How to Avoid Putting Words in God’s Mouth

by Julie Zine Coleman

Are you writing to change hearts? In any Christian devotional article, story is important. But the Word of God is where the true power lies. We know the Holy Spirit uses His Word to transform (Romans 12:2). So we often do a search for just the right verse to include in our writing.

But there is an inherent danger in that method. When we use a verse without consideration of its context, we can be putting words in God’s mouth.

Let’s face it, we can interpret any verse to mean whatever we want it to mean. If we are willing to ignore the context.

For example, I have heard Genesis 31:49 quoted as an expression of two people devoted to each other. “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.” But the context tells a different story. Laban, Jacob’s father-in-law, made the statement after an uneasy treaty had been made. Much bad blood and deceit had occurred throughout their relationship. Laban was asking God to watch Jacob and judge him should he deviate from his promise. It was a statement of mistrust, not a blessing.

Before quoting a verse, consider the following:

Literary Context: A verse is always part of a whole. We need to take a close look at the context in which it is found. How is it a part of the larger passage? The book that contains it? The Bible as a whole?

Historical Context: What was going on at the time this passage was written? How would those events shape the original readers’ perception of the text?

Cultural Context: What would the readers have assumed to be true? What were the cultural expectations at the time? What traditions were held in high regard?

The Writer/Speaker of the Text: Who is the source of this verse? Are their words meant as instruction to us?

Audience Context: Who are the intended hearers of the message? Was it Israel? The Pharisees? The disciples? Unbelievers? Was it intended for a nation or individuals?

A careful examination of these five things will provide an accurate interpretation which will lead to a good application.

I used to say in seminary: “I love it when Scripture backs me up!” But I was joking. We want Scripture to dictate our writing, not the other way around. It is only then our work can be powerful and effective.

Photo by Sarah Noltner on Unsplash