History of biblical interpretation

The history of biblical interpretation explores how people have understood and explained the Bible over centuries. Early readers trusted literal and straightforward meanings. During the Middle Ages, scholars focused on allegories and spiritual secrets. The Reformation emphasized personal study and questioning traditions. Modern approaches include historical-critical methods, analyzing cultural context and original languages, and literary analysis to understand themes and messages. This evolving history reflects changing perspectives, cultural influences, and scholarly advances, helping us appreciate the Bible's complex meanings across different times and communities.