Pastor Luther Walker continues the Bibliology series on hermeneutics, focusing on the proper use of figures of speech in Scripture. He emphasizes literal interpretation according to the normal, everyday meaning of the language at the time it was written, rejecting numerology, speculation, and additions to the text. Context, keywords, and the original audience are essential; Scripture should not be interpreted through personal feelings, experiences, or by applying Old Testament figures (e.g., David, Daniel) directly to Christians unless explicitly stated.
Figures of speech (e.g., inanimate objects personified like stones crying out in Luke 19:40, Jesus as the bread of life in John 6:48, mountains skipping in Psalm 114:4, living water in John 7:38) must be recognized as figurative when the literal meaning is impossible or out of character. He corrects misinterpretations, such as Catholic views on the Eucharist and common misreadings of “born again” in John 3 (correctly “born from above”).
He explains the vine and branches in John 15 as illustrating dependence on Christ for fruit-bearing, with “takes away” meaning “lifts up” (like tending low-hanging branches), not loss of salvation. Jesus as “the door” in John 10 applies to Jews entering the kingdom, not Revelation 3:20, which refers to Christ outside the Laodicean church.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) is addressed to Israel under kingdom rules, not the church, as the mystery of the church was hidden (1 Corinthians 2). Jesus fulfills the Law, not modifies it. In the future millennial kingdom, Israel receives a new heart with the law written inwardly (Jeremiah 31), Satan is bound, and the world system is removed; trespasses (mental determination to sin) carry heavier accountability, while sin remains an outward act. Matthew 5:29–30 uses “skandalon” (scandalize/stumble), not “sin,” and refers to literal removal of body parts as a merciful alternative to Gehenna judgment in that kingdom—not figurative, and not applicable to the church today.
Christians overcome the sin nature by reckoning themselves dead to it and alive to God (Romans 6), yielding members to righteousness, not fighting with “thou shalt nots” (which strengthen the sin nature per 1 Corinthians 15:56). Confession (1 John 1:9) means agreeing with God about sin (an outward act), leading to forgiveness and cleansing.
The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) is presented as literal fact, not a parable, describing Hades/Sheol compartments before Christ’s resurrection (Abraham’s bosom/paradise for the righteous, torment in the lowest part for the unrighteous). Overall, Scripture must be interpreted literally in context, without forcing figurative or literal meanings where they do not fit, and rightly dividing between Israel’s kingdom promises and the church.
