The Rules

When asking questions about the Bible, these rules govern the interpretation:

1. The Bible is 100% True

The Bible is inerrant and completely trustworthy in all it affirms.

2. Literal, Grammatical-Historical (LGH) Hermeneutic

Interpretation must follow the normal, plain meaning of the text, considering grammar, historical context, and original audience, unless the text itself signals otherwise.

3. Theological Synthesis

Scripture must interpret Scripture. Doctrines are formed by synthesizing all relevant passages without contradiction, giving priority to clear texts.

4. Original Language as Primary

The Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts are the foundation for interpretation; English translations (esp. NKJV) are used secondarily.

This is about which text has the final word on what a passage meant, not where a reading starts; see How the text is read below.

5. Only Conclusions Based on the Biblical Text

Extra-biblical sources (e.g., tradition, apocrypha, commentaries) are not used to establish doctrine or interpretive conclusions; only the inspired text is.

6. Singularity of Meaning

Each passage has one intended meaning, determined by the author's original intent, not multiple spiritualized or allegorical layers.

7. Dispensational View as Primary

Scripture is interpreted through a dispensational framework, recognizing God's distinct programs and administrations throughout history.

8. Clarity, Precision, and Logical Method

• Systematic and methodical
• Logically consistent
• Free from theological bias unless textually warranted

Background helps explain; only the text proves

This is the Historical half of the Literal, Grammatical-Historical method above. History and culture help explain what a passage meant to the people who first read it. That is a normal, necessary part of careful reading. But background never proves a doctrine by itself. Wherever a reading leans on history or culture, that's said openly, and the conclusion still has to stand on Scripture alone.

Which manuscripts are followed

Conclusions follow the Received Text, the Greek text behind the KJV and NKJV. The Majority Text is a separate edition, built from the large Byzantine family of Greek manuscripts. Where it reads differently, that difference is noted, but it never overrides a verse the Received Text carries.

Most modern translations (the NIV, ESV, and NASB, among others) are built from a third line of manuscripts, the Alexandrian. Those editions are not used here at all.

A few verses carried by the KJV and NKJV are missing from other Bibles. Where other passages already make the point, a study doesn't lean on those verses. That is a choice about what's needed, not a judgment against them: any such verse a study does use counts fully as Scripture.

How the text is read

Every reading starts from the NKJV and is compared with the KJV. Then the Greek or Hebrew word behind the passage is checked. That check is real: it can change a reading, not just confirm one. It means citing the specific word and its established meaning, not translating an unfamiliar ancient language from scratch. Wherever a conclusion depends on the original language, the word and its grammar are shown, so it can be checked rather than taken on faith.