ACCESS: This video is in English with the addition of American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and English captions. You can find the original video HERE.

What is the “meaning” of a text? Part 2
John Piper will continue to answer these questions:

1. What do we mean by the word “meaning”?
2. How do we use the word “meaning” in these LABS?
3. Specifically, what is the “meaning” of a written text?

Answer: The meaning of a text is what the author intended to communicate by his words.

Reason #1: The Bible assumes it. The Bible assumes that we are thinking of the “meaning” of texts as what the author intended to communicate.

Reason #2: The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Or: As a reader, do unto authors as you would have readers do unto you as an author.

Scripture References
Matthew 7:12, 2 Timothy 4:13, 2 Peter 3:15-16

John Piper is founder and teacher of Desiring God and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary.

For more information on John Piper and Desiring God, check out desiringgod.org

For more information on Bethlehem College & Seminary, check out bcsmn.edu

Special thanks to John Piper and Desiring God for graciously letting us translate their material into sign language for the deaf to enjoy and benefit from.