How to Read the Bible: Biblical Context 3

Did God Use Ancient Science in the Bible?

When we read the Bible today, it’s easy to notice things that seem scientifically out-of-date or inaccurate by modern standards. But does this mean the Bible is flawed? Did God allow outdated views of the universe to slip into his Word? Let’s dive into these questions by looking at how God communicated his message in the ancient world and how we can understand it today.

Speaking to People in Their World

Think about how we describe a sunrise. Every day we say things like “the sun rises” and “the sun sets.” But we know the sun isn’t really moving. science tells us it’s the earth spinning that causes this effect. Still, using the phrases “sunrise” and “sunset” is normal. Why? Because it communicates what we all see in simple, familiar language.

Now, imagine time-traveling to ancient Egypt, back to the time of the Pharaohs. Suppose you needed to convince the Pharaoh to follow your battle strategy to save his people. You might tell him, “As the sun rises tomorrow, your kingdom will fall if you don’t act.” The Pharaoh, who believed the sun literally moved across the sky, would take you seriously. You’re not lying, you’re using language he understands to convey an important message. Your goal is to get him to act on the battle plan, not give him a lesson in astronomy.

This is similar to how God communicated in the Bible. He didn’t need to correct every misunderstanding about science. His goal wasn’t to give ancient people a crash course in the universe’s mechanics, his goal was to communicate spiritual truths. So, God used the language and worldview the people already had to speak to them.

Locution, Illocution, and Perlocution: How Messages Work

This idea gets clearer when we understand how communication works. Bear with me if this seems complicated but it will all make sense soon. Words don’t just convey information, they carry out actions. Let’s break this down with three terms:

1. Locution: This is what’s said; the actual words or sounds.
2. Illocution: This is the intended meaning; what the speaker really wants to communicate.
3. Perlocution: This is the effect; the response or action that follows.

For example, if you ask a store employee, “Do you have a restroom here?” your locution is a simple question. But your intended meaning (illocution) is really, “I need to use the restroom, can you point me to it?” And the effect (perlocution) is that you’re directed to the restroom.

The same goes for Scripture. Let’s look at an example from Proverbs 23:16, which says in Hebrew, “My kidneys will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.” Now, we know that emotions don’t literally come from our kidneys. But that’s not the point of the verse. The locution (what was said) reflects the ancient belief that emotions came from the gut. The illocution (the intended message) is that good speech brings joy. And the perlocution (the effect) is that we’re encouraged to speak rightly.

The Bible uses the language and worldview of the time to communicate much deeper truths – truths that go beyond scientific facts.

Ancient Cosmology and Modern Questions

Another example is Psalm 29, which says, “The Lord reigns above the flood.” In the ancient world, people believed the earth was a flat disk surrounded by waters, with a dome above, holding back the floodwaters. They thought God’s throne was above this dome. Does this mean the Bible teaches this ancient view of the universe? No.

The illocution of the Psalm isn’t about geology, it’s about God’s sovereignty. The intended message is that God reigns supreme over everything, no matter how people understand the world around them. The perlocution? We’re inspired to worship and trust God’s power.

Even in Genesis 8, which describes the end of the flood, the text says “the windows of the heavens were closed.” The ancient people believed the sky had literal windows that could open and close to release rain. Does that mean the Bible teaches this cosmology? No. The illocution here is simply that the rain stopped, not that God wants us to believe in windows in the sky.

Why God Didn’t “Correct” Ancient Science

So, why didn’t God update people’s science? Why didn’t he tell them the earth was round, or explain gravity to them?

Because that wasn’t the point. God’s goal wasn’t to give a science lesson. His goal was to communicate who he is, what he’s done, and how we are to live in relationship with him. He worked within the worldview people already had to reveal eternal truths about his love, justice, mercy, and salvation.

When we read Scripture, we need to focus on what God is really saying (the deeper message), the illocution and not get caught up in how the ancient audience might have understood the universe. The Bible was never intended to be a science textbook. It’s a theological text, meant to teach us about God’s character and his plan for humanity.

Conclusion: Reading with the Right Lens

When we encounter passages in the Bible that don’t seem to fit with modern scientific knowledge, it’s important to remember the context in which they were written. God used the language and understanding of the ancient world to communicate timeless truths. The Bible isn’t concerned with explaining how the universe works, it’s concerned with explaining who created it, why it exists, and how we can live in relationship with our Creator.

So, the next time you come across a passage that sounds scientifically odd, remember: the Bible is speaking to a different audience with a different understanding of the world. But the message, the deeper truth, is still for us today.

By focusing on the illocution, or intended message, we can see how God’s Word is always relevant, speaking truths that transcend time, culture, and even our modern understanding of science. The Bible’s purpose is to lead us into deeper relationship with God, and that’s the truth that matters most.