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Real-world examples of hermeneutical errors from various groups. Each case study identifies the error, explains why it fails, and provides the proper reading.
17 cases
Psalm 82:6
Hebrew Israelites claim this verse proves they are literal gods or divine beings. The Hebrew word "elohim" means gods, proving humans (specifically Israelites) have divine nature and will rule as gods.
Deuteronomy 28:68
Hebrew Israelites argue that Deuteronomy 28:68 ("the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships") was fulfilled in the transatlantic slave trade. They claim this proves African Americans are the true Israelites because they came on slave ships.
Genesis 9:25
Some Hebrew Israelite teachers claim that the "curse of Ham" in Genesis 9 proves that certain races are cursed or that it establishes a racial hierarchy based on Noah's sons.
Revelation 2:9
Hebrew Israelite groups claim that African Americans are the only true descendants of Israel, and that Ashkenazi Jews are imposters (often citing Revelation 2:9 about the "synagogue of Satan").
John 14:16
Muslim apologists claim that the "Comforter" (Greek: Parakletos) promised by Jesus in John 14-16 is actually a prophecy of Muhammad. They argue that the original word was "Periklutos" (praised one), which corresponds to "Ahmad/Muhammad" in Arabic.
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18
Muslim apologists claim that the "prophet like Moses" promised in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 refers to Muhammad, not Jesus. They argue that Muhammad is more "like Moses" than Jesus because both Moses and Muhammad were political/military leaders, married, died natural deaths, and brought new laws.
General Claim
Muslim apologists claim that the Bible has been "corrupted" (tahrif) and no longer preserves its original message. They argue that textual variants prove the Bible is unreliable, while the Quran is perfectly preserved.
John 1:1
The Jehovah's Witness New World Translation renders John 1:1c as "the Word was a god" (lowercase, indefinite), arguing that because "theos" lacks the definite article, it must be indefinite. They conclude Jesus is a lesser divine being, not truly God.
Colossians 1:15
Jehovah's Witnesses argue that "firstborn of all creation" means Jesus was the first created being. They use this to support their view that Jesus is a creature, not the eternal Creator.
Revelation 3:14
Jehovah's Witnesses cite "the beginning of the creation of God" as proof that Jesus was the first created being—the "beginning" or starting point of God's creative activity.
John 10:34
LDS theology uses "ye are gods" (Psalm 82:6, John 10:34) to support the doctrine of exaltation—that humans can become gods. They argue Jesus affirms human deification when He quotes this passage.
1 Corinthians 15:29
LDS Church practices vicarious baptism for deceased persons, citing 1 Corinthians 15:29 as biblical support. They argue Paul endorses the practice by mentioning it.
Isaiah 7:14
Jewish anti-missionaries argue that Isaiah 7:14 does not predict a virgin birth because the Hebrew word is "almah" (young woman), not "betulah" (virgin). They claim Christians mistranslate the passage.
Isaiah 53:5
Jewish anti-missionaries argue that the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 is corporate Israel, not an individual Messiah. They claim Christians misapply this passage to Jesus.
3 John 1:2
Prosperity gospel teachers cite 3 John 1:2 as God's promise that all believers should be financially prosperous and physically healthy. They argue this verse proves God wants you wealthy and well.
Malachi 3:10
Prosperity teachers claim Malachi 3:10 guarantees financial return on tithing. They argue that giving 10% activates God's blessing and that you cannot out-give God. Some even promise 100-fold financial return.
Mark 11:24
Word of Faith teachers claim Mark 11:24 teaches that faith makes things happen. If you truly believe, you will receive whatever you ask. Failure to receive indicates lack of faith. Some call this "name it and claim it" or "positive confession."