Why Is Theological Interpretation Essential to Fully Understanding the Bible?
Biblical theology is the theological interpretation of Scripture in and for the church. It does not treat the Bible as merely an ancient artifact, a work of literature, or a historical record, but as the living Word of God. Theological interpretation affirms that God has spoken in Scripture, that His words are meant to instruct and transform His people, and that the ultimate goal of reading the Bible is to know Him through Jesus Christ. Without theological interpretation, reading the Bible risks becoming an incomplete exercise—accurate perhaps in linguistic or historical detail, but disconnected from the faith, life, and mission of God’s people.
1. Nature and Definition of Theological Interpretation
Theological interpretation approaches the Bible as Christian Scripture. This means it:
Recognizes God as the ultimate Author of the text.
Reads in the light of the whole canon, rather than isolating individual books or verses.
Aims to shape belief, worship, and obedience within the community of faith.
While historical and literary analysis are essential tools, theological interpretation adds a crucial dimension: it seeks the meaning of the text as God’s self-revelation. As Paul wrote, “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction” (Romans 15:4). In this sense, the Bible is not merely for scholars or historians, but for the church, “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).
2. Difference Between Theological and Merely Historical Interpretation
Historical interpretation examines the Bible’s setting, language, and cultural background. This work is vital; without it, we risk misunderstanding the original meaning. However, biblical theology insists that this is not enough. The Scriptures themselves demand a theological reading because they are fundamentally religious texts—documents written to reveal God’s character, His covenant promises, and His purposes in salvation history.
The danger of stopping with historical interpretation is twofold:
Incomplete understanding – One might know what a passage meant in its original context without grasping how it speaks to God’s people today.
Loss of the Bible’s unity – Without theological interpretation, the connections between Old and New Testaments, between promise and fulfillment, may be overlooked.
Theological interpretation brings the text into living dialogue with the faith and worship of the church, showing that its ultimate subject is God’s work in Christ.
3. Biblical Basis for Theological Interpretation
The Scriptures themselves model theological interpretation. Jesus, after His resurrection, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets…interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). The apostles consistently read the Old Testament in light of Christ’s death and resurrection, seeing Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises (Acts 3:18; 2 Corinthians 1:20).
Several biblical principles flow from this:
Scripture interprets Scripture – Later revelation sheds light on earlier revelation.
Christ as the center – All major biblical themes ultimately converge in Jesus.
Application to God’s people – The Bible was “written for our instruction” (1 Corinthians 10:11), not merely as a historical record.
These principles demand that the Bible be read not only with the mind but also with faith, recognizing that its message is God’s Word for His people.
4. Role of the Church in Theological Interpretation
Theological interpretation is not a purely individual endeavor; it is rooted in the life of the church. Scripture was given to God’s people collectively, and its interpretation is meant to be shaped by the worship, teaching, and mission of the covenant community.
In practice, this means:
Preaching that expounds Scripture as part of the grand narrative of redemption.
Teaching that connects biblical texts to the life of the congregation.
Corporate worship that is informed by the theological truths of Scripture.
When the church reads the Bible theologically, it resists the tendency to treat it as a private possession or as a subject for detached analysis. Instead, it receives the Word as a living voice that calls God’s people to faith and obedience.
5. Christ-Centered Focus and the Bigger Gospel
Theological interpretation ensures that Scripture is read in light of the Gospel—not a reduced gospel of personal forgiveness only, but the full biblical vision of God’s reign in Christ. This “bigger Gospel” proclaims:
The fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
The redemption of His people from sin and death.
The inauguration of His kingdom, which will be consummated when Christ returns.
Without this focus, Bible reading can degenerate into moralism, legalism, or mere academic curiosity. Theological interpretation keeps the person and work of Christ at the center, showing that every part of Scripture—from creation to new creation—unfolds God’s redemptive plan.
6. Implications for Faith, Worship, and Obedience
Theological interpretation has profound effects on the church’s life:
Faith – Strengthened by seeing God’s consistent character and promises across the whole Bible.
Worship – Enriched by recognizing the glory of Christ in every part of Scripture.
Obedience – Informed by understanding how biblical commands fit within the unfolding story of redemption.
In this way, theological interpretation not only informs the mind but also transforms the heart and directs the will. It aligns the church’s life with God’s purposes revealed in His Word.
