Interpretation(interpreter)
Summary
The explanation of meaning, particularly applied to dreams, visions, tongues, and Scripture in biblical usage.
☩Dream Interpretation
The interpretation of dreams was considered a divine gift in the ancient Near East. Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker, and later Pharaoh's own dreams, crediting God as the source of interpretation. Daniel similarly interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, declaring that there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets.
☩Tongues and Prophecy
In the New Testament church, interpretation accompanied the gift of tongues. Paul instructed that one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the ability to interpret, and that in the assembly tongues should be interpreted for the edification of all. Without interpretation, tongues speaking was to be private rather than public.
☩Scripture Interpretation
Peter declares that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation—it did not originate from human will but from men moved by the Holy Spirit. This establishes that Scripture requires careful, Spirit-guided interpretation rather than subjective, individualistic readings. Jesus Himself interpreted Moses and the prophets concerning Himself to the disciples on the Emmaus road.
Related Verses53 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Interpretation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).