Lesson 4 | Decrypting Footnotes
Danger: Lack of Discernment
Not all footnotes are created equal.
Most footnotes present you with translation information. For these, their authority is at the same level as comparing Bible translations. The intent of the original is our authority; comparing translations and reading footnotes related to translating both help us determine what that is.
But other times, footnotes will provide a note on the meaning of a verse or the cultural context. This is particularly true of the NET2, which (by far) presents the largest amount of footnote content. This information is often incredibly helpful, but also requires a higher level of discernment.
Do NOT fail to distinguish between facts and interpretations.
Here is an example of a Study Note from the NET2 Bible. As we will learn later in this lesson, this type of footnote is, by definition, interpretation. So let’s read it discerningly.
2 Peter 3 (NET2)
This footnote brings up an interesting discussion regarding the meaning of 2 Peter 3:9 and includes insightful reasoning. It would be well worth your time to open it up on the Biblearc app and read it in full.
But for now, note the portion that I highlighted. Of course, at each point in an argument, we are wise to ask ourselves if that point is true—either explicitly proven from this verse or another, or soundly reasoned from logic and not contradicted in Scripture. Presently, the NET2 is arguing that the recipients of this epistle are not all elect based on an inference from “hints” in the book. But wait, what does the book of 1 Peter say explicitly about its readership?
1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion...
2:9 But you are a chosen race…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you...
Peter equates his readership with the elect, so I would suggest we do the same.