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Hermenutic help
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:51 pm
by blazerfan
I have a question about verses that are taken out of context? Many people have a life verse they love to
quote. I'm thinking of a verse like Jeremiah 29:11. My understanding is a verse like that was for that
time period and people. It doesn't apply to us today. I guess my question is, Is it harmful when we take
verses like that out of context? Thanks
Re: Hermenutic help
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:06 am
by steve
A verse like that one has a direct application, and, sometimes, by extrapolation, a universal one. Obviously, God was assuring the Jews in Babylon that He still had good plans for them, appearances notwithstanding. By extension of tis principle, one might argue, "If God is committed to the good welfare of His people—specifically, the rebellious Jews who were under His chastisement in Babylon—then it is reasonable to assume that His people of any period would be equally the objects of His good intentions." Thus, a promise made to someone else, insofar as it reveals something of God's unchanging character and disposition, might legitimately be a comfort to His people in other times and circumstances as well. These are my thoughts about your question.
Re: Hermenutic help
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:29 pm
by steve7150
I'm thinking of a verse like Jeremiah 29:11. My understanding is a verse like that was for that
time period and people. It doesn't apply to us today. I guess my question is, Is it harmful when we take
verses like that out of context? Thanksblazerfan
How do you make a differentiation between this verse yet be sure the offer of salvation by Jesus was'nt just for the people he spoke to at that time?
Re: Hermenutic help
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 10:01 pm
by charleswest
blazerfan wrote:I have a question about verses that are taken out of context? Many people have a life verse they love to
quote. I'm thinking of a verse like Jeremiah 29:11. My understanding is a verse like that was for that
time period and people. It doesn't apply to us today. I guess my question is, Is it harmful when we take
verses like that out of context? Thanks
II Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
1.for doctrine,
2.for reproof,
3.for correction,
4.for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
= = = = = = = = = =
Jeremiah is a whole book.
With your permission, please allow me to modify your question...
"My understanding is a <BOOK> like that was for that time period and people. It doesn't apply to us today.
I guess my question is, Is it harmful when we take <BOOKS> like that out of context?"
1. According to II Timothy 3:16-17, Jeremiah applies today as one or more of the four points listed above.
2. In my own perhaps "not so humble" opinion, anything taken out of context may lead to harm.
Re: Hermenutic help
Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 12:52 pm
by blazerfan
Thanks for your answers guys. Very helpful.