Inferring, in the context of biblical study, refers to the process of drawing conclusions or making deductions based on the information provided in the Scriptures. This method is often employed by theologians, scholars, and lay readers alike to gain deeper understanding and insight into biblical texts, especially when explicit details are not provided.

Biblical Basis for Inferring

The practice of inferring is rooted in the nature of Scripture itself, which often presents truths in a manner that requires thoughtful reflection and discernment. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:2-5 states, "making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."

Examples of Inferring in Scripture

1. Parables of Jesus: Jesus frequently used parables to convey deeper spiritual truths. These accounts required listeners to infer the underlying message. For instance, the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) invites readers to consider the different types of soil as representing various responses to the Word of God.

2. Prophetic Writings: The prophetic books often contain symbolic language and imagery that necessitate inference. For example, the visions in the Book of Daniel and Revelation require careful interpretation to understand their implications for both the immediate context and future events.

3. Apostolic Teachings: The letters of the apostles, such as those written by Paul, often contain theological principles that require inference to apply them to specific life situations. In 1 Corinthians 10:11 , Paul writes, "Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." This suggests that believers are to infer lessons from the experiences of the Israelites.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers as they infer meaning from Scripture. John 16:13 promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Spirit aids in illuminating the text, helping believers to discern and apply biblical truths to their lives.

Cautions in Inferring

While inferring is a valuable tool for understanding Scripture, it must be approached with caution. Misinterpretation can occur if inferences are made without considering the broader biblical context or the original intent of the passage. 2 Timothy 2:15 advises, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth."

Conclusion

Inferring is an essential aspect of biblical interpretation, allowing believers to uncover deeper meanings and apply scriptural truths to their lives. By relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and adhering to sound hermeneutical principles, Christians can effectively engage with the Word of God and grow in their understanding of His will.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Infer.

The Necessity of Divine Influences. [*Continued]
... When the traveller in South America sees the smoke and flame of the volcano, here
and there, as he passes along, he is justified in inferring that a vast ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the necessity of divine influences 2.htm

Out of Sectarian Confusion
... He would have the people come and shake hands, inferring that in so doing they were
not joining anything, but were merely showing their mutual love and ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xii out of sectarian.htm

There is a Presumption in Favor of the Bible
... her loveliest robes and we see the beautiful foliage of the countryside and listen
to the happy songs of the birds, we have no difficulty in inferring that a ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter one there is a.htm

ChapterThree May be Paraphrased, I Think, Somewhat in this Way...
... It is true there may be"and there are strong grounds for inferring that there
is"a wide difference between the spirit of man, and the spirit of beasts ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter iii chapter three may.htm

Contents of Teaching, and Relation to Other Works.
... There are some remarkable correspondences with expressions and thoughts found in
the Gospel of John, while there is good reason for inferring the writer's ...
/.../the teaching of the twelve apostles/section 3 contents of teaching and.htm

The Sacrifice of Christ.
... So that instead of inferring that because Christ died for all, therefore before
that all were dead to God, his natural inference is that therefore all are now ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/vii the sacrifice of christ.htm

Epistle Lxv. To the Clergy and People Abiding at Furni, About ...
... as His Guardian or Curator, He Forbids that Offering Should Be Made for Him, or
that the Sacrifice Should Be Celebrated for His Repose, Inferring by the Way ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxv to the clergy.htm

In Death and after Death
... of love," the one maintaining, on the ground of Psalm 94:12, that they were such
as did not prevent a man from study, the other inferring from Psalm 66:20 that ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Old and New Terminology.
... It was to be expected that the supporters of "free will" would abuse it, by inferring
that the origin and first activities of the work of salvation spring from ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix old and new terminology.htm

"You Knew the Too Barbarous And, Beyond Measure, Bloody Ferocity ...
... This they did as simply inferring from their own disposition, that no one could
be keeping watch through the night, while far less did they believe that a ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter iv you knew the.htm

Inferring (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Infer. Multi-Version Concordance
Inferring (1 Occurrence). Acts 16:10 So when he had ...
/i/inferring.htm - 6k

Conclude (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vt) To reach as an end of reasoning; to infer, as from premises; to close, as
an argument, by inferring; -- sometimes followed by a dependent clause. ...
/c/conclude.htm - 8k

Infidel (2 Occurrences)

/i/infidel.htm - 8k

Opportunity (35 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:10 So when he had seen the vision, we immediately looked out for an opportunity
of passing on into Macedonia, confidently inferring that God had called ...
/o/opportunity.htm - 17k

Infernal (1 Occurrence)

/i/infernal.htm - 7k

Discourse (25 Occurrences)
... on duty. 5. (n.) Dealing; transaction. 6. (vi) To exercise reason; to employ
the mind in judging and inferring; to reason. 7. (vi ...
/d/discourse.htm - 14k

Dagon (9 Occurrences)
... Hebrew says: "Dagon alone remained." Whether we resort to an emendation (dagho,
"his fish-part") or not, commentators appear to be right in inferring that the ...
/d/dagon.htm - 12k

Deduction (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Act or process of deducing or inferring.
2. (n.) Act of deducting or taking away; subtraction; as ...
/d/deduction.htm - 7k

Confidently (32 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:10 So when he had seen the vision, we immediately looked out for an opportunity
of passing on into Macedonia, confidently inferring that God had called ...
/c/confidently.htm - 15k

Collection (7 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) An accumulation of any substance. 7. (n.) The act of inferring or concluding
from premises or observed facts; also, that which is inferred. ...
/c/collection.htm - 11k

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