Fourth, the natural meaning of words and colloquial expressions are to be discovered from the sources.
Fourth, the natural meaning of words and colloquial expressions are to be discovered from the sources.
§ 534. (IV) In the interpretation of Scripture, the natural meaning of words and colloquial expressions are to be discovered from the original language, namely, from the Hebrew text in the Old Testament and from the Greek in the New. This rule is deduced from the previously proved hypothesis that only the Hebrew text of the Old Testament and the Greek in the New are authentic. Because the Holy Spirit wanted to record the mysteries of the divine Word in those languages, therefore the meaning of the Holy Spirit is also to be affirmed on the basis of the original text written in those languages. This cannot happen, however, unless we have a knowledge of the force of the words and phrases. Basil commands: “Track down the meaning hidden in each phrase and syllable” (De Spiritu sancto, c. 1). He adds this reason: “It is the aim of Scripture that we become like God. This likeness does not stand without knowledge, but knowledge is from lessons. The beginning of teaching is speech, and syllables and words are parts of speech.”