Rachel Evans
The Catholic Church encourages the study of the Bible, which is read aloud at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours. Catholics also study the Bible in groups, classes, and in private. There are several Catholic Scripture translations and study guides to choose from, such as the New American Bible, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, and the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible. When studying Scripture, it is important to consider the context in which it was written and to be aware of confirmation bias. A word study is a useful way to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. This involves looking up the original Greek or Hebrew word behind the English translation and considering its shades of meaning and other places it occurs in the Bible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify the main point the biblical author is trying to make | Avoid getting sidetracked by possible meanings of phrases in isolation |
| Recognise that English Bibles are translations | Use Bible concordances, dictionaries, lexicons, and software to find the original Greek or Hebrew word |
| Understand the context in which the biblical writers were writing | Use historical-critical exegesis and other recently-developed methods |
| Read the Bible as Christian Scripture | Consider the writings of the Fathers of the Church, the Doctors of the Church, the Ecumenical Councils, the Papal Magisterium, and the perennial teaching of the Church |
| Read aloud at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours | Read and study the Bible in study groups, classes, and in private |
| Choose a translation that strikes a balance between being easier to read and being prone to translator bias |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the core truth the passage expresses
When studying the Bible, it is important to identify the core truth or main point that the biblical author is trying to make. This is the central message that the passage expresses and it may imply or suggest other things.
Firstly, it is important to start with the literal meaning of the text. Figure out what the text means by understanding the context in which it was written. Historical-critical exegesis and other recently developed methods can help us gain better access to what the biblical writers meant in their historical context. However, we must also be aware of translator bias, as translators may insert their own interpretations and understandings. Therefore, it is beneficial to refer to multiple translations and not just one. Dynamic translations are good for a general understanding, while literal translations are better for focusing on the details.
Next, ask questions such as: "Where is Jesus in this story?", "How should I live differently now because of this story?", "What is this saying about our final union with God?", and "What would Jesus do?". These questions can help guide your interpretation and understanding of the passage.
Additionally, consider the four senses or ways of reading the Bible: the literal sense, and the three spiritual senses. For example, in the story of Solomon's Temple, we can uncover the moral sense by asking questions like, "Do I treat my body like a temple?" and "Do I look at other people as if they are temples?".
Finally, be aware of confirmation bias. We must challenge our tendency to assume that the text says what we want it to say. Consider alternative interpretations and think about what arguments could be made against your preferred reading. Ask yourself how someone with a different perspective might understand the passage and what arguments they could make for their interpretation.
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Recognise that English Bibles are translations
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. English Bibles are translations of the original text, and as such, they are prone to translator bias. Translators may be more inclined to express their own thoughts about what the original text means, rather than adhering strictly to what it says. Different English words or phrases may be used to translate a single Greek or Hebrew word, and vice versa. For example, in Titus, the English word "sound" translates two different Greek words, "hugiaino" and "hugies", which refer to doctrinal and physical health respectively. Recognising these nuances can help us appreciate the shades of meaning in the text.
To conduct an effective word study, it is important to find the Greek or Hebrew word behind the English word being studied. This can be done using Bible concordances, dictionaries, lexicons, and software. For instance, the New American Bible was the first Catholic translation made directly from the original biblical languages, rather than from the Latin Vulgate. It is important to note that no translation is perfect, and the best solution, short of learning the original languages, is to refer to multiple translations. Dynamic translations are useful for getting a general sense of the text, while literal translations are more suitable for detailed Bible study.
Some translations, like the New American Bible: Revised Edition, attempt to strike a balance between these approaches. However, it has been criticised for its avoidance of gender-specific terminology and for its reflection of modern critical theories concerning the Bible's origins. The New Revised Standard Version, on the other hand, translates pronouns and gender-indicative words according to the original text. It is considered one of the most beautiful English translations available, though it does not include any accompanying notes.
In conclusion, recognising that English Bibles are translations is crucial when conducting a Catholic biblical word study. By understanding the nuances and limitations of translations, we can better appreciate the shades of meaning in the original text and gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's teachings.
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Understand the original Greek or Hebrew
While it is not necessary to learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek to understand the Bible, doing so will help to better understand the nuances and richness of the biblical texts. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), and some nuances do not transfer well from one language to another. For example, in the original Greek, Ephesians 5:18, "...be filled with the Spirit," is telling us to continually be filled with the Spirit, rather than it being a one-time event. This "aspect" is lost in the English translation.
Fortunately, modern study tools make it relatively easy to uncover the meaning of the words in the original languages. The main tool required to understand the original Hebrew and Greek languages of the Bible is a concordance, which is a dictionary of Greek and Hebrew words found in the Bible cross-referenced to English translations. Online concordances can be found on websites like Blue Letter Bible or BibleStudyTools.com, or by using software like Accordance.
To use a concordance, first, look up the Bible passage you are studying online with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enabled. Use either the King James Version or the New American Standard Bible to access the concordance. Look for the Settings icon and select the checkbox that says "Strongs Numbers." Every word that has a corresponding number in the concordance will now be highlighted in blue. Select any word highlighted in blue to see the concordance entry, which will give you the Strong's Number, the original Hebrew/Greek term, and a list of additional Bible verses that use this specific word in Greek or Hebrew.
Using the Strong's Number, search for the term using Blue Letter Bible's lexicon. The search results will include brief definitions of your term from the Brown Driver Briggs Lexicon (Hebrew) or Thayer's New Testament Lexicon (Greek).
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Identify the author's intent
When interpreting the Bible, it is important to consider the author's intent to ensure that you do not read your own ideas into the text. This is especially important when interpreting Scripture, as it is not merely the words of men, but also the Word of God.
To identify the author's intent, it is necessary to consider the historical and cultural context in which the text was written. This includes understanding the literary genres in use at the time, as well as the modes of feeling, speaking, and narrating. For example, knowledge of ancient Near Eastern culture during the time the Old Testament was written can provide valuable insights into the true meaning of certain passages.
Additionally, it is important to consider the author's choice of words and the specific context in which they are used. Hebrew and Greek terms can have nuanced meanings that vary across different passages, and conducting word studies can help prevent misinterpretation. For instance, while some teach that the Greek word "agape" always denotes selfless, divine love, context shows that it can also be misdirected, as in 2 Timothy 4:10.
It is also worth noting that the Bible has both a human author and a divine Author, and their intents may not always align. For example, in the book of Daniel, Daniel records the visions God gives him but explicitly states that he does not understand their meaning.
Finally, it is crucial to consider the broader message of the Bible and how the specific passage fits within it. This includes reading the Scripture within the living Tradition of the whole Church and being attentive to the coherence of the truths of faith within the plan of Revelation.
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Read in community
Reading the Bible in a community is an important aspect of Catholic biblical study. Catholics do not study Scripture in isolation but in a community of believers, following the apostolic tradition, and from the heart of the Church. The Bible is read aloud at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours, and Catholics also have secondary encounters with the Word as it is explained in the liturgical homily by an ordained minister. Additionally, Catholics read and study the Bible in study groups, classes, and in private.
The concept of "reading in community" is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. One example is the use of "The Bible of the Poor" before the modern rise in literacy. This was a picture book used to teach illiterate Catholics about the Bible through stained glass windows and illustrations. Catholic monks also played a vital role in preserving the sacred text by patiently and lovingly copying it, often pairing the biblical text with lavish illuminations, as seen in the Book of Kells.
The Catholic Church has sponsored multiple initiatives to encourage the study of the Bible, such as the revision of the Sunday Lectionary in 1969, which significantly increased the amount of Scripture read aloud in the liturgy. This revision laid the foundation for the Revised Common Lectionary used in many Protestant congregations. The Church also encourages and collaborates in the production of new Bible study resources, such as the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible (NABRE), which includes notes, maps, essays, articles, cross-references, and graphics.
Reading the Bible in a community provides several benefits. It allows Catholics to connect with a diverse group of people who are also studying God's Word. It fosters a deeper relationship with God and helps individuals apply the teachings to their lives. Additionally, reading in community can provide support and accountability, as well as a space to discuss and reflect on the Scriptures.
When reading the Bible in a community, it is important to be mindful of different interpretations and biases. Each person brings their unique perspective and life experiences to the text, which can influence their understanding. It is crucial to respect these diverse interpretations and engage in open and respectful dialogue. Additionally, being aware of translator bias is essential, as different translations may convey varying meanings due to the translators' interpretations. Therefore, referring to multiple translations and seeking a range of perspectives can help in understanding the text more comprehensively.
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