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Determining Universal Rules vs Specific Examples in Scripture

Discerning between universal rules and specific examples in Scripture is a fundamental aspect of biblical interpretation. Scripture itself is understood to be "given by inspiration of God" and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit," serving as the Word of God and the Word of Christ [1]. This divine origin implies its authority as a guide for human conduct and belief.

Universal rules, often referred to as laws or principles, are those commands or truths that apply to all people at all times. The "Law of Nature," for instance, is described as God's will for human conduct, founded on the moral distinction between right and wrong, discoverable by natural reason, and binding on all people at all times [3]. This is often associated with conscience [3]. The New Testament, while not providing a specific legal code for punishment, lays down general principles of good government and the eternal distinction between right and wrong [4]. These principles are considered universally applicable. Doctrines, such as those concerning the nature of God or salvation, are also presented as universal truths, forming a consistent system of divine truths to which nothing should be added or removed [9]. For example, the doctrine of prayer, while not theoretically explained, is presented with directions regarding its time, place, and manner, implying general principles for its practice [2].

Specific examples, on the other hand, are particular instances, narratives, or instructions given in specific contexts that may not be directly transferable as universal commands. These can include historical accounts, cultural practices, or individual directives. For instance, the ceremonial law of the Old Testament prescribed rites and ceremonies of worship that were obligatory only until Christ completed his work, as these rites were typical of him [3]. This indicates that while the ceremonial law was a specific example of God's will for a particular period and people, its direct application ceased with Christ [3]. Similarly, the detailed applications of the Law, referred to as "decrees and regulations" in Deuteronomy, were given in the context of Israel's failures and their anticipated life in Canaan [7]. These specific applications, while derived from broader covenant stipulations, were tailored to a particular historical and cultural setting [7].

The Bible also uses literary forms like parables, which are comparisons or illustrations of one subject by another [5]. These are not always meant to be taken as literal commands but as illustrative narratives to convey deeper truths [5]. Even prophetic utterances or enigmatic maxims can fall into this category [5].

When interpreting Scripture, it is crucial to distinguish between these categories. For example, while the Bible contains specific measurements like the cubit or fathom [6], these are descriptive of ancient practices rather than prescriptive for all time. Similarly, the "rule" mentioned in Galatians 6:16 refers to a straight rule for detecting crookedness, a principle for life, rather than a specific, detailed regulation [12]. The "rules for the exercise of gifts in the congregation" in 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 provide guidance for orderly worship, but the specific examples of "a psalm," "a doctrine," or "a tongue" illustrate the types of contributions, not necessarily an exhaustive list or rigid format [10].

The distinction is also evident in theological discussions, such as the comparison between the "evangelical and legal dispensation," where the excellency of the gospel above the law is asserted [11]. This highlights a shift from specific legal codes to broader principles of grace and faith. The concept of "divers and strange doctrines" warns against being carried away by varied teachings that deviate from the uniform doctrine of Scripture [8]. This implies a core set of universal truths that stand in contrast to context-specific or erroneous teachings [8].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  2. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — The object of this article will be to touch briefly on-- + The doctrine of Scripture as to the nature and efficacy of prayer; + Its directions as to time, place and manner of prayer; + Its types and examples of prayer. + Scripture does not give any theoretical explanation of the mystery which attaches to prayer. The difficulty of understanding real efficacy arises chiefly from two sources: from the belief that man lives under general laws, which in all cases must be fulfilled unalterably; and the opposing belief that he is master of his own destiny, and need ”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Law — A rule of action. (1.) The Law of Nature is the will of God as to human conduct, founded on the moral difference of things, and discoverable by natural light (Rom. 1:20; 2:14, 15). This law binds all men at all times. It is generally designated by the term conscience, or the capacity of being influenced by the moral relations of things. (2.) The Ceremonial Law prescribes under the Old Testament the rites and ceremonies of worship. This law was obligatory only till Christ, of whom these rites were typical, had finished his work (Heb. 7:9, 11; 10:1; Eph. 2:16). I”
  4. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Punishment — The New Testament lays down the general principles of good government, but contains no code of laws for the punishment of offenders. Punishment proceeds on the principle that there is an eternal distinction between right and wrong, and that this distinction must be maintained for its own sake. It is not primarily intended for the reformation of criminals, nor for the purpose of deterring others from sin. These results may be gained, but crime in itself demands punishment. (See [513]MURDER; [514]THEFT.) Endless, of the impenitent and unbelieving. The reje”
  5. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Measures — Unjust, an abomination to God -- Pr 20:10. The Jews not to be unjust in -- Le 19:35; De 25:14,15. The Jews often used unjust -- Mic 6:10. Of liquids and solids Log. -- Le 14:10,15. Cab. -- 2Ki 6:25. Omer or tenth-deal (the tenth of an ephah). -- Ex 16:36; Le 5:11; 14:10. Hin. -- Ex 29:40. Bath or ephah. -- Isa 5:10; Eze 45:11. Homer or Cor. -- Isa 5:10; Eze 45:14. Firkin. -- Joh 2:6. Of length Handbreadth. -- Ex 25:25; Ps 39:5. Span. -- Ex 28:16; 1Sa 17:4. Cubit. -- Ge 6:15,16; De 3:11. Fathom. -- Ac 27:28. Furlong. -- Lu 24:13; Joh 11:13. Mile. -- Mt 5:41”
  7. Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 4:1: 4:1-40 Moses’ lengthy exhortation to the Israelite community was based on the people’s recent failures and his anticipation of what lay ahead in Canaan. 4:1 The pairing of the terms decrees and regulations in Deuteronomy (e.g., 4:5, 8, 14, 45; 5:1, 31) is a way of referring to the covenant stipulations and the detailed application of the great principles of the Law (see study note on 4:44).”
  8. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
  9. 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 13:8: For we know in part,.... Not that the Scriptures, the rule and measure of knowledge, and from whence spiritual knowledge is derived, are imperfect; so that there is need of unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations, to inform of things otherwise unknown; for though they were at sundry times, and in divers manners delivered, yet now they contain a complete system of divine truths, to which nothing is to be added, and from which nothing is to be taken away; or that only a part of the saints know the things of God; for though there is ”
  10. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:26: RULES FOR THE EXERCISE OF GIFTS IN THE CONGREGATION. (Co1 14:26-40) How is it then?--rather, "What then is the true rule to be observed as to the use of gifts?" Compare Co1 14:15, where the same Greek occurs. a psalm--extemporary, inspired by the Spirit, as that of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna (Luk 1:46-55, Luk 1:67-79; Luk 2:34-38). a doctrine--to impart and set forth to the congregation. a tongue . . . a revelation--The oldest manuscripts transpose the order: "revelation . . . tongue"; "interpretation" properly following "tongue" ”
  11. Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 1 (introduction): In this chapter we have a twofold comparison stated: I. Between the evangelical and legal dispensation; and the excellency of the gospel above that of the law is asserted and proved (Heb 1:1-3). II. Between the glory of Christ and that of the highest creatures, the angels; where the pre-eminence is justly given to the Lord Jesus Christ, and clearly demonstrated to belong to him (Heb 1:4 to the end).”
  12. Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 6:16: as many--contrasting with the "as many," Gal 6:12. rule--literally, a straight rule, to detect crookedness; so a rule of life. peace--from God (Eph 2:14-17; Eph 6:23). mercy-- (Rom 15:9). Israel of God--not the Israel after the flesh, among whom those teachers wish to enrol you; but the spiritual seed of Abraham by faith (Gal 3:9, Gal 3:29; Rom 2:28-29; Phi 3:3).”
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