Explanation Quote by Haddon W. Robinson
““What does this mean?” What has to be explained so that my listeners will understand the passage? Does the biblical writer explain his statements or define his terms? Does he assume that the original readers understood him and needed no explanation? Are there concepts, terms, or connections that modern listeners might not understand that you need to explain to them?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Biblical Hermeneutics, Haddon W. Robinson, 1970
The passage urges interpreters to clarify obscure terms, concepts, and cultural references so modern readers can grasp the original meaning.
In simple terms: Explain unclear ideas for today’s audience.
Key Takeaway
Provide clear definitions and context.
Themes
interpretation
communication
education
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
educational
explanatory
When to use this quote
- sermons
- Bible studies
- academic lectures
- cross‑cultural workshops
Key Concepts
hermeneutics
contextualization
exegesis
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions does the original author make about his audience?
- How can you bridge cultural gaps without altering meaning?
A Different Perspective
Modern readers may lack the historical background needed for full comprehension.
![“[Barack Obama] will spend long periods of time explaining to people why he won't use it. At the end of the explanation, nobody knows why he still won't use it because the explanation is no good. And I mean, honestly we have a president that in my opinion really doesn't know what he's doing.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb3/donald-trump-18_barack_barack-obama-will-spend-long-periods-of_29283.jpg)
![“They [scientists of centuries past] call on God only from the lonely and precarious edge of incomprehension. Where they feel certain about their explanations, however, God gets hardly a mention.” quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/neil-degrasse-tyson-143_century_they-scientists-of-centuries-past-call-o_12921.jpg)
