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Distinguishing Between Example and Underlying Principle in Biblical Interpretation

Biblical interpretation often requires distinguishing between an example, which illustrates a principle through a specific instance, and the underlying principle itself, which is a broader truth applicable in various contexts. This distinction is crucial for understanding the enduring relevance of biblical texts without misapplying specific historical or cultural details.

Examples in Scripture serve to demonstrate principles in action. For instance, Christ's life provides numerous examples of virtues and behaviors that embody divine principles. He is presented as an example of resignation to God's will (Matthew 26:39-44; John 12:27; 18:11) [2], sincerity (1 Peter 2:22) [3], and intercessory prayer (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24) [5]. Similarly, ministers are encouraged to be examples of sincerity (Titus 2:7) [3]. These specific actions of Christ and His followers are not merely isolated incidents but concrete manifestations of deeper theological truths and ethical mandates. Paul, for example, viewed his own conversion and subsequent ministry as a "pattern" or "sample" of God's mercy and long-suffering, intended to assure others of God's grace [10].

The concept of "example" (Greek: parabole) itself implies a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. While sometimes referring to short proverbs or enigmatic maxims, in the New Testament, it often denotes a narrative or similitude used to convey spiritual truth [1]. This highlights that biblical narratives, even those detailing specific events or actions, frequently function as illustrations of broader principles.

Understanding the underlying principle allows for the application of biblical teaching beyond the immediate context of the example. For instance, the command to offer intercessory prayer is not limited to the specific individuals mentioned in the examples (kings, ministers, the sick, persecutors) but extends to "all men" and "all saints" [5]. The principle is the importance of prayer for others, while the list provides examples of who to pray for. Similarly, the call for sincerity in love to God, Christ, and one another (Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:18) [3] is a universal principle, even though specific instances of sincerity might be cited as examples.

The distinction is particularly relevant when considering the "elements of the world" mentioned in Galatians 4:3, 9 and Colossians 2:8, 20. These "elements" refer to the "first principles" or "rudiments of religious teaching" that existed among the Jews before Christ [4]. These were specific practices and regulations that served as a preparatory stage. The underlying principle was the need for divine instruction and a path to righteousness, but the form of that instruction (the "elements") was an example or type that pointed to a greater reality in Christ. The Old Covenant, for example, was "made to" the Israelites, guiding them "as a father takes his child by the hand," but it was "very different from, and far superior to, the new covenant" which enables obedience through inward impulse [8]. The old covenant served as a pedagogical example, a "pedagogy" leading to Christ [8].

Interpreters must discern whether a biblical instruction is a universal principle or a context-specific application. For instance, the "doctrine of baptisms" (Hebrews 6:2) refers to various ritual washings, including Jewish purifications, John's baptism, and Christian baptism [13]. While the specific form of baptism might vary or evolve, the underlying principle of purification, identification, and initiation into a covenant community remains. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to move beyond these "principles of the doctrine of Christ" – the easier parts or "milk" of the Gospel – not by discarding them, but by progressing to deeper understanding and application [7]. This implies that while foundational examples are important, the goal is to grasp the more profound truths they represent.

Failure to distinguish between example and principle can lead to misinterpretation, either by elevating a specific example to a universal command or by dismissing a principle because its original example seems outdated. For instance, the "offence" caused by Christ's low station or His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:1-3; Matthew 13:54-57; 1 Corinthians 1:23) [6] is an example of how human expectations can clash with divine wisdom. The underlying principle is that God's ways are often contrary to human wisdom, and this principle remains true even if the specific "offences" change over time.

The apostle Paul's ministry provides another illustration. His "experiment of this ministration" (2 Corinthians 9:13), referring to the liberality of the Gentile churches towards the poor saints in Jerusalem, served as an example of Christian generosity and unity. The underlying principle is that such acts of charity glorify God and demonstrate genuine subjection to the Gospel [11]. The specific act of collecting for Jerusalem was an example, but the principle of generous giving for the needs of others is enduring.

The "use" or application of biblical truths, as Matthew Henry notes, is a crucial step after understanding the doctrine [12]. This application often involves translating the specific examples and narratives into principles that can guide contemporary life. The "author" and "finisher of our faith," Jesus, is presented as the ultimate example, whose "matchless example we are to follow always" [9]. His life is not merely a series of historical events but a living embodiment of divine principles, providing a pattern for believers to emulate. The focus is on "fixing the eyes upon Jesus" as the leader and originator of faith [9].

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  4. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Elements — In its primary sense, as denoting the first principles or constituents of things, it is used in 2 Pet. 3:10: "The elements shall be dissolved." In a secondary sense it denotes the first principles of any art or science. In this sense it is used in Gal. 4:3, 9; Col. 2:8, 20, where the expressions, "elements of the world," "week and beggarly elements," denote that state of religious knowledge existing among the Jews before the coming of Christ, the rudiments of religious teaching. They are "of the world," because they are made up of types which appeal to the”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
  7. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
  8. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8:9: Not according to, &c.--very different from, and far superior to, the old covenant, which only "worked wrath" (Rom 4:15) through man's "not regarding" it. The new covenant enables us to obey by the Spirit's inward impulse producing love because of the forgiveness of our sins. made with--rather as Greek, "made to": the Israelites being only recipients, not coagents [ALFORD] with God. I took them by the hand--as a father takes his child by the hand to support and guide his steps. "There are three periods: (1) that of the promise; (2) that of the pedag”
  9. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:2: Looking unto--literally, "Looking from afar" (see on Heb 11:26); fixing the eyes upon Jesus seated on the throne of God. author--"Prince-leader." The same Greek is translated, "Captain (of salvation)," Heb 2:10; "Prince (of life)," Act 3:15. Going before us as the Originator of our faith, and the Leader whose matchless example we are to follow always. In this He is distinguished from all those examples of faith in Heb. 11:2-40. (Compare Co1 11:1). On His "faith" compare Heb 2:13; Heb 3:12. Believers have ever looked to Him (Heb 11:26; Heb 13:8). f”
  10. 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 1:16: Howbeit--Greek, "But"; contrasting his own conscious sinfulness with God's gracious visitation of him in mercy. for this cause--for this very purpose. that in me--in my case. first--"foremost." As I was "foremost" (Greek for chief, Ti1 1:15) in sin, so God has made me the "foremost" sample of mercy. show--to His own glory (the middle Greek, voice), Eph 2:7. all long-suffering--Greek, "the whole (of His) long-suffering," namely, in bearing so long with me while I was a persecutor. a pattern--a sample (Co1 10:6, Co1 10:11) to assure the gr”
  11. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
  12. Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 2:1: The apostle proceeds in the plain profitable method of doctrine, reason, and use, through this epistle. Here we have the application of the truths before asserted and proved; this is brought in by the illative particle therefore, with which this chapter begins, and which shows its connection with the former, where the apostle having proved Christ to be superior to the angels by whose ministry the law was given, and therefore that the gospel dispensation must be more excellent than the legal, he now comes to apply this doctrine both by way of exhortation and argume”
  13. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6:2: the doctrine of baptisms--paired with "laying on of hands," as the latter followed on Christian baptism, and answers to the rite of confirmation in Episcopal churches. Jewish believers passed, by an easy transition, from Jewish baptismal purifications (Heb 9:10, "washings"), baptism of proselytes, and John's baptism, and legal imposition of hands, to their Christian analogues, baptism, and the subsequent laying on of hands, accompanied by the gift of the Holy Ghost (compare Heb 6:4). Greek, "baptismoi," plural, including Jewish and Christian baptisms, ”
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