01/13/26 IT IS NOT LEFT TO US

01/13/26 IT IS NOT LEFT TO US

Explain this statement, as it would have been understood by folks in an earlier generation in some communities: "I'd like to have run my car into a ditch," or "I like to have run my car into a ditch."

Sometimes the same words and phrases may have different meanings or even opposite meanings to other people in different times or cultures. This also happens with Biblical translations of idioms or colloquialisms.

God's word must be understood as it was given, as it was intended. I realize there is a difference between a translation and an interpretation. Translation is the process of changing speech from one language to another. Interpretation is explaining the meaning of speech. Bible translation is essential. Biblical interpretation must be according to the original intent of the Author (God).

Bible translations are intended to make the revelation of God's word (and words) available in various languages. Interpretation is part of translating the Bible. However, Biblical interpretation, to be true and accurate, must convey the intended meaning of the Author. An idiom needs to be understood in agreement with the intention of the speaker, in the time and culture of the speaker and the hearers. An idiom or colloquialism must not be freely interpreted aside from the intended, original meaning. Different words must be used in a translation; different interpretations should not be part of a translation. Responsible Bible teaching and study require an understanding of Biblical languages, Biblical history, and Biblical culture.

Interpreting God's word and the meaning of His word is not a private issue. It is one thing to ask God to enlighten our understanding of His word; it is a different thing to ask God to make His word align with our understanding. A private interpretation can relate to an individual or to a group. "Private interpretation" includes any explanation that is not consistent with the original intent of the Author.
2 Peter 1:19-21
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (Spirit).

When a person says, "I love you,' to another person, it must be interpreted in the way it was intended by the speaker, lest there will be confusion, or worse. The word, "love" is not always meant in a romantic way. In witnessing to men who were intending to do me physical harm, I have sometimes told them that I love them. Since I had been talking to them about Jesus and their need for salvation, they knew that I was saying I loved them with Christian love. Often, they would try to make my words mean something perverted, inferring that I had a sexual desire for them. Rather than try to explain my real meaning, I would point out that they were the ones with the perverted point of view, or they were trying to twist something good into something perverse. I would tell them that I love them with the same kind of love Jesus loves them. Most of the time, those men had a Christian heritage and therefore they knew my real meaning.

But the point is, the same words or expressions can be interpreted in diametrically opposite ways. Knowing the author and knowing the author's point of view helps us understand what the author actually meant by his statement.

Do not let your own thoughts or another person's teaching or another spirit interpret God's word. Always be ready for God to guide your thinking, enlighten your mind, change your viewpoint to align with His.
1 John 4:1
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Bible understanding requires reasoning according to God's revelation.
Isaiah 1:18
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

John 16:13
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Remember, the word of God and the Holy Spirit of God will always agree. God's Spirit will not teach you or lead you contrary to His reveled word. This is why we must be filled with His word and filled with His Spirit.
Acts 4:31
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Ephesians 5:17-19
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

(btw, the answer to the initial question in this article is:
"I almost ran my car into a ditch.")