reading of the Holy Scriptures, or from religious books, tapes and radio. Understanding of the Holy Scriptures comes from the Holy Spirit, which is energized by being obedient to Yahweh’s Word, prayer, meditation, daily study of the Scriptures, including rightly dividing the Word of Truth and proving all things.
Will Yahweh’s way of understanding the Holy Scriptures conflict with what you been taught? Absolutely! Will you lose friends and decide to leave your religious organization if you decide to follow Yahweh’s truths? Probably so. It all depends if truth is what you seek. Remember that the Father is looking for those that will worship Him in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24).
HalleluYah
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