What does the Bible mean when it says that scripture is
not of any private interpretation?
2 Pet. 1:20 states, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
the scripture is of any private interpretation.” The term
“prophecy” comes from a word meaning, “to speak forth.”
While the word may speak relative to foretelling future
events, this is not the primary meaning. It signifies the
speaking forth of the mind of God, whether with reference to
the past, the present, or the future. The gift of prophecy was
given to certain prophets and spokesmen in a miraculous
way.
As Peter stated, it is prophecy “of scripture.” Peter had
in mind the Old and New Testaments, referred to as
“scripture(s)” (Luke 24:27, 44-45; I Tim. 5:18; 2 Pet. 3:15-16).
“Is” in 2 Pet. 1:20 may not be the best translation of the
original Greek word. The original word (ginomai) has to do
with “origination.” In other words, “no prophecy of the
scripture originated of any private interpretation.”
The term “private” simply means, “one’s own.”
“Interpretation” (from epilusis) may not convey the exact
meaning as we think of the word “interpretation” today. It
refers to “origination.” “No prophecy of the scripture
originated of one’s own origination.”
In v. 21, Peter begins with the explanatory word “for.”
Thus, Peter explains exactly what he means when he says,
“no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.” He stated, “for the prophecy came not in old
time by the will of man.” Here is how prophecy did not
originate. Next, Peter tells us how prophecy did come about:
“But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost.” The word “but” is a contrasting word. In other
words, prophecy did not come about by the will of man, but by
the will of God. Exactly how was that accomplished? The
Holy Spirit moved (literally, “borne or carried along”) holy
men of God.
Peter was not speaking about private study and
interpretation of God’s Word, as is sometimes erroneously
alleged. Rather, he was speaking about the origination of
Scripture.