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RULES BY WHICH THE MEANING OF WORDS SHALL BE ASCERTAINED.
Rule 1. All words are to be understood in their literal sense, unless
the evident meaning of the context forbids.
Rule 2. Commands generally, and ordinances always, are to be
understood in a literal sense.
Rule 3. The literal meaning of a word is that meaning given
it by those to whom it is addressed. But how know that meaning.
Rule 4. The Scriptures are supposed to give to some words meaning
which they do not have in the classics, and therefore the Bible becomes
a dictionary of itself. This only partly true.
Rule 5. Words of definite action can have but one meaning. The action,
however, may have different results.
Rule 6. The writer's explanation is the best definition that can be found.
Rule 7. The proper definition of a word may be used in the place
of the word.
Rule 8. By antithesis.
Rule 9. By the general and special scope. See the plan of the Roman letter.
Rule 10. Etymological construction will many times tell the meaning of the word.
Rule 11. The meaning of a word may be known by other words
used in construction with it.
Rule 12. The history of a word has sometimes to be studied. Terry, on the
change in the meanings of words.
Rule 13. Illustrations or parables give the peculiar meaning
sometimes. Who is my neighbor?
Rule 14. In defining a definition, nothing but primary meanings
can he used. |
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