1	Fundamental Principles Axioms of Interpretation
2	The Object of Communication The purpose of communication is the impartation of information. Words may be used for other purposes (as in nonsensical limericks), but such cannot properly be styled “communication.” Even a liar hopes to communicate some information with his lies. Since the Bible is God’s communication to man, we assume that God wishes to impart information to mankind.
3	The Object of Interpretation The purpose of interpretation is the correct apprehension of information. If the interpreter understands the thoughts of the author, proper communication and interpretation have occurred. The interpreter is responsible only for correctly ascertaining the thought of the writer. He is not responsible for the thought of the writer. He must not force a meaning that is not contained in the words he interprets.
4	The Medium of Communication Language is a reliable medium of communication. It may be the only reliable medium for communication. Other means convey less understanding, and are often subject to greater misunderstanding. Written language may be more reliable than spoken language because it is capable of review.
5	Determination of Definition Usage determines the meaning of words. Dictionaries do not give meaning to words; they merely report the meaning that words have in common usage. Words may change in meaning because they come to be used differently. Because words may be used differently by different individuals, meaning may differ from individual to individual.
6	Variety of Expression Different expressions may communicate identical thoughts. It is not necessary to express a thought in the same words every time it is expressed. “Two plus two equals four” may be expressed as “twice two is the same as the number that is one less than five.” Two different writers will often express the same thought in different words.
7	Author’s Purpose The author’s purpose will guide him in his efforts to communicate his thoughts. The purpose of an author will tend to color the style of his composition. Because the purpose of the author shapes his words, it is possible to discern the author’s purpose. The thoughts of an author are more easily understood once we understand his purpose.
8	Historical Reference An author’s words should be understood in the context of his own times. The meaning of words may change with time, but an author’s words should be determined according to his own time. Non-biblical works have been greatly modified through transmission and translation, but the Bible has been remarkably free from such changes.
9	One Meaning per Expression Every expression of a thought contains one and only one thought. There is only one correct interpretation of any single expression. All other interpretations are consequently incorrect. The theory that some passages of scripture have a double connotation should be viewed with great suspicion. Such interpretations frequently water down the true connotation of a passage.
10	The Rule of Substitution A word may be replaced by its proper definition without changing the meaning of an expression. This is a good test for the definition of a word. If a definition does not fit within the expression, either the word defined is not the correct word for the expression, or the definition given to the word is not the correct definition for the word.
11	The Rule of Contradiction Two contradictory statements cannot both be true. Statements may appear to contradict which in fact do not. When such is the case one or both statements have been misunderstood. Demonstrating that a doctrine contradicts a doctrine of the Bible is absolute proof of that doctrine’s falsity.
12	The Law of Exclusion An expression of truth necessarily excludes all that to which it is opposed. If one states that an object is white, he not only excludes the color black—he excludes every non-white color. However this statement does not exclude other attributes such as size, shape, or texture.
13	The Law of Inclusion An expression of truth necessarily includes all that it implies, and no more. The command to assemble implies that a place is needed for the assembly. Hence authority for a place to assemble is included in the command. The command to sing does not imply a need for a piano. Hence authority for pianos is not included in the command to sing.
14	The Law of Interpretation Every expression of thought, human and divine, is subject to the same rules of interpretation. The Bible is written in the language of men. It was written to be understood by men. It was not designed to be overwhelming in its message; it is a matter of choice whether or not we understand it. It should take no miracle therefore to understand its thoughts.