Principles of Interpretation

Final Test - First Semester

Please read all of the following instructions before beginning the test. It is important that these instructions be followed exactly.

  1. This is a closed book test. Answer each question to the best of your ability without referring to your text book, notes, or any other outside aid.
  2. Do NOT press "Enter" on your keyboard at anytime while filling out fields. Instead use the "Tab" key, or your mouse, to move to the next field.
  3. When you are finished with the test, review your answers one last time, and make any necessary corrections. Then scroll to the bottom of this page, and click the send button.
  4. The True or False questions below are worth 7.7 points each. The Short Answer question at the end is for extra credit, and is worth 4.9 points for a good answer. The total possible points for the test are 105.

Student Information

Student Name:

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True or False:

  1. Passages making use of the same important word can be regarded in that sense as parallel.
    True
    False
  2. Passages that have no similarity in phraseology may nevertheless be parallel, if they express the same or similar thought.
    True
    False
  3. If two or more honest men express contradictory ideas, both expressions should be regarded as being true.
    True
    False
  4. Passages of scripture which seem easy to understand should be interpreted by parallel passages which are more difficult to understand.
    True
    False
  5. When interpreting words and phrases, any expression will have one and only one correct interpretation.
    True
    False
  6. When interpreting questions and answers the meaning of a question will always help in our understanding of the answer, but it is improper to interpret the meaning of a question from the answer given to it.
    True
    False
  7. When a word or phrase is repeated in its context, that word or phrase should be interpreted in the same way in each case.
    True
    False
  8. The etymological meaning of a word should be given precedence over the established meaning of a word at the time it was used.
    True
    False
  9. The Bible was written in the common language of the people of its day. This is why we read no technical words within its pages.
    True
    False
  10. The distinctive differences between synonyms can be important to interpretation. We should therefore consider the differences in meaning between synonyms when they are found.
    True
    False
  11. The interpreter must allow his own opinions to influence his interpretation.
    True
    False
  12. The interpreter should remember that the meaning of words may differ from individual to individual, and from context to context.
    True
    False
  13. The thoughts of an author are more easily understood once we understand his purpose.
    True
    False

For extra credit complete the thought, and explain:

The one thing that causes the greatest misunderstanding of scripture is ...