Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and accept its teachings as truth. However, they don't take every passage literally. They understand that the Bible uses figurative language, symbolism, and different literary styles.
Here's a breakdown of their approach:
* Literal Interpretation: They generally interpret historical accounts, factual statements, moral laws, and prophecies that have already been fulfilled in a literal way.
* Figurative Interpretation: They recognize that some passages are clearly symbolic or use metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech. These passages are interpreted in a way that aligns with the overall context of the Bible and its core teachings. For example, they don't believe that Jesus literally is a door or a vine, but understand these as metaphors representing his role.
* Context is Key: They emphasize the importance of considering the context of a passage, including the surrounding verses, the historical setting, and the intended audience.
* Harmonizing Scripture: They strive to harmonize different parts of the Bible, believing that the Bible is consistent and doesn't contradict itself. If a passage seems unclear, they will often look to other passages that shed light on the subject.
* Guidance from the Governing Body: Their interpretations are guided by the Watch Tower Society, their central organization, and its Governing Body, which they believe is directed by God's spirit to provide accurate understanding of the scriptures.
In summary: Jehovah's Witnesses approach the Bible with a belief in its divine authority, but they use both literal and figurative interpretations depending on the context and literary style of the passage, while adhering to the interpretations provided by their Governing Body.