H) Common Doubts About Biblical Interpretation (Sometimes Observed)

※　This article was translated by Chat GTP. There may be some errors, so please refer to the original Japanese text if you want to know the exact translation.

I plan to provide the rationale for these interpretations later, but feel free to contact me if you would like more information.

Approximate Frequency of Occurrence:

• A = Once a year
• B = Once every 3 years
• C = Once every 10 years
• D = Niche content

Level of Acceptance:

• a = Established Christian terminology
• b = Subject to differing interpretations
• c = The teaching has some merit
• d = The teaching has some merit but is better avoided
• e = Overanalyzing reveals it might not be correct
• f = A misunderstanding of the language

Old Testament

Bd = The spirit of man died when he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Explanation: This seems to be an explanation for why man did not immediately die, even though God warned, "You will surely die" if the fruit was eaten.

It is not incorrect to say that the rupture in the relationship with God is a spiritual death, but some may misunderstand this to mean that the human spirit is no longer functioning. In my view, it is more accurate to say, "The spirit became numb, the spirit no longer functions properly."

Cc = The pain of childbirth for women and the harshness of labor for men were punishments for sin.

Explanation: 　(The basis for this is found in Intermediate Study of Foundations A-003)(japanese only)

Cc = The reason Cain's offering was not accepted was because it was produce, not an animal sacrifice.

Explanation: (The basis for this is found in Intermediate Study of Foundations A-004).(japanese only)

Cc = Isaac was given a wife simply by waiting on the Lord.

Explanation: Three conditions were at play for Isaac to receive a wife:

1. The presence of a father who decided to search.
2. The presence of a faithful servant.
3. An obedient son willing to marry whomever his father chose. Without these, simply waiting would not have sufficed.

Cb = The fact that Onan spilled his seed is the biblical basis for the prohibition of masturbation.

Explanation: This passage refers only to Onan's failure to fulfill his duty as a brother.

Db = Joseph was wrong to have his body embalmed and taken to the Promised Land.

Explanation: His instructions to do so were an expression of faith in the Promised Land.

Bf = There are seven Hebrew words for praise, including "Yadah," "Barak," and "Zamar."（Please refer to this link for further explanation.）

New Testament

Df = The name Simon means "twig."

Explanation: Simon is the Hebrew reading of Simeon. It derives from the word "Shama," meaning "to hear."

Cd = Christ’s crucifixion was fulfilled through Judas’ betrayal.

Explanation: The crucifixion would have occurred even without Judas' betrayal.

Aa = The word "love" in Greek is divided into Agape, Phileo, Storge, and Eros, with Agape representing God's unconditional love.

Explanation: "Agape" is a general term for love and, in meaning, is almost the same as the Japanese word "愛" (ai). However, in Christian terminology, it is not incorrect to say that Agape refers to unconditional love.

Af = In Greek, God’s word is referred to as "Logos" (written word) and "Rhema" (prophetic spoken word).

Explanation: In fact, the word "Logos" is also used in reference to prophetic words, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:8-9.