The Greek word “ὀρθοτομέω” (orthotomeō) is used in 2 Timothy 2:15 and is translated as “rightly dividing” in the King James Version of the Bible. The word literally means “to cut straight,” and it was originally used in a literal sense to refer to cutting straight paths or roads. In the context of 2 Timothy 2:15, however, the word is used metaphorically to refer to correctly interpreting and applying the word of God.

When applied to someone reading the Bible, the concept of “rightly dividing” emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting and applying the Scriptures. This involves carefully studying the context of each passage, taking into account the historical and cultural context, the literary genre, and the intended audience. It also involves comparing different parts of the Bible to ensure that our interpretation is consistent with the rest of Scripture.

The Bible is a Progressive Revelation

To understand the Bible, we must come to grips with the fact that God is sovereign. We must allow God to be Who He is and believe by faith that He means what He says. When traditions and man-made theology mix law and grace, Israel and the Body of Christ, the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of grace, Peter and Paul, you end up with confusion and division. The Bible is a progressive revelation; it wasn’t all dealt out at once to Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, or the apostle Peter. God is the same and will never change, but the instructions He gave to mankind for salvation throughout Biblical history changed significantly.

For example: For the first 2000 years, God dealt with all mankind directly and everyone spoke one language (Genesis 11:1). Then He made a change and chose just one man out of millions to start a new race of people for Himself (Deuteronomy 32:8-9). God deals with Jews with only (9 exceptions) for 2000 years. Dividing mankind by Jew and Gentile with the Gentile world without hope and no access to God (Ephesians 2:11,12). Then the sovereign God makes another change by choosing another man, Paul, (Acts 9:15; Acts 20:24; Galatians 1:11,12) with a new message of salvation for Jews and Gentiles apart from the Mosaic law and temple worship.

Takeaway

By “rightly dividing” the word of truth, we are able to avoid errors in interpretation and application, and we are able to more fully understand God’s message to us through His word. This leads to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God and a stronger foundation for our faith.