The Meaning of the Text

All Christians should understand the Bible for themselves. The Bible is clear enough for all people to understand the way of salvation, yet complex enough to consistently challenge the brightest minds. Scripture is an endless treasure of saving knowledge that can never be fully exhausted.

To grasp the meaning of a text, we should first understand the words used. Then we should consider to whatever degree we can how they are used within the associated literary context and the overall biblical context, and also the historical-cultural setting. Finally, our conclusions should be in full harmony with the wider teachings of Scripture. Comparing parallel scriptures—as is often done in the four Gospels—can enrich our understanding.

One of the most important characteristics of a faithful interpreter of Scripture is a combination of thoroughness and humility. Remember, none of us owns truth; we all see through a glass darkly.

We should always strive for sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:1–5). A crucial principle to follow is to focus on what we do understand, on what is clear, and to build off of that, which in many cases, over time, will help us understand things that now might not be clear. Short of eternity, there will always be unanswered questions.

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Additional Reading: Selected Quotes from Ellen G. White

The Book of books has the highest claim to our reverent attention. We must not be satisfied with superficial knowledge, but must seek to learn the full meaning of the words of truth, and to drink deep of the spirit of the Holy Oracles. To read a certain number of chapters daily, or commit to memory a stipulated amount without careful thought as to the meaning of the sacred text, is a work of little profit. . . . Some portions of Scripture are, indeed, too plain to be misunderstood; but there are others whose meaning does not lie upon the surface, to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with scripture; there must be careful research and patient reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the Word of God as for hid treasure, find truths of greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker.
No effort should be spared to establish a right habit of study. If the mind wanders, bring it back. If the intellectual and moral taste has been perverted by the overwrought and exciting tales of fiction, . . . then you have a battle to fight with yourself to overcome this depraved habit. . . . We are surrounded by unbelief. The very atmosphere seems charged with it. Only by constant effort can we resist its power. . . . I appeal to young and old: Make the Word of God your textbook. Here you will find the true standard of character. . . .
All over the field of revelation are scattered the glad springs of heavenly truth, and peace, and joy. They are within the reach of every seeker. The words of inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the river of the water of life. Our Saviour prayed that the minds of the disciples might be opened to understand theScriptures. And whenever we study the Bible with a prayerful heart, the Holy Spirit is near to open to us the meaning of the words we read.—Our High Calling, p. 205.

The apostle says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The Bible is its own expositor. One passage will prove to be a key that will unlock other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the hidden meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of the Scriptures will be made evident. . . .
The Lord God, the Creator of the worlds, at infinite cost has given the gospel to the world.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 187, 188.