6 Ways to Determine if a Scripture Is Used Correctly

Recently I heard Jeremiah 10:2-4 used to condemn the use of Christmas trees. 

This is such an excellent example of the way Scripture is misused by certain teachers that I felt it was worth explaining.

Even though I'm using this particular passage and teaching, you will find similar misuse of Scripture in teachings that promote prosperity, promise physical healing, or endorse Old Testament legalism.

Typically, these errors are taught by taking verses out of context and giving them meanings they don't have.

So let me respond to this use of Jeremiah 10 using principles that can help us accurately understand any passage.

1. Always look at the historical background:

This doesn't mean that historical context negates the principles in the passage, but it does clarify them. This is especially important when discussing Old Testament passages because they contain some laws and principles that were meant for a specific group or a specific time in history.

The historical background of Jeremiah 10: It deals with pagan practices that were currently influencing the nation of Israel. The connection with paganism and the worship of false gods was obvious to the Israelites.

In contrast, modern teachings against Christmas trees associate Christmas trees with pagan practices from the ancient past, pagan religions no longer practiced. In addition, from my study, while these pagan holidays once existed, the claims that Christmas originated as pagan holidays is without credible historic evidence.

2. Always look at the verse context.

It's interesting that this false teaching used Jeremiah 10:2-4, and didn't include verse 5 since verse 5 clarifies the passage.

Jeremiah 10:2-5: This is what the Lord says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. 3 For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. 5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.”

If we had any doubts why these people were cutting trees from the forest and adorning them with gold and silver, verse five removes those doubts. It clearly explains that they are making idols from the trees.

3. Read the passage in several translations.

This passage has the same meaning in all good translations.

Sometimes, however, reading a passage in several translations clarifies the meaning. 

One example is Proverbs 23:7 which is widely misused when taken out of context and quoted only in the KJV. See Proverbs 23:7 Does Not Mean We Become What We Think. 

4. Explain the passage in your own words.

When a teacher quotes a passage and then explains what it means, listeners are mislead by the explanation, not the passage. 

Jeremiah 10:2-5 in my own words: The Lord tells us not do the things that pagan nations are doing and not to be worried by what they claim are signs in the sky. Their practices are worthless. They cut down trees and craft them into idols, adorning them with gold and silver, building them with hammer and nails. They are as lifeless as a scarecrow. They can't speak or move on their own. Don't think they can do you any harm or any good.

People who use this passage as a proof that God hates Christmas trees claim it applies to cutting a tree from the forest to decorate. That is the same as claiming that this passage prohibits us from looking at the sky because pagans see "signs in the sky."

Sadly, many people allow deceptive or misinformed teachers to tell them what Scripture means instead of studying it for themselves.

5. If you have trouble understanding the meaning, look it up in credible unbiased commentaries.

Even though the meaning of Jeremiah 10:2-5 is straightforward, for purposes of this article, I looked up these verses in nine commentaries and found that every commentary explained that these verses were talking about crafting pagan statues or idols to worship.

For examples: Bible Hub Commentaries on Jeremiah 10:3.

6. Be honest enough to reject a false explanation of Scripture.

This passage has nothing to do with decorating a tree in our home, and teaching people that it does is deceptive. The only way it would apply to a Christmas tree is if we carved Christmas trees into idols or worshiped our trees as idols to other gods. 

However, if you google "Jeremiah 10:2-5 Christmas trees," you will find many people using it the wrong way. Don't be swayed by the number of people who promote an error. Be like the Bereans and make sure their claims are validated in Scripture (Acts 17:11). 

Satan only has ownership of Christmas trees if we give it to him, and I'm not going to do that! These two Bible Love Notes offer ways to add spiritual meaning to our trees: The Christmas Tree and The Christmas Tree Connection.

For other good resources that address Christmas trees and Jeremiah 10:
Does Jeremiah 10 forbid Christmas Trees?
Should we Have a Christmas Tree? 
Do Christmas Trees Have Pagan Roots?   

A 25 minute video by Mike Winger: Stop Twisting Jeremiah 10

 

Regarding Comments on this post: Whenever I write about Christmas, I get multiple proud, mean-spirited comments from people representing anti-Christmas beliefs. I don't post them all because they are repetitive and most people who leave such comments don't appear to have read the article before commenting. This highlights an important truth: If we are genuinely interesting in honoring God, it will be reflected in how we disagree with others. We will listen to what they say with an open mind. If we still disagree, we will express our view maturely and we will never judge their character or their faith simply because they don't agree with us. If not having a Christmas tree comes from a genuine desire to honor God, then this will be reflected in the gracious way we express our disagreement.