Chapter 27.—One Passage
Susceptible of Various Interpretations.
38. When, again, not some one
interpretation, but two or more interpretations are put upon the
same words of Scripture, even though the meaning the writer
intended remain undiscovered, there is no danger if it can be shown
from other passages of Scripture that any of the interpretations
put on the words is in harmony with the truth. And if a man in
searching the Scriptures endeavors to get at the intention of the
author through whom the Holy Spirit spoke, whether he succeeds in
this endeavor, or whether he draws a different meaning from the
words, but one that is not opposed to sound doctrine, he is free
from blame so long as he is supported by the testimony of some
other passage of Scripture. For the author perhaps saw that this
very meaning lay in the words which we are trying to interpret; and
assuredly the Holy Spirit, who through him spoke these words,
foresaw that this interpretation would occur to the reader, nay,
made provision that it should occur to him, seeing that it too is
founded on truth. For what more liberal and more fruitful
provision could God have made in regard to the Sacred Scriptures
than that the same words might be understood in several senses, all
of which are sanctioned by the concurring testimony of other
passages equally divine?