What Do We Mean by the Word ‘Meaning’?

In a recent Look at the Book video, John Piper clarifies what we mean when we talk about the Bible’s “meaning.” According to Piper:

The meaning of a text is what the author intended to communicate with his words.

The key idea is that meaning comes from the author, not the reader. In particular, the meaning of a text is NOT:

• Whatever comes into our head
• What we feel
• All the ways we may respond

These beliefs arise from thinking that meaning comes from the reader, not the author.

Piper explains what he means, and then he gives examples of how the Bible assumes this definition of “meaning.” It is very important that we understand this as we come to study any passage of Scripture.

Check it out!