Language in fluid in its meaning and thereby its interpretation. The claim a text is subject to only one meaning and one interpretation is a nonsense, a claim unfortunately embraced by a particular tranche of christianity that holds the opinion that words of the bible are literally true, are inerrant and God given whether directly or by inspiration.
In my law student days one of the first tasks set us was to visit the law library and read selected law reports. Law reports are the depository of case law built up of judgments made over hundreds of years and referred to by counsel in argument and by judges in determining decisions. It became obvious that the clear statements of law to be found in textbooks was not reflected in case law: the mill pond surface water of the textbooks belied currents of varying strengths below expressed in the text of law reports. Look beyond the clear cut certainty and explore the currents was the advice to law students then and is now.
Likewise, in studying bible texts look below the surface, look at the currents of thought, the fluidity of ideas, the different possible meanings and interpretation. Do not be beguiled by the concept of rock solid certainty on the surface of the text.
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