Deeper ReflectionWe are to “accurately handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). But
interpreting the Scriptures can be complex. The history of
the interpretation of Scripture shows a mysterious reality: We
do not attain perfectly correct interpretation of every biblical text even
with the Holy Spirit teaching and guiding us (Jn 14:26; 16:13). That Biblical
research and writing of Bible commentaries have not ceased testifies to
this reality.Verses 25 to 27 is a difficult text. The Hebrew word masiah (vv.25, 26)
– literally, “anointed-one” (without the definite article) – “referred to
anyone who was anointed to perform a particular ask or service for
God”
21 . Some English translations made a Christological interpretation of
the word: “Messiah” (KJV, NKJV, NASB) or “Anointed One” (NIV, NLT,
CSB). But others translated it simply as “an anointed one” (NRSV, ESV,
REB). Perhaps, we need to be tentative, and not too dogmatic, in our
interpretation. Interpretation of Scripture is a
community endeavour. In
this community are God-given teachers, like scholars and commentators,
with whom we consult and interact with in our process of interpretation.
Humility and
charity are necessary, while we interpret Scripture with
integrity.“The Bible has a surface simplicity that children can understand and
relish. It is also a book in which scholars find sophistication of technique
and subtlety of content. Scholars have shown the immense complexity
that lies below the surface, but there is no requirement that we read the
Bible at this level in order to understand and enjoy it. The Bible is the
most flexible of all books.”
22 Nevertheless, we still need to learn and grow
to delve deeper “below the surface”.
21 Christopher J. H. Wright, 209
22 Leland Ryken and Tremper Longman III, editors, A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible (Zondervan, 1993), 34-35
